How do you use wall texture in a can?

Wall texture in a can is a quick and easy way to add some interest and character to dull, flat walls. It comes premixed in a can and can be rolled or sprayed directly onto wall surfaces. With some simple tools and a bit of practice, anyone can transform a boring blank wall into something stylish and textured in just a few hours.

What is wall texture in a can?

Wall texture paint, also sometimes called textured paint, comes premixed in cans or buckets. It contains particles that add texture, like sand or clay. When applied to walls and ceilings, it creates an interesting, decorative finish.

There are many types of pre-mixed wall textures available, including:

• Knockdown texture – Creates a lightly textured orange peel type finish
• Popcorn texture – Provides a bumpy, cottage cheese type finish
• Sand texture – Adds a sandy, granular texture
• Clay texture – Gives walls an earthy, matte look

The premixed texture paint hides minor wall imperfections. It also helps reflect light in a way that makes walls look more visually interesting.

Benefits of Using Wall Texture in a Can

There are several benefits to using pre-mixed wall texture in a can versus traditional plaster wall textures:

• Much easier and faster to apply – No messy mixing required
• Dries quickly, can be painted over within 24 hours
• Wide variety of texture options available
• No special skills or equipment needed
• Minimal prep work – Just clean and prime the walls
• Covers up flaws and defects in existing drywall

Pre-mixed texture goes on smoothly and consistently. It is formulated to be thick enough to create texture but thin enough to be rolled or sprayed easily right out of the container.

Equipment Needed

One of the benefits of using wall texture from a can is that you do not need any special equipment or materials. However, having the right basic tools makes the application much simpler. Here is the basic equipment you will need:

• Paint roller and roller cover – Use a 1/2 or 3/4 inch nap roller cover on a standard paint roller frame. Choose a high quality roller that won’t leave lint behind.
• Paint sprayer – Texture sprayers are ideal but an airless paint sprayer also works well. Make sure to adjust the pressure and nozzle size to account for the thicker texture material.
• Paintbrush – A 2-3 inch angled sash brush is extremely useful for cutting in edges and reaching corners.
• Paint tray – A standard paint tray with ridges will make loading the roller easier.
• Drop cloths – Canvas drop cloths are essential to protect floors and surfaces from drips and splatters.
• Painter’s tape – Used to mask off trim, ceilings, baseboards and other areas you don’t want to texture.
• Sandpaper and putty knife – Helpful for smoothing any rough spots before painting.

Prep Work

Proper prep work ensures the texture adheres well and provides the best looking finish:

1. Fill any holes, cracks or imperfections with spackle or drywall mud. Allow to fully dry and sand smooth.
2. Wash walls withTrisodium Phosphate (TSP) and water using a sponge or rag. This removes any grease, dirt or grime so the texture paint adheres properly. Rinse thoroughly and allow to fully dry.
3. Sand any bumpy areas smooth. Wipe off any dust with a dry cloth.
4. Apply painter’s tape around the perimeter of the ceiling, baseboards, door and window trims to prevent getting texture on these surfaces.
5. Cover floors, furniture, outlets and switch plates with canvas drop cloths.
6. Prime walls with a high quality latex primer if the surface is newly patched/repaired, glossy, or the color difference between the texture and wall base coat will be significant.

How to Apply Wall Texture

When working with wall texture in a can, you have two main application options – rolling it on with a paint roller or spraying it on with a hopper gun or texture sprayer.

Rolling On Texture

Rolling on pre-mixed wall texture using a paint roller is one of the easiest application methods. It works best for lighter textures like knockdown or orange peel. Here are the steps:

1. Using a paint stirring stick, mix the texture paint thoroughly in the can or bucket first. Stir occasionally during use to prevent solids from settling on the bottom.
2. Pour some of the texture paint into a paint tray. Load the roller by dipping and rolling it in the tray. Apply a heavy, even coat over the wall surface.
3. Once coated, go back over the area with light, downward strokes using the dry roller to flatten and knock down any high points. Work in 3×3 foot sections.
4. For a medium texture, go over the area two times. For heavy texture, add additional coats allowing time to dry in between.

   Allow the texture to fully dry for at least 24 hours before painting over it. The primer coat helps the paint adhere to the textured surface evenly.

