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 these designer looks could only be created by 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.
Drywall Joint Compound
Drywall joint compound is commonly used to apply over seams of drywall to create a smooth finish. This same material can be applied in a thick coat (approximately 1/8″) on virtually any wall that allows texturing to be done while the material is still wet.
By using various household items you can create different textures in the wet drywall compound. You can use a small whisk broom to create a texture similar to grass cloth. A comb can be used to create fine vertical or horizontal lines on your wall.
You can also create a customized look with a simple window squeegee by cutting notches with scissors every 2- to 3-inches apart. This will create an effect similar to small boards (bead board).
Texture Paint
Texture paint is also available at your local home center that allows you to use a roller to evenly add texture a large area. These types of paint are available in a sand, popcorn or smooth consistency.
Venetian Plaster
Another popular wall finish is Venetian Plaster texture. This texture is made much easier using a tool call the Milano Plaster Tool. This tool enable you to mix a powdered drywall joint compound with a latex paint that when applied creates the slightly textured finish of Venetian Plaster.
Faux Finish
Faux or decorative finishing has been a trend for quite a few years. Finishes such as sponging and ragging are easily accomplished with a unique double roller frame that simultaneously mixes two colors when applied to the wall. Different roller pads allow you to create unique finishes for your home.
Wood Graining
Wood graining is an age-old technique that originally was perfected by old world artisans. The look of wood grain on a wall in any room is attractive to many homeowners. This look can be achieved by applying a base coat of paint to your walls by applying a glaze (commonly used as a cabinet finish).
After applying the base coat, the grain look is created by using a wood graining tool. You simply drag the tool through the wet glaze.
All of these finishes require a little bit of practice and some creativity. Try creating these looks on a piece of poster board or the inside of a closet. No one will ever see your creative mishaps!
how do you remove textured wall surfaces
We are planning on painting our bedroom. We removed the wallpaper and the walls are really rough. We can’t aford to redo the drywall but I was thinking of doing a faux textured painting. Do you have any suggestions?
Using regular drywall compound,I can put it on the wall with a wide putty knife, prime it and then paint it? Is it really that easy? Or do I have to mix the compound with something?
Where can I find the double roller frame? I used one a long time ago and love the effect and would like to use it again.
I want to paint a venetian look on my interior columns with a sea sponge. Do you recommend mixing colored paint into drywall compound? This would allow me to be able to use two different colors.
Thank you.
Joy
Amazing Ideas!! Danny Lipford, Wall murals is another technique for giving great look to your walls. Handmade wall murals is also a perfect idea.