The last stage of drywall finishing is painting or texturing. Although this last phase seems to be the easiest one after the tiring drywall installation, taping, mudding, and sanding, it’s not. Which are the main problems here? If you prefer smooth walls and thus just a regular residential painting, you run the risk of exposing the small imperfections of drywall. But then again, if you opt for texturing drywall, you run the risk of concealing these imperfections. Albeit many people would prefer drywall texturing for this reason alone, it doesn’t make much sense either.

Drywall finishing: want flaws covered or no flaws at all?

And that’s the number one problem with drywall texturing: covering flaws. When you hire a drywall contractor to install one or two walls, you want the job done right. That requires great craftsmanship not only in hanging drywall but also finishing it. You might forgive some tiny flaws, but big flaws are not forgiven.

But let’s cut to the chase. Texturing has the capacity to cover imperfections. And the reality is that this might not be a new drywall. In fact, many homeowners would prefer textures not only to add an interesting flair to their room but to hide some drywall flaws too. And here is where some other problems might pop.

1. Follow drywall texture instructions to the letter

Have you decided which drywall texture technique will work best for your home style? There isn’t only one kind of texture and then again the way paint is applied may vary to provide the desired results. Knockdown, skip-trowel, orange peel, slap brush and other textures provide different results and this is not easy to accomplish. If you are a handyman, follow instructions to the letter. In a different case, hire an interior painting service pro with expertise in texturing.

2. Did you mix the drywall texture the correct way?

Part of the texturing instructions has to do with mixing the paint properly. Some textures must be thicker than others but this is also subject to the drywall condition (if you want to hide some imperfections, the mixture must be thicker) and to your texture preference. All in all, the mixture should not be either too thin or too thick. Take the orange peel as an example. If the mixture is too thick, it will resemble mostly the popcorn texture. All the same, it’s better to keep adding water slowly than making the mix too thin in which case, it won’t look good and might show the taping and blemishes.

Tip: avoid using very cold water too. It will make the mix thinner.

3. Use the right tools based on texture technique

Some texturing techniques demand the use of spray guns and some brushes and/or rollers. Using the right tools is of the essence when it comes to drywall texturing; otherwise, you won’t get the expected results. In fact, many textures require quick moves so that the paint won’t dry before you complete the design. Take the example of sand swirl. That’s a two-man job. One rolls the mixture and the other creates the pattern. So get the right tools and stick to the technique to achieve the results you want.

4. Make sure your drywall is ready for painting

Even if you opt for covering imperfections with the texture, it’s not wise to paint drywall if nails are protruding or part of the taping has come off. It’s best to patch up small holes and do any drywall repair needed before you paint. And don’t forget the importance of sanding. It will make the surface smoother and the paint will adhere much better.

5. Apply a primer and paint as needed

Prime drywall before you paint it. Not only will the paint stick better but the joints will also hide.

Texturing drywall is not easy. You need to follow specific rules and instructions to achieve the expected aesthetic results without making the task a torture. So if you lack the skills, time, and tools, it’s always easier to get a quote from a local painting contractor.