Texture Paint
Textured paint is an alternative to traditional flat paint and is utilized for multiple reasons. Walls with textured paint are lower maintenance because they camouflage dirt and conceal flaws. Textured paint can give the ornate impression of wallpaper without the hassle, and it also tends to be stronger than regular paint. Texturing paint can be achieved before the paint is applied as well as during the application process. Use the following steps to apply textured paint.
Contents
Steps
Silica Sand
- Fill a paint roller tray with flat latex paint.
- Pour 4 to 6 ounces (113.3 to 170 g) of silica sand into the paint.
- Stir the paint with a wooden paint stick.
- Add more silica sand for a coarser texture.
- Repeat the process of stirring before each application because the sand will settle on the bottom.
Ragging Technique
- Apply your base coat to the wall.
- Paint over the base coat (once it dries) with a glaze.
- Ball up a cotton cloth or rag and press it onto the wet glaze. Press harder to remove more of the glaze.
- Continue along the wall in a random pattern.
Combing Method
- Apply your base coat to the wall as well as a glaze.
- Choose a comb with your desired tooth size and comb through the glaze, starting at the top. This technique creates a wood grain appearance.
Sponging the Wall
- Cut up a household sponge into an interesting shape or purchase a sponge with an odd texture at a craft or paint store.
- Apply the base paint as normal (an additional glaze is optional).
- Start in one corner of the wall and press the sponge onto the paint. You can twist the sponge or just barely pat it depending on your desired eventual look.
Using a Shaggy Roller
- With this technique, you apply the paint like normal. The long fabric of the paint roller creates a faintly textured look with almost no effort.
Tips
- Premixed textured paint can be purchased at paint and home improvement stores.
- Before applying textured paint to your walls, test and perfect your method on a large piece of cardboard.
- When sponging, allow the base coat to dry and apply a different color of paint over the first coat. Then, before the second coat dries, utilize the sponge to take some of it off. This creates a layered, multicolor look.
- When adding silica sand to paint, start with a small amount and add more to reach the level of coarseness you desire.
Warnings
- Do not buy fast-drying paint or glaze. Texturing paint can be time-consuming.
- Do not work in a room that is not ventilated well. Paint fumes can be toxic.
- Always clean the surface of walls before applying any paint. Paint will not adhere to a dirty wall.
Things You'll Need
- Base latex paint
- Paint roller
- Wooden paint stirrer
- Glaze
- Paint tray
- Silica sand
- Rag
- Sponge
- Comb
- Spray paint
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