How to texture paint walls

This article is about how to texture paint walls. Either we speak of interior walls or exterior walls, adding a textured paint finish can change dramatically the look of your house and make a huge difference for your comfort. Therefore, even if it’s not as simple as using a regular paint, painting your walls with texture paint will add character and uniqueness to your home. In order to add texture to your wall, you have two broad possibilities: on one hand you can use special paints, or you can create texture on your walls before applying the paint. In this article we will show you the first method: how to texture paint walls, using paint with small solids in it, that create the patterns.

On the market there are a lot of options and therefore of textures to choose from, starting with roman patterns up to modern designs. The textured paint with solids in it, is quite simple to apply: you only need a large straight metal float to spread the paint on the wall, and a trowel to create the patterns. It is important to study the samples before ordering the textured paint, as to find the one which fit best your needs and tastes.

If you don’t like the texture patterns, you have one option left: the stucco paint. This is a special paint, which is more thick and dense, allowing you to apply it on the walls, by using a trowel. If your choice is to use stucco-paint, the you can create infinite pattern and designs, the only limit being your imagination.

Before applying the texture paint on the walls, you have to make sure you protect all the surrounding objects with old cloths or at least newspapers. Moreover, if it is possible, it would be a great idea to move the furniture and other objects from the room, until you finish applying the textured paint. Nevertheless, remember that you can also apply the textured paint to outside walls. In this case, you should use a ladder or scaffolding to have access to all areas.

As in the case of any paint-job, you have to remove all sockets, light switches and fixtures, and other objects which might obstruct you during the project. In addition, use paper tape to mask the baseboard and the wires coming from the light switches and sockets.

Made from this plan

In order to texture paint walls, you need the following:

Materials

• Textured paint
• Paper tape – if you want to use two colors
• Old cloths and newspaper – to protect the other objects

Tools

• Safety gloves, glasses
• Measuring tape, carpentry pencil, l-square, spirit level
• Straight float – to apply the textured paint
• Grout float – to create the patterns

Tips

• Don’t apply the textured paint when the temperature is above 77 ºF / 25 ºC
• Be consistent with the texture pattern

Time

• 2 hours, for 100 sq ft / 10 sq m – one person

My best tips on applying texture paint on exterior walls:

Texture paint is a great way to add character and dimension to exterior walls while providing extra durability and weather protection. Whether you’re looking to refresh your home’s façade or give a textured finish to a new surface, applying texture paint is a project you can tackle with the right tools and technique. Here are my best tips for applying texture paint on exterior walls.

1. Gather the Right Tools and Materials

Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary tools and materials:

• Textured paint (specifically for exterior use)
• Paint roller with a thick nap
• Trowel or putty knife (optional, for more pronounced textures)
• Paint sprayer (optional)
• Bucket and mixing stick
• Ladder or scaffolding (if necessary)
• Drop cloths and masking tape
• Brush for detailed areas
• Pressure washer or stiff brush for surface prep

2. Prepare the Surface

Proper preparation is key to achieving a long-lasting finish. Make sure the exterior wall is clean, dry, and free from any dirt or peeling paint:

• Use a pressure washer or stiff brush to remove dirt, mildew, or loose paint.
• If the wall has cracks or damaged areas, fill them with masonry filler and smooth the surface before applying the texture paint.
• Let the wall dry completely before moving forward, especially after using a pressure washer.

Mask off any areas you don’t want to paint (like windows, trim, and doors) using masking tape and drop cloths.

3. Prime the Surface (If Needed)

In some cases, it’s a good idea to apply a primer before the texture paint, especially if the surface is porous or has been recently patched:

• Use a masonry primer or exterior-grade primer to create a smooth base for the texture paint to adhere to.
• Allow the primer to dry fully before applying texture paint.

4. Choose the Right Application Method

There are several ways to apply texture paint, depending on the type of finish you want:

• Roller: Use a thick-nap roller (¾ inch to 1 inch) to apply texture paint for a rough, stippled finish. This is the easiest method for DIYers and works well for large surfaces.
• Trowel: For more dramatic textures, apply the paint with a trowel or putty knife. Spread the paint on the surface and use sweeping motions to create a unique texture pattern.
• Sprayer: A paint sprayer is ideal for large areas or for achieving a smoother texture. You can adjust the sprayer to apply light or heavy coats, depending on your desired effect.

5. Mix the Texture Paint Thoroughly

Before applying, ensure the texture paint is mixed thoroughly to achieve an even consistency. Use a mixing stick or drill with a mixing paddle to stir the paint:

• Mix the paint well, especially if it has been sitting for a while, to ensure that the texture particles are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

If you’re using a sprayer or roller, pour the mixed paint into the tray or sprayer.

6. Apply the First Coat

Start by applying the first coat of texture paint:

• For a roller application, dip the roller into the texture paint and apply it to the wall in up-and-down strokes. Use even pressure to ensure a consistent finish.
• For a trowel application, spread the paint with a putty knife or trowel in a pattern that suits your design. You can create swirls, smooth waves, or more dramatic peaks.
• If using a sprayer, hold it at a consistent distance from the wall and move it in smooth, overlapping motions to ensure full coverage.

