Orange peel texture is a popular wall finishing technique that creates a bumpy, uneven surface resembling the skin of an orange. While it takes some skill to properly spray orange peel texture, with the right materials and technique, DIYers can achieve professional-looking results. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything involved in spraying orange peel texture on walls, from choosing the right equipment and materials to proper spraying techniques and troubleshooting problems. With the right approach, you can add stylish visual interest and depth to any room’s walls.
Page Contents
Benefits of Orange Peel Wall Texture
There are several benefits that make orange peel texture a appealing wall covering option:
- Visually Interesting – The mottled, uneven finish catches and reflects light in an organic, natural way that adds depth and visual interest to walls.
- Hides Imperfections – The bumpy texture helps conceal small flaws in drywall seams, previous repairs, or uneven paint coverage.
- Easy to Paint – The textured surface allows paint to adhere easily and covers well compared to smooth wall finishes.
- Provides Depth – Shadows and contours created by the texture add a sense of dimension to otherwise flat wall surfaces.
- Casual Look – Orange peel has a relaxed, informal aesthetic perfect for contemporary, rustic, or cottage style decor.
With the right prep work and technique, orange peel texture can make any room’s walls look more interesting, while disguising small flaws. It provides a textured look that feels chic and modern.
Materials and Tools Needed
To spray orange peel texture onto your walls, you’ll need the following supplies:
Texture Materials
- Premixed orange peel texture – This product contains paint mixed with small aggregates to create the bumpy finish. It comes pre-mixed in buckets for convenience.
- Drywall joint compound – As an alternative, you can mix joint compound with paint to make your own orange peel texture material. This allows customizing the texture.
- Paint – Latex wall paint in a flat, eggshell, or satin finish. Tint it to the desired accent color if not using white.
Tools
- Air compressor – To power the spray texture gun, you’ll need an air compressor capable of at least 5 gallons/minute at 90 PSI.
- Texture sprayer – Also called a hopper gun. This has a container to hold the premixed texture and a nozzle to spray it onto the walls.
- Drywall knife – For smoothing bumps or removing excess texture.
- Sandpaper – Fine grit sandpaper helps smooth drips or uneven spots.
- Paintbrush and roller – For painting accent colors after spraying texture.
- Painter’s tape – For masking trim, ceilings, and other areas you don’t want textured.
- Tarps or drop cloths – Protect floors and furniture from drips and overspray.
Having the right supplies will make the orange peel application process go quicker and smoother.
Prep Work
Proper prep work is crucial for getting great results spraying orange peel texture. Here are the key steps:
1. Repair Wall Surfaces
Fix any cracks, holes, or other imperfections in the drywall before spraying texture. Use joint compound and drywall tape to patch and blend repairs into the surrounding surface. Sand smooth when dry.
2. Clean Walls
Remove any dirt, grease, or flaking paint so the texture adheres well. Wash walls with TSP substitute cleaner and water using a sponge. Rinse thoroughly and let dry.
3. Fill Holes and Dents
For small holes from nails or screws, apply spackle with a putty knife and wipe smooth. For dents and chips, use lightweight drywall joint compound, let dry, then sand until even with wall.
4. Mask Surfaces
Use painter’s tape to mask off ceilings, trim, windows, and any other areas you don’t want textured. Drape tarps or drop cloths over floors and furniture.
5. Prime Walls
Applying quality drywall primer helps the texture adhere evenly to the surface. This also allows accent paint colors to cover evenly later. Apply primer and let fully dry before spraying.
Proper prep helps the orange peel texture stick tight to walls for a seamless look. Now you’re ready to start spraying.
Choosing Texture Materials
You can use either premixed orange peel texture in a bucket or mix your own using drywall joint compound and paint. Here are the pros and cons of each:
Premixed Texture
- Pros – Ready to spray right out of the bucket. Requires no mixing or preparation. Often contains polymers for greater adhesion and durability.
- Cons – Limited control over texture size. Can be more expensive than mixing your own.
Premixed texture offers convenience, while the polymers provide excellent adhesion and resistance to cracking or sagging over time. It’s the easiest option.
Mix Your Own Texture
- Pros – Full control over texture size by adjusting joint compound amount. Cheaper than buying premixed.
- Cons – More time consuming to mix and strain texture material. Requires getting mix consistency and thickness right.
Mixing your own allows customizing the thickness and size of the texture aggregates for different looks. It takes more work but costs less.
Most beginners should start with premixed orange peel texture in a five-gallon bucket for the best results.
