The texture of walls consists of tiny bumps or crevices that uniformly cover the surface. While textures are commonly found on wallboard, they can also be found on plaster walls. Texture-patching on interior walls is a relatively easy home improvement project.
But first, why do more homeowners want to add texture to their walls? The following are the benefits of adding texture to interior surfaces:
- Textured walls add visual appeal.
- They can hide imperfections.
- They can be completed more quickly than a smooth finish.
- They absorb noise, making for a quieter and more relaxing environment.
- They offer many styles, from knockdown to skip trowel to orange peel.
How to texture-patch your walls
After repairing the damaged area, it’s time to apply texture.
No matter how the texture was created, you will likely apply repaired areas with a premixed wallboard compound. Recreating the texture style is relatively easy. However, plan some time practicing your technique on a scrap piece of wood or thick cardboard so that you will be able to match the texture pattern that’s currently on the walls.
Suppose the texture on your walls is the orange-peel style; you will need the following materials and directions to achieve that texture:
Materials:
- 3/8” nap roller
- Sanding block
- Roller tray
- Hand-pumped sprayer
- Premixed wallboard compound
- 220-grit sandpaper
- Interior wall paint
- Primer
- Scrap wallboard
- Plastic sheeting
- Aerosol spray-texture product
- Old clean cloth (such as an old T-shirt)
- Goggles or any eye protection
Directions:
- Prepare the compound by filling half of your paint tray with a premixed wallboard compound. Add water to make the compound thinner.
- Continue adding the compound with water until it has the consistency of a pancake batter.
- Fill your 3/8” roller with the compound, and apply it to the repaired area.
- Allow the compound to dry.
- Once the compound dries, lightly sand it with a hand-sanding block with the sandpaper. The goal is to level off the peaks to create the orange-peel effect.
- Grab the clean old cloth and lightly rub the area to soften the sanded repair’s edges.
- Prime the repaired area, then allow it to dry.
- Once the primer has dried, paint the repaired area.
Optional: adding texture with the hand-pump sprayer
- Wear your eye protection.
- Cover the floor and surrounding furniture and fixtures with plastic sheeting.
- Stand 3 to 4 feet away from the wall.
- Start by moving the hand-pump sprayer in a sweeping motion.
- Pull the handle back as needed for the amount of spray, then push the handle completely to finish the stroke. Maintain your distance as you spray.
- Allow the texture to dry.
- Prime and then paint the newly textured area.
Optional: adding texture with the aerosol spray
- Wear your eye protection.
- Cover the floor and surrounding furniture and fixtures with plastic sheeting.
- Shake the aerosol spray can to mix the ingredients according to the label instructions.
- After the can has been shaken and warmed, test the spray pattern on a scrap piece of wood or cardboard.
- Hold the can between 12 to 24 inches away from the wall.
- Start by spraying in a circular motion.
- Cover only 50% to 75% of the repaired area with the texture at once.
- Let the texture dry.
- Prime and then paint the newly textured area.
Who to call when you need to do this job?
Applying texture on a patched or repaired surface can be done by anyone. The materials are easily obtainable. Depending on the size of the surface to be patched, it can take a while to apply a new texture and paint over it.
You may hire a painting contractor if you want professional-looking texture-patch for interior wall results and to free yourself from the hassles of adding texture and painting. Textured walls gained popularity several decades ago. But to some people, some patterns need to be updated. You can turn to professionals for their advice or service, and they will use a modern wall color to make the space look more up-to-update.
If you have any questions about texture-patch on interior walls or other things about interior painting, turn only to professional painters in the Bay Area.