Drywall Texture: Types, Techniques and Repairs

Drywall texture does two jobs: it gives a wall or ceiling a look, and it hides the small flaws that a flat, smooth finish would show. Every texture on this site falls into one of three groups, based on how it is applied. Spray textures (orange peel, knockdown, popcorn) need a hopper gun and compressor or a dedicated texture spray rig. They are the fastest way to cover a whole room. Hand-trowel textures (skip trowel, Santa Fe, hawk and trowel) need only a knife or trowel and some practice. Brush and roller textures (stomp knockdown, rosebud, swirl) are mostly used on ceilings and are easy to do without a sprayer.

Pick a texture by looking at the photos on each page. Deciding on a texture involves more than just how it is applied. How easy it will be to patch later is an important consideration. Heavy, random textures like knockdown and skip trowel hide taping imperfections. Light textures like fine orange peel show more of what's underneath. Whatever you choose, the drywall still needs to be taped and coated first. Texture doesn't replace good finishing.

Repairing a wall that already has texture? Start with the "Match, fix or remove" group below. For a side-by-side comparison of every texture, including which ones suit walls and which suit ceilings, read the full Types of Drywall Texture guide. If the ceiling is old popcorn, read the removal page before you scrape anything.