How To Add Texture To Your Walls Using Drywall Mud

Are you preparing to paint your walls and looking for a way to make them more interesting? Consider adding some texture with drywall mud. This is a project you can tackle before you paint. The end result will be walls that look like stucco — a little bumpy and rough with a consistent texture. Here are the steps you'll need to follow.

Step 1: Prepare your materials.

To texture your walls with drywall mud, you'll need:

• A container of drywall mud — 20 pounds is enough for the average room.
• A trowel or wide compound knife
• Three paint trays
• Three paint rollers
• Primer
• Paint in the color of your choice
• All-purpose cleaner
• A bucket
• A sponge

Step 2: Clean the walls

The drywall mud won't stick well if your walls are not clean. So prepare a bucket of cleaning solution and water, and give your walls a thorough wipe-down. Do this at least a day before you plan on texturing the walls to ensure they have enough time to dry.

Step 3: Prepare the mud.

Mix 2 parts drywall mud and 1 part water together in your bucket. This should give it a consistency similar to that of pancake batter and it should be slightly thicker than your average paint. Transfer some of this mixture to the paint tray.

Step 4: Apply the mud.

Dip your paint roller in the diluted drywall mud, and roll it around to coat it evenly with the substance. Then, apply it to the walls. To get an even texture, make sure you roll in various directions. For instance, go over the area once rolling left to right, and then go over it again going up and down. The drywall compound is pretty forgiving, so if one application looks a little funny, you should be able to roll over it again to fix the texture. Do work on one small area at a time so you can be sure to manipulate the mud before it dries.

Step 5: Prime and paint.

Wait about 2 days to make sure the drywall mud is completely dry. Then, use a paint roller to apply primer to the textured walls. You'll have to apply plenty of pressure to the roller to ensure the primer gets in all of the nooks and crannies. Let the primer dry for a half day or so, and then apply your paint using the same technique. Let it dry, and then apply a second coat for good measure.

For more information, contact local professionals like Yu1 Painting Company.