Painting Textures

Using texture paint to give your walls or ceilings interest through texture is an easy process. There are different types of textured paint available and different ways of applying the product. One thing to keep in mind is that this type of paint can be difficult to remove if you want to go back to smooth walls later.

This type of paint can cover small cracks but larger cracks and holes should be filled and sanded. This type of painting technique is good for walls with minor cracks and flaws, as it hides them.  Once the larger wall issues are fixed, the walls should be cleaned and primed.

Choosing primer

• Latex primer would be used for walls and ceilings that have been painted before with latex paint and walls that have new drywall and concrete.


• Oil based primer would be used for kitchens, baths, plaster, paneling and any surfaces that have water damage.

Choosing textured paint

• Premixed textured paint is, as the name implies, already mixed. While this is easy to use, you just open and start, you do not have the degree of control that you would have over mixing your own. This type of paint is often used on ceilings.


• Sand texture paint is paint that you mix yourself. You add the sand particles to make the paint as coarse and rough as you want, or as fine as you would like. This paint gives you the control to make the surface exactly the way you want.


• Smooth textured paint does not have particles added into it. The paint is smooth and thick. You use a trowel or putty knife to apply it to the surface. You can then leave points and valleys. You are able to sculpt the surface as you wish.


• Joint compound, while not a paint, this is sometimes used to texture walls. This would also be applied with a putty knife or trowel. Using this gives you less time to work with the product, as it dries faster. It also tends to crack if it is applied too thick.

Applying textured paint

• You can apply textured paint with a stiff paint brush, a roller with a heavy nap, or a putty knife or trowel. The paint brush gives the best finish for all, except the smooth textured paint. However, the roller will be a lot faster. If you do use a roller, check the project often to be sure that the roller is not leaving streaks.


• When working with this painting technique, work in small areas. Perhaps a four by four area. This will give you time to work with the paint to get the look you want before it has a chance to dry.