Spraying On Texture

Spraying wall texture from a hopper gun or paint sprayer allows you to achieve heavier splatter-type textures like popcorn or Spanish lace. Here is how to spray on wall texture:

1. As noted above, mix the texture paint first and stir it occasionally during application.
2. Pour the texture paint into a paint hopper spray gun or airless paint sprayer following the equipment instructions.
3. Test the texture on cardboard first to adjust the flow and spray pattern.
4. Holding the spray gun about 12 inches from the wall, apply the texture paint by moving your arm left to right across the surface. Overlap passes for even coverage.
5. Take care not to lift the tip at the end of strokes to avoid heavy build up. Maintain the same distance from the wall.
6. For splatter finishes, allow the texture to partially dry between coats. Then apply another coat holding the spray gun closer to the wall.
7. Let the texture fully dry before painting.

Tips for Applying Wall Texture

Here are some handy tips to help you successfully apply wall texture in a can:

• Test the spray pattern on cardboard first. Adjust pressure and nozzle size if needed.
• Wear eye protection, dust mask and painter’s coveralls during application for safety.
• Work in sections for the easiest application, especially for heavy splatter finishes. Texture dries fast so you must work quickly.
• Apply coats perpendicular to each other to help ensure even coverage.
• Backroll splatter texture coats with a dry roller to flatten peaks and even out the overall finish.
• Maintain steady motion and consistent distance from the wall for best results.
• Keep a wet edge as you go and blend in edges immediately for a seamless look.
• Watch for drips and texture build up at the top or bottom of walls. Adjust your spraying motion to prevent this.
• Allow proper drying time between coats. Test readiness by gently touching. Don’t over-texture surfaces.

How to Choose the Right Wall Texture Type

With all the different options for pre-mixed wall textures, how do you choose? Consider these factors:

• Room size – Subtler textures like orange peel, knockdown and sand finishes work best in smaller rooms. Heavier textures can feel overwhelming if the space is too small.
• Wall condition – Popcorn and splatter textures do a great job disguising flaws in existing drywall. Knockdown works well on smoother surfaces.
• Ceiling height – Rooms with high ceilings handle heavy ceiling textures well. Lower ceilings call for more subtle finishes to avoid feeling closed in.
• Lighting – The texture and lighting interact. Ambient or indirect light shows off heavier textures. Harsher direct lighting demands smoother finishes.
• Personal taste – Choose a texture you find visually pleasing for the space. You will be looking at it often.

Painting Over Wall Texture

The texture paint serves as the base layer and needs to be coated with finish paint. Here are some tips for painting over wall texture:

• Allow texture to dry fully for at least 24 hours before painting. Test dryness before proceeding.
• Prime walls first with a high quality latex primer tinted close to the final wall color. This allows for better adhesion and even coverage of the topcoat.
• Use a 1/2 to 3/4 inch nap roller and high quality roller covers recommended for textured surfaces to apply the topcoats.
• Plan to apply 2-3 finish coats of paint over the texture for best coverage and protection.
• Use an angled sash brush to paint corners, edges and cut-in around trim areas before rolling larges surfaces.
• Apply finish coats in perpendicular directions to help ensure the texture and grooves are fully sealed.

Maintaining Textured Wall Finishes

Textured wall finishes are quite durable and low maintenance. Still, follow these tips to keep your textured paint finish looking its best:

• Use a soft brush attachment to gently remove dust from textured walls and ceilings.
• Vacuum using a brush tool then wipe gently with a microfiber cloth to clean.
• Repair any cracks or damage promptly to prevent moisture issues behind the texture.
• Reapply texture paint to any repaired areas to match the surrounding finish.
• Wash walls carefully with mild soap and water using a sponge or rag. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
• If walls become stained or dirty over time, plan to repaint using the original texture paint and application method.

Conclusion

Adding texture to your wall provides depth, dimension, and visual interest to any space. With the variety of premixed texture paints now available in cans, anyone can easily give their home an updated, stylish look. Just prep properly, use the right tools, and apply the texture in even coats according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Maintain the finish periodically by gently dusting, washing when needed, and touching up any damaged areas promptly. Follow the techniques outlined here and you can give your walls an appealing texture makeover in a weekend.