texturing-drywall-pic1Texturing drywall is an art that is shrouded in mystery, the secrets passed on for generations in quiet whispers. Not really, it just sounded good. Repairs can be made on drywall texture. Read on and see if you want to try.

Drywall textures are most commonly used to give ceilings some visual appeal and hide imperfections on a surface that is prone to showing the seams. When done correctly a textured ceiling does not need to be painted initially, thus saving on construction costs.

There are many types of drywall textures. For each type there are numerous variations. The pattern and the thickness of the drywall compound used affect the final appearance. To make it worse, drywall texturing done by two different installers, using the same type and pattern of texture will have a different look.

Texturing is another 'touch' or 'feel' trade that allows for some individuality. Don't worry, often with a little experimenting you can imitate the texture you have.

Texturing Drywall - Information

What Can You Save?

Texturing drywall is usually the last step in the drywall repair process. A drywall finisher will charge between twenty-five and fifty dollars an hour, perhaps more. They may quote you a price of $75 and get it done in fifteen minutes. Depending on how much work is needed you could save anywhere from $25 to $200, doing it yourself.

How Hard Could It Be?

Due to the learning curve we are classifying texturing drywall as a more difficult task.

These repairs will have a Difficulty Level of: A Bit of Work
These repairs require a Skill Level of: Determined Handyman

Check the Simple Things!

Texturing drywall is both simple and difficult at the same time. For a homeowner there is some experimenting to do. For a small area you may be able to dab some compound onto the surface and blend it in with your finger.

What Can Go Wrong?

When you are all done and get the area painted you may find that you can tell that it was patched. Texturing drywall is also messy. Use drop clothes and plastic to protect the area. Try not to track the mud through the house.

Texturing Drywall – The Steps Involved

  • Step One -This section provides a description of the various types of texture that are common in most homes.
  • Step Two - For Stipple Textures take a look at at this segment.
  • Step Three - Knock Down Textures are covered in this step.
  • Step Four - Roll Textures are discussed here.
  • Step Five - Go to this article for information on Trowel Textures.
  • Step Six - In this article we deal with Acoustic Texture.
  • Step Seven - Finally there is orange peel or spattered texture.

One other option for a texture repair is to redo the entire area. If the ceiling or wall is small you may want to consider this. For a spot in the middle of the living room ceiling this probably is not practical.

For the best results, experiment on a piece of drywall or other surface. Adjust both the thickness of the mud and the pattern until you feel you have the 'look'. Practicing and experimenting ahead of time will help you to blend the texture in, thus achieving a patch that does not look like a patch. Texturing drywall when you are trying to match something takes a little more patience.

Summary

The 'Introduction' to this series on 'Texturing Drywall' provided you with an idea on what the cost might be to get someone to fix this for you. We also provided some tips on simple ways to fix your problem and information on the problems you could encounter.

'Types of Drywall Texture' is and article on the various types of texture you might encounter. Different parts of the country favor some over others.

Dealing with repairing 'Stipple Texture' was covered in this step.

Another type of stipple texture is the 'Knock Down Texture'. Matching this texture will require one extra step.

'Roll Texture' is the easiest one to repair. We told you how to go about doing it in this step.

'Trowel Textures' require additional skills to duplicate. They are a throw back to the plaster textures of years gone by.

'Acoustic Textures' are a popular spray applied texture that include a particulate in the drywall. It is possible to repair them as described in this segment.

Another popular spray applied texture is 'Orange Peel Texture'. It is also possible to repair this one.

There are a lot of different textures that you may encounter. They are mostly variations on a few different types. With a little patience you should have been able to repair or patch your area. Texturing drywall is not that hard, it is just a different type of skill.

The old proverb 'practice makes perfect', applies to texturing drywall. Trying out your skills on a scrap piece of drywall will go a long way toward getting a good match. The right mud and additives are the other part of the equation. Hopefully you were successful in your endeavor.