Textured painting is a popular way to bring some extra dimension to a room. Another benefit is that it tends to hide imperfections in the wall. There are many different textured paints and techniques you can use. This guide will outline some of the common types of textured paints and how to apply them.
Using Textured Paints
Using textured paints is probably the easiest way to bring texture to your walls. There are many different types of textured paint you can use. Here are a few:
- Premixed - This paint contains large particles of sand to give it its texture. The final effect, after painting, is a gritty texture. Some don't find this appealing for walls, but this is a common option for ceilings. You should be able to find premixed texture paint at your local home improvement store.
- Smooth - This thick, gloppy mixture doesn't contain particles, but can be sculpted to achieve a stucco-like look. You can also get a texturing agent to add to the smooth texture paint for a rougher look.
- Sand - This is your most customizable option. Since you mix sand or other particles into the paint yourself, you can pick what the final texture will be: a rough mixture, a fine mixture, or anywhere in between.
- Additional options - Like standard wall paint, textured paint is available as an oil-based or latex paint. You'll also have the usual option to go with a flat, eggshell, or glossy finish.
TIP: When buying textured paint, keep in mind that you'll need to get more than you would with standard paint. The surface area you're covering can be increased by as much as 25 percent by using textured paint; all those peaks and valleys in a stucco finish can really add up.
Painting Tips
There a few materials that you should use for this particular type of paint job. Rather than using a paint tray, it's better to go with a 5-gallon bucket and a roller grid. This will make it so you don't have to keep pouring paint into a tray, which can be a pretty messy task with textured paint. Depending on what kind of paint you're using, you'll need a different roller. For example, if you're going for a stucco-like effect, you'll want to use a looped roller. There are other rollers for other paints and other effects. You may want to shop around and test a few different rollers out on a spare piece of drywall in order to find the one that gives you the look you want. You may also want to consider asking someone at your local improvement store for assistance in finding the right roller.
Start by repairing any wall damage you find. Then, apply a coat of primer. Let the primer dry and then move on to your textured paint. Again, it's best to test out your technique on spare drywall. Once you're confident in your technique, you can start painting on to your walls or ceilings. Try not to paint too heavy-handedly; it's better to start light and go over it again a second time. After the walls are covered, let the paint dry for several hours (or over night, just to be sure). Then you can prime and paint the color of your choice.