Spraying Technique
Here are some key tips to follow when spraying orange peel texture for great results:
Load the Hopper Gun
Pour premixed texture into the hopper so it’s about 2/3 full. Attach the spray nozzle pointing down and close up the gun. Load slowly to avoid getting texture in the hose.
Adjust Nozzle and Compressor
Adjust the nozzle to a wide fan pattern to cover more area. Turn compressor to 90 PSI or texture manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
Practice on Cardboard
Test spray texture on cardboard to check thickness and consistency before spraying walls. Adjust pressure or thickness as needed.
Keep Gun Moving
Hold the hopper gun 12-18 inches from the wall. Squeeze the trigger while moving arm continuously to avoid drips. Overlap passes for an even coat.
Apply Even Coats
Spray thin coats, allowing texture to dry between coats. Apply several light coats rather than one thick one, which can sag.
Maintain Wet Edge
Spray from uncoated to coated areas so you always spray into a “wet edge” where coats overlap, avoiding lap marks between coats.
Check Coverage Frequently
As you spray, visually inspect to ensure you’re getting full coverage and the desired texture pattern. Adjust technique as needed.
Vertical then Horizontal Passes
Spray vertically first, then follow with a horizontal pass to ensure even coverage and reduce drips running down the wall.
Patience and practice lead to great results spraying orange peel texture. Maintaining proper technique prevents drips and lap marks.
Troubleshooting Problems
Despite the best technique, you may encounter some problems when spraying orange peel texture. Here are solutions to common issues:
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Drips or runs in texture | Spraying too much texture or holding gun too close. | Keep sprayer moving constantly; spray thinner coats. |
| Lap marks between coats | Not overlapping coats enough or texture partially dried. | Maintain wet edge so coats blend together. |
| Uneven texture | Inconsistent spray pattern or coverage. | Keep sprayer same distance from wall for even coverage. |
| Texture falling off | Walls not prepped properly or lacking adhesion. | Ensure primer/paint provides proper grip for texture. |
| Texture drying too fast | Hot, dry conditions or airflow. | Spray when cooler and block drafts and fans. |
Most common orange peel texture problems can be fixed by adjusting your technique. Proper prep work also prevents many issues down the road.
Finishing Touches
Once you’ve built up several coats of texture for full coverage, there are some finishing steps to get it looking its best:
Smooth Bumps and Drips
Carefully scrape down any large drips or bumps in the texture using a drywall knife, then sand any rough spots smooth.
Remove Masking and Tape
Slowly remove painter’s tape from trim and ceilings to keep edges looking sharp. Scrape off any texture seepage.
Clean Surrounding Areas
Wipe down any texture or paint on floors or other surfaces before it dries using a damp rag.
Paint Accent Colors
Once the orange peel texture has fully dried, apply accent colors using paint sprayer, roller, or brush for enhanced shadowing.
The final steps help give your orange peel project a refined, professional finish.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional
While a DIY orange peel project can save money compared to hiring a contractor, there are some benefits to having a professional spray your texture:
- Saves Time – They have the right equipment and experience to get it done faster.
- Higher Quality Results – Contractors have the skills to achieve a consistent, professionally sprayed look.
- Proper Prep Work – They properly prepare walls and repair flaws beforehand for maximum adhesion.
- No Mess or Cleanup – Professionals contain the overspray and cleanup afterwards.
- Warranties – Reputable companies often warranty their orange peel work.
Hiring a drywall or painting contractor ensures your project goes smoothly, looks uniform, and lasts without problems. Though more costly, the results may be worth it if you lack DIY experience.
Cost to Hire a Professional
Most professional painters or drywall contractors charge in the ballpark of $2-$6 per square foot to spray orange peel texture, depending on factors like:
- Location – Prices are generally higher in large metro areas than outlying regions.
- Ceiling Height – Taller walls and ceilings require longer work time and more material.
- Extra Prep Work – Additional repairs, priming, or patching may add cost.
- Special Coatings – Using specialty texture polymers or heavy duty paints increases price.
- Accent Colors – Pricing is often higher if applying accent paint colors after texturing.
Most contractors charge around $3 per square foot on average to spray orange peel texture and include required prep work like priming and small repairs in the cost. Get several competitive bids from local companies to find the best price.
Conclusion
Achieving a stylish, seamless orange peel texture on your walls is definitely doable as a DIY project if you use the proper materials and techniques. By following the steps in this guide during preparation, spraying, and finishing, you can attain smooth, uniform results free of lap marks, drips, and touch-ups. Pay attention to details like keeping a wet edge and spraying thin, even coats. Hiring a pro may cost more, but can provide greater reliability and a consistent look. With some patience and practice, orange peel’s bumpy, organic texture will lend visual flair to your living space.