Everything to Know About Using Textured Paint in Your Home

Interested in creating a one-of-a-kind look in your home? Textured paint may be the way to go. This type of paint adds depth and dimension to the otherwise flat surface of drywall. It can cover up imperfections or create a wide range of faux finishes. And while you might be having flashbacks to popcorn ceilings or thick and heavy stucco-like interiors, today’s textured paints are more subtle than outdated predecessors.

Whether you’re ready to get started or just exploring your design options, we’ve put together this quick guide to textured paint. We clear up any questions that you might have, including the various types of textured paint options available and how to achieve a textured look all on your own.

Benefits of Using Textured Paint

There are a couple of reasons why this type of paint has grown in popularity, primarily: it adds an undeniably unique look to walls, and it can cover up wall damage in a way that flat paint can’t. Suppose you have cracks, nicks, or dents in your drywall, and you don’t want to do a full replacement (a project that will cost you on average about $950 to $2,500, according to HomeAdvisor). In that case, it’s an excellent—and much more affordable—alternative.

Will it Cover All Imperfections?

Not all imperfections. Texture paint is great for hiding minor and some not-so-minor flaws, but really big flaws—think holes in the wall, moisture damage, etc.—you’ll want to repair before painting.

Types of Textured Paint

There are various types of textured paint, including some DIY options. Each variety has a different finish, so it’s important to choose the right type for the look that you’re trying to achieve. Here are some of your options.

Silica sand textured paint – This variety contains tiny particles of silica sand as a way to add interest and texture to your walls. You can buy sand textured paint pre-mixed or purchase the sand additives and mix it yourself into the paint of your choice. If you’re going to go the latter route, just be sure to let the associate at the store know so that they can point you in the right direction for your standard paint type and tools.

Roll-on textured paint – Roll-on texture paint, popularized by Homax, is a textured paint layer that you apply before painting the room with standard paint. You can apply this sub-layer using a brush, roller, trowel, comb, or any other painting device of your choice to achieve a specific look.

Knockdown textured paint – This is more an application technique than a specific type of paint. Knockdown texture refers to the process behind creating this mottled look, which involves using joint compound on walls to create a peak-like texture and then using a putty knife to remove these peaks, leaving you with a marbled surface that you can paint any color you choose.

Other ways to bring texture to your walls and ceilings include using joint compound along with stencils, sponges, and/or various types of trowels and other tools to create a completely original finish.

How to Apply in Six Easy Steps

Ready to get started with textured paint? Here’s a step-by-step guide to using this type of paint to bring more depth and dimension to your home’s interior.