DIY Matching a Drywall Texture
Also see:When it comes to drywall textures there are an infinite number of finishes out there. Because textured finishes are applied using several different techniques, with different tools, the resulting finishes can be hard to match when doing repairs and harder to blend at the edges. The best that can be done in most cases is to simulate the texture over the repaired wall and in some cases, live with obvious border around the edges.
The hardest textured finishes to blend are popcorn and orange peel. Because these are specially made coatings, applied using specialized sprayers, they are virtually impossible to simulate exactly for a seamless repair. You can buy small amounts of these finishes in a spray can. Use one of these to spray over the repair area. Do the center first and then lightly spray the edges to try and blend the finishes together.
Applying a Knockdown Texture
Knockdown texture, while originally applied with a sprayer, is easier to simulate and blend than popcorn and orange peel. Because knockdown texturing is just watered–down ready–mixed joint compound, spattered randomly across the wall, it is much easier to simulate with standard drywall tools.
Mix joint compound with water at about a 10 to 1 ratio. The resulting mud should be thin enough to pour but not so runny that it slides right off a joint knife.
With a small putty knife (about 1½inches wide) spatter the repair area evenly with the wet compound. While the mud is wet, lightly drag a wider joint knife (about 6 inches wide) over the mud spatters to flatten them. You may want to practice this technique on a scrap of drywall or cardboard to match the existing texture before moving to the repair.
Matching a Textured Paint Finish
Sand and stucco textured paints are commonly used to create a texture on ceilings. The paint is applied using a specially made roller with nylon loops braided into the surface. The paint is applied as usual and as it is rolled back and forth, the loops pull the coating away to leave random peaks in the paint finish.
The textured paint should be applied over primer to ensure a good bond with no flashing in the finish coat. These paints are not meant to cover a bare surface. The paint will resist sticking to the surface and will require a very full roller and repeated back and forth strokes to get the necessary coverage.
To simulate this texture on small wall repairs, use a brush to apply a thick coat of the paint over the whole patch. Hold a looped, texturing roller by hand and tap the surface of the paint to pull it up in peaks that match the existing finish. Work from the center out to the surrounding texture. If a 9 inch roller is too big to work on small repairs, cut the roller down to a size that will work.
Joint Compound Drywall Textures
Drywall textures involving joint compound can be done using a number of different tools, such as a trowel or brush, to create a design in the finish. The basic process is the same, apply a coat of joint compound over a wall or ceiling and while it is wet, press a tool into the mud to leave a decorative texture. Ceilings are usually where you'll find a finish like this but walls may also be decorated with joint compound textures.
One common joint compound texture involves the use of a masonry trowel. The tool is pressed flat against the surface and then pulled straight off to pull peaks in the mud, leaving a stippled appearance. The peaks can be small and delicate or they can be coarse and thick. The thickness of the mud coat will determine the size of the peaks.
A variation of the trowel method involves turning the tool while it is in contact with the surface. Turn the trowel 360° to leave circles in the finish or turn 180° to create semi–circles or arches in the finish. This can be done in an ordered pattern of straight lines or the texture may be randomly occurring.
Other tools used to do a joint compound texture include a nylon broom or brush used to slap the wet mud. Use one with soft, floppy bristles that will yield when it comes in contact with the surface. Also try a large, soft sponge like a sea sponge to create swirls or stippling. A wallpaper brush with short, stiff nylon bristles can be used to comb a texture into the wet mud. This can be done in straight lines or randomly with circles or arches.
Matching a Joint Compound Texture
To recreate an existing texture, first examine the finish and determine how it was created originally. Practice this method of drywall texturing on a piece of scrap drywall or board. Start with about ¼in. coat of mud and vary it as needed to get the right thickness for your finish.
When you're ready, move to the wall or ceiling. Make sure to apply the mud thick enough to saturated the surface with wet mud. If there are dry spots on the wall, the mud will pull right back off when you try to apply the texture. If necessary, use a spray bottle to mist plaster surfaces with water first before applying the mud.
Start from the center of the repair and work out to the surrounding textured finish. Try to blend the new and old finishes together around the perimeter using a light touch to start and work up to complete coverage.
