Does spray texture work?

Spray texture, also known as popcorn ceiling texture, is a quick and easy way to apply a textured finish to drywall and ceilings. When done properly, spray texture can effectively hide imperfections and give a room a nice decorative touch. However, there are some important considerations when deciding whether spray texture is the right choice for your project.

What is spray texture?

Spray texture is a material that is sprayed onto walls and ceilings using an air-powered hopper gun to give the surface an uneven, bumpy texture. The texture is created by combining a base material, like latex paint or drywall joint compound, with a filler material like perlite, vermiculite, or styrofoam pellets. This mixture is then sprayed in a sweeping motion to give a random, irregular effect. Spray texture dries into a durable, integrated finish that covers flaws and provides visual interest.

Pros of using spray texture

There are several benefits that make spray texture a popular choice for many drywall finishing projects:

• Fast and easy application – With the right spray rig, spray texture can be applied quickly and easily over large areas.
• Masks imperfections – The heavy splatter helps hide seam lines, nail pops, cracks, and other flaws.
• Economical – Spray texture covers a lot of area with a relatively small amount of material.
• Durable – Once fully cured, spray texture is integrated into the surface and provides a protective coating.
• Visually interesting – The splatter pattern and variations in texture add decorative interest.
• Variety of textures – Different nozzle tips and material mixes allow varies textures from subtle orange peel to heavy knockdown.

Cons of spray texture

However, there are some downsides associated with spray texture:

• Messy process – Significant overspray and cleanup is required when spraying texture.
• Requires skill – Achieving a consistent, attractive finish requires practice and technique.
• Not reusable – Once sprayed, the texture is permanent and can’t easily be changed or updated.
• Possible overspray issues – Care must be taken to mask and protect nearby surfaces from stray texture.
• Hanging lines – Done improperly, texture buildup at reloading points or edges may telegraph through paint.
• May require sanding – Newly sprayed texture will need light sanding before painting to avoid fuzziness.

Types of spray texture

There are several basic varieties of spray texture to choose from:

• Popcorn texture – Features larger, splatter-type patterns resembling popped corn. Provides the most dramatic textured effect.
• Knockdown texture – A medium orange peel texture that is “knocked down” after spraying to flatten high points. Gives a mottled, sandy effect.
• Orange peel texture – Fine, small pebble-like pattern resembling the surface of an orange. Provides subtle texturing.
• Splatter texture – Large, random blobs of material across the surface. Gives a lightly textured variegated effect.
• Crows feet texture – Combination of round and elongated shapes that resemble a crow’s foot pattern in the texture.

Prep work for spray texture

Proper prep work is essential prior to spraying texture for best results:

• Inspect surface – Fix any cracks, holes, seam lines, or other flaws before spraying texture. This prevents telegraphing.
• Clean surface – Remove any dust, oil, or residue so texture adheres properly.
• Protect floors/surfaces – Use tarps or masking to prevent overspray on non-target areas.
• Seal surface – A primer or PVA sealer helps texture bond to drywall.
• Anchor decor – Remove or mask items like lights, vents, switches, etc. that protrude from the surface.

How to apply spray texture

Here is an overview of the basic spray texture application process:

1. Mix texture material – Combine base, filler, and any modifiers in hopper according to product directions.
2. Adjust nozzle – Install appropriate nozzle tip on spray gun to achieve desired texture pattern.
3. Test pattern – Spray sample on cardboard or protective tarp to test mix and nozzle setting.
4. Load hopper – Fill spray rig reservoir with prepared texture mixture.
5. Spray texture – Holding gun 12-18 inches away, spray in a circular overlapping pattern to cover the surface.
6. Protect edges – Backbrush edges and overlapping spray passes to prevent buildup lines.
7. Knockdown if desired – For knockdown texture, press surface with a drywall knife to flatten peaks.
8. Allow to fully dry – Let texture cure overnight before sanding or painting.

Matching existing spray texture

It can be tricky matching existing spray texture when doing repairs. Here are some tips to get a good match:

• Analyze original texture – Look closely to determine precise type, size, density, etc.
• Photograph texture – Take close up photos from multiple angles to reference later.
• Use same base material – Match the original latex or joint compound base if possible.
• Test mixes – Experiment with additive amounts to mimic the texture.
• Spray samples – Try different nozzles, pressures, and spray techniques.
• Compare side-by-side – Spray patches side-by-side with the original texture to compare.
• Adjust as needed – Fine tune mix, nozzle, pressure, and motion until match improves.

DIY vs. professional spray texture

DIY Texture	Professional Texture
Lower cost	Higher cost for labor
Inconsistent results	Experienced, consistent finish
Basic equipment	Commercial spray rig
Small learning curve	Years of experience
Harder to match existing	Skilled at matching texture

Cost to apply spray texture

The cost to apply spray texture varies based on several factors:

• Room size – Total wall and ceiling area to be textured.
• Texture type – Popcorn is cheapest, knockdown is most expensive.
• Prep work – Extensive repairs or prep may increase cost.
• Professional vs DIY – Hiring a pro adds labor costs.
• Location – Regional labor rates impact pro pricing.
• Material costs – Specialty texture mixes are more costly.

On average, expect to pay the following spray texture costs:

• DIY using basic kit: $0.10-$0.30 per sq.ft.
• Professional popcorn texture: $0.50-$1.00 per sq.ft.
• Professional knockdown texture: $1.50-$2.50 per sq.ft.

Best uses for spray texture

Spray texture works best in these applications:

• Ceilings – Quickly covers large ceiling expanses.
• Remodels – Provides updated texture when removing old popcorn.
• New drywall – Easy finish for new drywall construction.
• Covering flaws – Disguises cracks, seams, repairs after wall damage.
• Rentals – Inexpensive upgrade between tenants.
• DIY projects – Novice-friendly technique for home projects.

Alternatives to spray texture

Options other than spray texture include:

• Roll-on texture – Low-mess paint-on textures like knockdown and orange peel.
• Drag tools – Zig zag trowels or combs create textured patterns.
• Pre-mixed finishes – Pre-textured wall panels or textured wallpaper.
• Skip trowel – Trowel-applied plaster or joint compound finished in sweeps.
• Trowel textures – Sophisticated hand-applied Venetian plaster or troweled knockdown finishes.

Conclusion

Spray texture can provide an efficient, economical solution for adding interest and covering flaws on walls and ceilings. With the right prep work and application technique, it creates a durable, decorative texture. However, the messy process requires skill to master. For large commercial jobs or sophisticated textures, a professional may provide more consistent results. But for simple DIY projects, spray texture is a relatively easy and forgiving decorative finish option.