How to Texture Drywall: 4 Potential Methods

Transforming ordinary drywall into an eye-catching textured masterpiece can be a creative and rewarding DIY project. So, how can you texture drywall? There are four main ways to do so, each offering a unique aesthetic that can elevate your living space. From the simplicity of roller-applied textures to the artistic flair of trowel-created patterns, you can choose the method that best suits your skill level and desired outcome.

What Is Textured Drywall?

Textured drywall is a gypsum board with a treated or finished surface that creates a textured appearance. This method serves two purposes: It conceals flaws and irregularities on the underlying surface while also providing visual interest and depth to walls and ceilings. The degree of texture can range from subtle and smooth finishes to more pronounced raised patterns.

The application of techniques such as orange peel, knockdown, popcorn, and stipple creates a unique visual and tactile quality for the drywall surface. Textured drywall is commonly used in residential and commercial construction to enhance aesthetics and conceal imperfections, providing a versatile means of customizing interior spaces.

Types of Drywall Textures 

If you’re ready to get more adventurous with your drywall or simply need to conceal some imperfections, there are a few different types of drywall textures that you can use. The types range from very bold to a more subtle texture. Some can be sprayed on or installed with a trowel. Regardless, all of them will give your space a little something extra.

Here are the types of textures to consider:

• Orange peel: Orange peel texture looks just like it sounds—it resembles the peel of an orange with a medium amount of slightly raised bumps.

• Knockdown: Knockdown features larger raised and recessed areas.

• Popcorn: This texture resembles pieces of popcorn stuck to the wall. It’s a popular application for ceilings as it can hide a range of imperfections.

• Stipple: Made with a stomp brush, the stipple texture looks like an array of sunbursts or fireworks with webbed rays radiating out from the center. 

• Spanish Knife: This pattern's bold ridges are achieved by smearing a thick coat of drywall compound on the wall with a taping knife. 

• Swirl: A swirl pattern adds a sense of whimsy and soft movement to a space. 

When to Texture Drywall

Homeowners often want to texture drywall when renovating or remodeling their homes. A major benefit is that it can effectively hide minor imperfections and irregularities in the drywall surface, providing a smoother and more visually appealing finish. Texturing also allows homeowners to add a personalized and decorative touch to their interior spaces, enhancing the overall aesthetics of their rooms.

Texturing can even help dampen sound and create a cozy or sophisticated ambiance, depending on the chosen texture style. It's particularly common during home improvement projects when walls or ceilings have been patched, repaired, or constructed from new drywall, as it helps to unify the appearance of different sections and achieve a cohesive look.

How to Apply Texture to Drywall

Before you begin texturing drywall, you want to know which of the drywall texture types you will be using so you can access the tools you need and narrow down your process. No matter which method you choose, you'll use a joint compound to complete the job.

1. Mix the Joint Compound

Open the joint compound, also referred to as drywall mud, and mix it according to the manufacturer's instructions. You may need to add a small amount of water to achieve the desired consistency. Use a mixing paddle or a drill with a mixing attachment for thorough blending.

2. Apply a Base Coat

Apply a thin base coat of joint compound to the drywall using a drywall knife or trowel and spread it evenly over the entire surface, working in a consistent direction.

3. Create the Texture

While the base coat is still wet, use your chosen texture tool to create the desired texture. Experiment on a small section first to get the hang of your chosen texture method. Below are four methods you can use to create your texture.

How to Texture Drywall With a Roller

Pour the mixed joint compound into a paint tray and dip the roller cover into the compound, ensuring it's evenly coated but not overly saturated. Start in a corner or along the edge of the wall and roll the joint compound onto the drywall in a consistent and even pattern. Keep the roller cover loaded with compound to maintain a consistent texture. 

Work your way across the wall, applying the texture in small sections to ensure that the joint compound doesn't dry before you can create the desired texture.

How to Texture Drywall With a Sponge

Pour the mixed joint compound into a paint tray and dampen the sponge slightly with water, wringing out any excess. You want the sponge to be moist but not dripping. Starting in a corner or along the edge of the wall, press the damp sponge into the joint compound in the paint tray to load it with the compound.

Press the loaded sponge onto the drywall in a consistent pattern. You can create a random, organic pattern by dabbing the sponge on the surface. Continue working your way across the wall, applying the texture in small sections at a time to avoid letting the joint compound dry.

How to Texture Drywall With a Texture Sprayer

Fill the texture sprayer with the mixed joint compound. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for loading and adjusting the sprayer to achieve the desired texture. Before applying, perform a test spray on a scrap piece of drywall or cardboard to ensure the sprayer is set to the desired texture and consistency.

Starting in a corner or along the edge of the wall, hold the texture sprayer at a consistent distance from the drywall surface. Use even and overlapping passes to apply the texture evenly across the wall. Move in a consistent pattern to achieve the desired texture, working in small sections at a time.

How to Texture Drywall With a Trowel

Working in small sections at a time, apply the drywall mud to the drywall and use your trowel to create the desired texture. Different techniques can be used to create various effects, such as skip trowel, stucco, or Venetian plaster. Experiment with the trowel angle, pressure, and motion to achieve the desired texture pattern. Trowel designs tend to be more advanced, but if you love the look, trowel texture cost ranges between $1.25–$2.00 per square foot.

4. Let the Joint Compound Dry

After you've finished your texture, allow the textured joint compound to dry completely. Drying times can vary depending on humidity levels and the thickness of the compound, but it typically takes 24-48 hours.

Tips and Tricks for Texturing a Wall 

If you decide to add texture to a wall yourself, there are some tips that can make this big job a little easier.

• Assess the space: It’s easy to get carried away with big ideas. But before diving in, make sure you assess the space—particularly the room size and the wall height—to ensure you have the time and capacity to do the entire thing.

• Choose an easy-to-apply method: Some methods, like Spanish knife or swirl, are much harder to accomplish than others, like orange peel or popcorn.

• Practice first: Texturing, even with a spray can, requires some technique. Before heading to the wall, practice your movements by applying some drywall to a piece of cardboard to get a feel for it.

• Work in small sections: Creating texture requires wet drywall compound, so you need to work in small sections and relatively quickly to make sure the drywall doesn’t dry before you’ve done your work.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Texturing drywall can be undertaken by a skilled DIYer, particularly for basic textures like orange peel or light knockdown patterns. If you have some experience with drywall work and the necessary tools, it might be a great skill-building project. However, for complex textures, large rooms, or homeowners without much drywall experience, your best option would be to hire a professional drywall specialist. The cost to texture drywall professionally would be worth it to avoid having to repair the job if it doesn't turn out as expected.