

Two coats are typically needed, one for the base and another as the finishing layer.īecause textured paints are available in only a limited range of hues, you may wish to pursue a different option-namely, a paint texture additive, which can be mixed with any color of regular paint you like. That said, textured paint goes on simply with a standard paint roller and a brush to cut in at edges and corners. If one area dries before you’ve covered the next, rigid lines may appear at their intersection. Such products work similarly to drywall mud, but because they are comparatively more difficult to remove, they require greater precision.įor example, when using textured paint, you must work quickly to cover the entire surface before the coat dries. Many of the major paint manufacturers offer a line of textured paints. To speed the process, aim a fan toward the wall surface on which you have been working. Depending on local humidity, drying may take as long as 24 hours. In all cases, let the compound dry thoroughly before you proceed to paint.
Roller for putting down putty tape free#
Because compound has a forgiving nature, feel free to experiment with whichever technique you find the most promising. In addition, you can also try texturing walls by rolling on the compound with a standard paint roller before artfully removing some of the material you have added. Other tools that may be employed to apply joint compound include tissue paper, old rags, and specially designed deep-nap rollers. “The slight angle and light pressure ensure that you do not smooth out your finish too much.” Oliver then cautions, “Always remember not to be heavy-handed in the corners and edges-that’s a common mistake made among DIYers.” Other Methods Oliver says that if you’ve chosen to apply taping compound with either the knockdown or stomp-knockdown method, it’s important that you wield the putty knife at the correct angle (approximately 15 degrees) and not exert too much pressure. Before the compound starts to dry, the installer follows up with a knife or paint scraper in order to eliminate unwanted peaks. Some of the mud pulls away from the wall with each strike. In the stomp-knockdown technique, a variation of the above, a special brush is smacked repeatedly against a compound-covered wall. Before the compound dries, lightly smooth the higher areas with a knife.” Stomp-Knockdown Texture

“Use taping compound and a sea-sponge roller. Roll the compound onto your wall with about 80 percent coverage. That’s why Oliver suggests a different approach for DIYers: the knockdown method. Don’t be fooled: You need a steady hand to pull this off.

To achieve the popular “skip trowel” wall texture, a knife is angled during compound application to create a pleasingly uneven surface. Work in one direction first, then go in the perpendicular direction, spreading the mud in such a way as to form a crosshatched pattern, one that looks the way some woven fabrics do when seen up close. Use either tool to make a line pattern across the breadth of the wall surface.
Roller for putting down putty tape series#
Dab on additional compound as necessary.Īnother way you can use joint compound to texture walls is to apply it by means of a notched trowel (the kind used to skim-coat a plaster wall) or a squeegee into which you’ve cut a series of indentations.Dab a sponge into the compound, then press the sponge against the wall repeatedly to create an overall texture.Apply taping or joint compound to your wall with a trowel or a wide compound knife.Water down the compound slightly prior to application so that it has the consistency of thick pancake batter.Before going to town and using compound to texture walls, first make sure the walls are clean and completely dry.Texturing Walls with Drywall Joint CompoundĪn easy way to texture walls is by simulating a stucco finish with joint taping compound (also known as drywall mud) which can be purchased at any home improvement store.Īccording to Oliver, this virtually fail-safe method often yields satisfying results for even average do-it-yourselfers. One thing homeowners like about working with compound is that if you apply too much or incorrectly position it, you can simply wipe away the mistake and begin again.
