Logan Voss
Drywall is a versatile product, and you can texture it to add depth and character to a build. If you’re new to drywall textures, here’s a quick rundown of the types of drywall textures to know for your projects.
Top Material
Drywall is such a great material because you can use it to create any style of home, from modern to traditional to anything in between. People often choose drywall because it’s easy to work with, inexpensive, and fire resistant!
Smooth drywall is for walls, ceilings, and floors, and it can also work on staircases. Its texture will give the room an incredibly smooth finish that will appear flat when painted over. When applying drywall, some projects may require additional tools. Ensure that you know how to use drywall stilts before starting any project that requires them.
Flat drywall is very similar to smooth drywall but has more ridges—almost like fine sandpaper. This makes it perfect for cutting in around windows. Its texture is best for high-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms, where you want something durable enough to withstand daily wear and tear without looking too rough or unfinished once you paint over it.
Orange Peel
The orange peel texture is a bit more complicated than the others, but it’s definitely a drywall texture to know for your projects. You apply a layer of joint compound to the wall in two steps: you lay down an initial coat, then add another coat after letting the first one dry. Once both coats dry, you can use a spray gun or paint roller to apply another layer of joint compound over the surface, which will give it a very thick texture. You’ll need to do this quickly and evenly, making sure not to miss any areas. Otherwise, you’ll have gaps between layers.
Knockdown
You can create the knockdown texture by spraying the mud on the wall and then knocking it down with a taping knife. It’s an easy technique for beginners because you simply add another layer of mud over it if you make a mistake. The goal is to create stalactite-like peaks, then flatten them with a knockdown knife.
Skip Trowel
Skip trowel is the most common texture. It’s a flat surface with a smooth and even texture. This drywall texture is often in areas that need high ceilings, such as hallways and living rooms, because it makes them feel bigger than they are. Skip trowel is also popular in commercial buildings because of its ability to hide imperfections in a wall’s surface and create a uniform appearance throughout the building.
The drywall texture you choose will depend on the desired look and budget. Once you complete the project, you’ll have a space that looks great that you can add to your portfolio.
