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Discover The Ultimate Guide to Textured Paint For Homeowners

DJO Home Painting

Updated: Jun 8, 2024



Considering textured paint for your next interior project?


Great choice!


This guide will help you navigate the various types and styles available, ensuring you make the right choice for your home. Whether you're looking to add dimension to your kitchen, living room, or bedroom, careful consideration is key.


We'll cover different types of textured paint and application techniques, turning you into an interior painting expert by the end of this read!


Different Types of Textured Paint


Textured paint is a popular option for homeowners who want to give their walls a unique look or conceal any imperfections. Textured finishes can enhance the visual appeal of a room and are perfect for creating a textured accent wall.


There are several types of textured paint and finishes available for adding wall texture to your home:


1. Smooth Textured Paint

Smooth textured paint may seem contradictory, but in the context of paint finishes, it refers to paint with a subtle texture that is not rough or gritty, yet still offers a tactile quality. It's not as pronounced as sand, popcorn, or orange peel textures, but it's not flat either.


2. Sand Texture Paint

Sand Texture Paint contains silica sand particles that, when applied, give walls a gritty, rough texture and a rustic appearance. Before application, the paint should be well-mixed. It can be applied using a thick nap roller or brush, ensuring consistent coverage. Once applied, it should be left to dry based on the manufacturer’s instructions.


3. Venetian Plaster

Venetian Plaster provides a sleek, multi-layered plaster appearance, resulting in a deep, smooth, marble-like texture on walls. To apply Venetian plaster, start with a smooth, clean wall. A stainless steel trowel is used to apply a thin layer, using short strokes, building up layers as necessary to achieve the desired effect.


Popcorn Texture


Popcorn Texture is a thick texture commonly used for ceilings, providing a bumpy, stippled appearance. A specific popcorn texture spray gun is generally required to achieve this texture. The mix is sprayed onto the surface, and once it's dry, it leaves behind its characteristic "popcorn" texture.


Knockdown Texture


Knockdown Texture is sprayed onto the wall or ceiling, and before it dries, it's smoothed down or "knocked down" with a trowel, creating a unique texture with peaks and valleys. The result is a more subtle texture than popcorn but with more depth than orange peel.


Orange Peel Texture


Orange Peel Texture resembles the skin of an orange, with a slightly bumpy and textured surface. It's achieved by spraying a mix of drywall compound and water onto the wall using a texture sprayer, hopper gun, and air compressor. Once applied, it needs to dry completely before painting.


Brushed-On Texture


Brushed-on texture is achieved using a brush to create various patterns on the wall like stippled, brushed, or swirled designs. Many unique finishes can be achieved depending on the technique and type of brush used.


Roll-On Texture


Roll-on Textures are thick paints applied with a roller. Depending on the specific product and the type of roller used, various patterns can be created, from subtle to bold.


Fabric and Fiber Textures


Fabric & Fiber Textures contain fibers that give the appearance of fabric or rough canvas when applied to walls. They are generally applied with a brush or roller and, when dried, present a dimensional textured finish.


Stone or Granite Finish


Stone or Granite Finish paints contain small particles that, when dry, resemble the appearance of stone or granite. These are typically applied with a roller or brush; some might require a sealant for added durability.


Stipple Finish


Stipple Finish is achieved by applying paint or drywall compound and then using a stippling brush or sponge to create a dotted texture on the surface. The technique involves repeatedly dabbing the brush onto the wet surface until the desired effect is achieved.


Combed Texture


The combed texture is created using combs, brushes, or special tools to make patterns in wet paint. This technique results in a series of grooves or lines on the wall, creating a rhythmic pattern.


Suede Finish


Suede Finish provides a soft, matte look resembling suede fabric. Typically, this finish requires a specialized paint and application method, which may involve using a roller for the base coat and a brush for the topcoat, mimicking the soft, multi-tonal appearance of suede.


Choosing the Right Textured Paint for Your Home


Now that we have an overview of the different types of textured paints available, let's discuss how to choose the best one for your home.


When choosing the right textured paint, it's important to consider both the visual appeal and practicality. Several factors should be taken into account, including the room's purpose and your budget.


Key considerations when choosing the right textured paint for your home:


1. Purpose of the Texture - Aesthetic Appeal:


Consider which texture aligns with your interior design to enhance the room's ambiance or create a focal point. - Hide Imperfections: Rough textures like sand or popcorn are effective at concealing wall imperfections.