For larger walls, work in sections to avoid the paint drying before you finish an area.

7. Add a Second Coat (If Needed)

Depending on the coverage and texture you want, you may need to apply a second coat:

• Allow the first coat to dry fully, which usually takes about 24 hours for exterior-grade texture paint.
• Apply the second coat using the same technique as the first, but with lighter pressure if you want to maintain the texture.

If you want to create more depth, you can apply a second coat with a different texture pattern using a trowel or sponge.

8. Blend the Edges

To achieve a professional-looking finish, make sure you blend the edges between sections:

• Use a brush to feather out the edges of each section while the paint is still wet, ensuring a seamless transition between areas.
• If you’re using a roller or trowel, smooth out the transition areas to prevent noticeable lines or texture breaks.

9. Clean Up the Edges

Once the texture paint is applied and still wet, remove any masking tape and drop cloths carefully:

• This ensures the edges around windows, doors, and trim are clean and sharp.
• Clean up any accidental spills or splashes while the paint is still wet for easier removal.

10. Let the Paint Cure

After applying the texture paint, allow it to cure completely before exposing it to the elements:

• Texture paint typically dries to the touch in 24 hours, but full curing may take several days depending on the weather.
• Avoid heavy rain, extreme heat, or freezing temperatures during the curing period, as these conditions can affect the finish.

Bonus Tip: Consider Adding a Protective Sealer For additional protection against moisture and UV damage, you can apply a clear protective sealer over the textured paint once it has fully cured. This helps extend the life of the paint and keeps it looking fresh for years.

How to texture paint walls

Scaffolding for applying texture paint

If you want to apply texture paint on your exterior walls, then you have to rent or buy a scaffolding, as to have access to all areas. As compared to regular paint, it is important to apply the textured paint on the whole surface of the wall, once you have started the job, otherwise you won’t get the desired result.

In addition, especially if you texture paint the exterior walls, make sure the outside temperature doesn’t exceed 77 ºF (25 ºC) and the rays of the sun don’t hit directly the surface on which you are working. The main issue is that at high temperatures, the paint will dry out very quickly and you won’t be able to create the texture.

Using a float to finish the wall

Next, before showing you how to texture paint walls, we have to highlight the importance of having a proper support surface. Therefore, you should either use a trowel to remove the old coat of paint or add a brand new coat of plaster.

In most of the cases, if the surface is smooth, you should only remove the previous coat of paint, the irregularities and  clean thoroughly the dust and other residues.

How to texture paint walls

When applying texture paint on any wall, you have to cover first the surface with a coat of primer. You should buy the primer along with the paint, as it should match the color of the texture paint. The main purpose of the primer is to create a perfect bond between the texture paint and the wall surface, so make sure you apply it, by using a roller. After you have covered the wall with primer, let the surface dry for at least one day.

The next day, you can start spreading the textured paint on the wall, by using a large straight edge trowel (also known as plastering trowel). Before applying the paint, you have to mix it thoroughly in the bucket. Start with one corner of the wall, and try the apply a thick coat of paint as evenly as possible. Remember that you don’t have to cover a large surface, the technique is to spread the texture paint on 10 sq ft (1 sq m), and then use a trowel to create the texture. This is the right way, otherwise the paint will dry out before having time to make the texture.

Painting walls with textured paint

Work with patience and be careful, as to create an even coat of texture paint. This technique is not complicated and will change dramatically the look of your house, provided you observe the steps in the right order. It is better to wear some old cloths and a pair of gloves, as in the process you will get dirty with paint.

Making texture on walls

Creating the texture on walls

As we have already said, after you have covered about 10 sq ft (1 sq m), you have to use a trowel to create the desired texture. The most used techniques, is to use downward and upward moves, while pushing the trowel toward the wall. In this way you will make a texture similar to tree bark.

Nevertheless, you can also use circular moves if you want to obtain other textures. Irrespective of your pattern, you have to make sure you go several times over the surface with the trowel, as to even the coat of texture paint.

Texture painting exterior walls

Afterwards, you have to continue your project by spreading texture paint on other areas and then create the same pattern. From time to time, it is better to assess your work by looking at the walls from at least a couple of meters, as to see if you have created the same texture over the whole surface.

Wall textured paint

The technique described above is also useful, if you want to create a design with two or more colors. Consequently, apply paper tape along the edge of the first area. Spread and texture the paint as described above, up to the paper tape. Then, remove the paper tape and wait a couple of hours, until the texture paint has dried out.

Apply paper tape on the edge of the dried textured paint and cover the adjacent surface with the other paint color.

Texture paint on walls

After you remove the scaffolding (in the case of exterior walls), the masking tapes and install the light fixtures and sockets, you should enjoy the appearance of your brand new wall finish.

It might not look exquisite, but for sure is not a common finish. In addition, some texture paints are waterproof, so from time to time you can clean your walls with a wet sponge, to give them back their initial glow.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to apply texture paint to exterior walls that not only looks great but also holds up well against the elements. Whether you’re updating an old surface or adding a textured finish to new construction, texture paint adds durability and style to any exterior.

Thank you for reading our article on how to texture paint walls, and we recommend you to check out the rest of our projects. Don’t forget to share our articles with your friends, by using the social media widgets.

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