If you’re living with the smooth surface of bare painted walls or ceilings, adding dramatic texture can give it a finished look and make it more visually interesting. There are different ways to apply texture on a smooth finish, depending on the style you want and the tools you have. If your textured walls get damaged, you’ll need to match the existing random pattern when making repairs. This guide will cover the basics of applying drywall texture and fixing textured walls so they blend seamlessly.

Adding texture to the drywall surface is all about technique. Some texture techniques create the subtle finish of a light texture, while heavy textures produce a bold, noticeable pattern. The best approach depends on the finished surface you’re going for and the tools you have.

Common techniques:

  • Knockdown Texture – This popular style has a slightly flattened look. Apply drywall compound to the wall, then use a trowel or knockdown drywall knife to smooth it slightly.
  • Orange Peel Texture – A fine, bumpy finish that looks like an orange peel. Use a sprayer to apply thinned joint compound in a light, even coat.
  • Popcorn Texture – You know it from the popcorn ceiling texture... this thick texture requires a texture sprayer and a special popcorn texture product, there are also aerosol cans of popcorn finish, but results may vary.
  • Skip Trowel Texture – Apply joint compound with a trowel in a random motion, leaving some areas smooth and others raised.
  • Brush Texture – Use a stiff-bristled texture brush to create swirls, stipples, or other designs in the wet drywall mud base coat. Terms you may hear: stomp brush, double brush, or slap brush texture.

Most textures start with a base coat of joint compound. If you’re using a sprayer or hopper gun, thin the compound with water to get the right consistency and uniform texture. If applying to the entire wall by hand, use a trowel, stiff brush, or paint roller to create your textured surface. Let it dry completely before painting.

Spraying texture on to new drywall.
Using a drywall texture sprayer might seem messy, but it does deliver good results. Credit: Banksphotos / Getty Images

Tools You Might Need (Depending on Technique)

  • Hopper gun or drywall texture sprayer
  • Texture additive/texture material
  • Drop Cloths and a damp cloth
  • Synthetic sponges
  • Paint roller with thick-nap roller cover
  • Drywall knife, spanish knife, putty knife
  • 5-gallon bucket
  • Mixing tools

How to Apply Texture to Drywall

Before adding texture, prepare your drywall by cleaning the surface and covering floors and furniture with drop cloths or plastic sheeting. Use painter’s tape to protect trim and edges. Mix your joint compound to the right consistency—thicker for hand-applied textures, thinner for spray-on finishes.

If you're using a sprayer, for consistent finishes, hold it about 18 inches from the wall and spray in even, overlapping motions. Let the first coat of compound dry slightly, then decide if you need another layer. 

If doing a hand-applied texture, spread the compound with a trowel or brush, then use your tool to create the desired pattern with light pressure. Work in small sections to keep the compound mixture from drying before you finish the design.

Once the texture is dry, sand any rough spots lightly, then apply a coat of primer. This helps the paint go on evenly and prevents the texture from absorbing too much color.

A textured wall in a bedroom with picture frames.
Yes, textured walls are still popular and in-demand in parts of the country. Credit: Emily Fazio

How to Repair Textured Drywall

Fixing damaged textured drywall takes a little patience. The trick is to blend the new texture with the old so the drywall repair isn’t obvious.

  1. Clean the Area: Remove any loose paint, dust, or debris.
  2. Fill the Damage: Use joint compound to patch holes or dents. Let it dry completely, then sand it smooth.
  3. Match the Texture: Use the same method that was originally used. For knockdown, dab compound with a damp sponge and flatten it slightly. For orange peel, use a texture spray.
  4. Feather the Edges: Blend the new texture into the old by softening the edges with a damp brush or sponge.
  5. Prime and Paint: Once the texture dries, re-prime textured finish and paint to match the rest of the wall surfaces.

If the damaged section is large, you might need to cut out the damaged piece of drywall and patch it with fresh drywall before texturing.

Man and son do home improvement project in their house.
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FAQ

Can I texture drywall panels without a sprayer?

Yes, many textures can be applied by hand. Knockdown, skip trowel, and brush textures only require a trowel or stiff brush. A deep-nap roller can also be used for some heavier textures.

How long does drywall texture take to dry?

It depends on the thickness and humidity, but the drying time of basic textures is 12 to 24 hours, heavier patterns require extra drying time. If painting over it, wait until it's completely dry to avoid peeling or uneven coverage.