Sometimes, homeowners want more than just a plain, painted wall. Adding texture or a decorative finish to your walls is an excellent way to add interest and personality to a room.

In the past, many people thought that you could only create these designer looks by using a professional. Here are several very DIY-friendly approaches that can achieve the same results.

Additionally, try the methods in our previous article, Alternative Wall Surfaces With Decorative Finishes. Be sure to reference our painting guides for useful background information as well.



Drywall Joint Compound

Drywall joint compound is for applying over seams of drywall to create a smooth finish. You can use this same material in a thick coat (about 1/8 inch) on virtually any wall that allows texturing while still wet.

By using various household items, you can create different textures in the wet compound:

  • A small whisk broom to create a texture similar to grasscloth
  • A comb to create fine vertical or horizontal lines

You can also customize the look with a window squeegee. Cut notches every two to three inches to mimic beadboard paneling.

Apply a coat about 1/8 inch thick for enough substance to texture but still adhere properly. Use drying type compound instead of setting type to allow adequate working time. The premixed compound provides better adhesive properties than trying to thin ready-mix with water.

Apply textures while the mud is wet, usually within 30 minutes. Allow textures to cure 24 hours before painting.


Texture Paint

Texture paint from home centers allows you to roller apply sand, popcorn, or knock-down texture. Particles suspended in the paint create peaks and valleys on walls. The depth of texture depends on particle size and amount.

thick-paint-roller-1-2
Image Credit: Canva

Apply with a thick nap roller — 3/4 to 1-inch works well. Insufficient thickness compromises the look.

Texture paint does require some skill to apply evenly, so practice on cardboard before walls. If needed, smooth mistakes with drywall mud and reapply.


Venetian Plaster

Another popular textured wall finish is Venetian plaster using the Milano Plaster Tool. It enables you to easily mix the joint compound with paint and then trowel it onto the walls with the edges of the tool head. Takes practice to avoid roller marks, but the tool simplifies the traditional Venetian plaster process.

Once cured, you can skim imperfections out. Venetian plaster can be waxed for sheen or glazed for color effects.


Faux Finishes

Techniques like sponging and rag-rolling are possible for DIYers using special double-roller frames to simultaneously mix paint colors right on the walls. But very complex faux finishes still require the most skill and artistry — better for small accent walls than entire rooms.

Shortcut faux finish products simplify the fundamentals — base coats, glazes, and top protective clear coats. With practice, quality results are possible.


Wood Graining

The age-old technique of wood graining lends an attractive, natural texture to any wall. Choose a base wall color, apply glaze, and then drag a specialty tool through the wet glaze to leave wood-like grain imprints. Let the glaze start to set, then use a damp rag to smooth out and restart if needed.

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The spacing of metal teeth on the tool dictates the grain scale — tighter spacing yields finer detail. Grain while glaze is workable for full imprinting.

Properly done, painted graining approximates expensive wood treatments for a fraction of the cost.


Practice Textures Before Walls

Try sample boards first since hand-done finishes have natural variations. Distressed and mottled styles even depend on organic imperfections. Have patience; allow proper drying times between steps.

With practice, many faux texture products like textured wall compounds make previously intimidating finishes DIY-friendly. Work in small sections; don’t strive for perfection right away, and you can always cover mistakes later. Creating your own textural masterpiece can be fun!


So, Are Faux Wall Textures Difficult for DIY Homeowners?

While very specialized decorative finishes remain advanced, texture paints and compounds make possibilities like Venetian plaster more beginner-friendly. Follow product instructions, work methodically in sections, and give materials proper cure times.

Beautiful hand-done finishes allow for some variations. Experiment without fear of permanent mistakes and discover if you have untapped faux-finishing talents!


FAQs About Faux Wall Textures

What surfaces can I faux texture?

Clean, dry walls free of residue provide the best base and joint compounds, and Venetian plaster suits drywall or plaster directly. Texture paints require sealed drywall or fully cured skim-coated plaster.


How do texture paint and popcorn textures differ?

Texture paint is best for walls, thick from embedded sand-like particles. On the other hand, popcorn texture is thinner for spray. Finer perlite particles make discrete nodules.


How do I repair faux-texture walls?

For small dents and holes under four inches, patch and then blend texture. For larger areas, you will need full retexturing. Protect and mask surroundings from overspray and match thickness and pattern the best you can. Use tinting glazes to disguise variations.


What sheens showcase textures best?

Matte sheens like flat downplay aggressive 3D wall contours. On the other hand, satin, eggshell, and semi-gloss accentuate subtle, refined reliefs on your walls.


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Danny Lipford

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Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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Jeff Zoldy

Jeff is a writer, editor, and marketer based in Charlotte, North Carolina. He has been editing on the Home Solutions team for over a year and is passionate about getting homeowners the information they need when they need it most. When he’s not working, Jeff can be found at baseball games, golfing, going to the gym, reading, watching movies, and playing video games.

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