2. Room Usage - High-Traffic Areas:


Choose a durable and easy-to-clean texture for areas with a lot of traffic or potential wear-and-tear, such as hallways, kitchens, or children’s rooms. - Humidity and Moisture: Opt for paints that resist mold and mildew in spaces with higher humidity, like bathrooms.


3. Type of Texture - Sand and Stone Textures:


Provide a rough finish and are great for rustic or coastal designs.


Venetian Plaster: Offers a polished, luxe feel suitable for formal rooms or spaces where you want a touch of elegance.

Popcorn Texture: Mostly used for ceilings, it has a bumpy finish. -

Suede and Fabric Textures: Add warmth and can be suitable for bedrooms or cozy spaces.


4. Application Method - Consider your skill level and available tools.


Some textures require special application tools, while others are roll-on. Choose one that you're comfortable applying or willing to learn to apply.



Maintenance and Durability


Textured walls may be harder to clean compared to smooth ones. If easy maintenance is important to you, choose a texture with a smoother finish or one that can be easily wiped down. Also, think about the durability of the texture, especially if you have pets or young children.


Lighting in the Room


Lighting can significantly affect how texture appears. Deep textures can create shadows, making a room feel smaller or cozier. Plenty of natural light can highlight the depth and details of the texture, while dimly lit rooms may not showcase the surface as prominently.


Paint Color


The color of the paint can also impact the perception of texture. Light colors highlight the surface, while dark colors may downplay it. Consider obtaining samples and testing them in small patches to see how the color and texture work together in your space.


Budget


Certain textured paints, especially specialty finishes like Venetian plaster, can be more expensive than others. Take your budget into consideration when making a choice.


Environmental and Health Concerns


Consider paints with low or zero VOCs (volatile organic compounds) if you’re concerned about indoor air quality. These paints are better for the environment and may be less irritating for some people.


Consultation


It’s always a good idea to consult with professional painters, especially if you're unsure. They can provide insights tailored to your specific interior space and painting needs.


Once you’ve considered these factors, selecting the textured paint that aligns with your aesthetic preferences, functional needs, and the character of the room becomes easier. Remember to always test a small area first to ensure you’re satisfied with the result before committing to an entire wall or room.


Preparing Your Walls For Textured Paints


Now, it’s time to prepare your walls for textured paint! 


Properly preparing the wall surface is crucial to achieving the desired texture and ensuring its durability. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing your walls for textured paint:


Clear the Area

  • Remove furniture or move it to the center of the room.

  • Lay down drop cloths to protect your floors and furniture from dust and paint splatters.


Remove Old Wall Coverings

  • If the wall has wallpaper, remove it using a wallpaper steamer or a wallpaper removal solution.

Clean the Walls

  • Dust the walls with a broom or dry cloth to remove loose debris.

  • Wash the walls with a mixture of mild dish soap and water. This step is crucial to remove dirt, grease, and other contaminants that can interfere with paint adhesion.

  • Rinse with clean water and allow the walls to dry completely.

Repair Damages

  • Fill any holes or cracks with spackling paste or wall joint compound. Using a putty knife, apply the filler and scrape off the excess for a smooth finish.

  • You might need a piece of drywall and joint tape for larger damages or dents. Consult with a home repair guide or professional if you need more clarification.

  • Allow the filler to dry according to the product’s instructions.

Sand the Walls

  • Once your filler has dried, sand the repaired areas using fine-grit sandpaper (around 120-150 grit is usually good). This ensures a seamless texture application.

  • If you want a smoother finish, consider lightly sanding the entire wall to even out rough patches.

Dust and Clean Again

  • After sanding, the wall will have a lot of dust. Vacuum the walls with a brush attachment, then wipe them down with a damp cloth to ensure they’re dust-free.

Prime the Walls

  • Using a good quality primer, apply a coat to the entire wall. A primer ensures better paint adhesion and can help bring out the true color of your textured paint.

  • Tinted primers can be beneficial if your textured paint is dark, as it can reduce the number of coats needed.

  • Allow the primer to dry completely based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.



Trust DJO Home Painting For Textured Wall Prep and Textured Paint Application

If you want to leave the texturing to us, we’ll surely deliver results you’ll absolutely love.



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