Guide to Drywall Textures: Part Two

Drywall texture is another way to add style and flare to your home. These aesthetic textures add a dose of personality to a space but also serve an important function. Drywall is notably used to mask damages, knicks, and general imperfections. Whether you have some defects or not, drywall is a great home addition to create a design-forward and idyllic space.

In another article, we talk about the most common drywall textures. For this one, we’ll focus on new and inventive ways to incorporate drywall into your abode. Keep in mind that coarser textures (like popcorn or orange peel) can hide flaws easily compared to flatter, glossier surfaces.

Take a deeper look at drywall textures in the second part of this guide.

Cardboard

It might seem a little DIY, but it’s certainly easy. Cardboard drywall texture uses a simple piece of cardboard (yep, really)! Use a stiff piece of cardboard and cut an edge to use the corrugated design to apply geometric designs.

Faux Brick

Minimalists, city dwellers, and industrial fans are into the much-loved faux brick. This plaster combination gives the impression of brick panels when applied with the right tools.

Hawk and Trowel

Love simple—and soothing—wave shapes? Consider hawk and trowel, which mimics long, sloping wave shapes. Want to make a splash in your space? Opt for this one, however, you may want to consider hiring a contractor for hawk and trowel designs. The texture can take a bit of time to get the hang of and may be way easier for a pro to do.

Machine Brocade

Is it industrial or romantic? Don’t let the name fool you. Machine brocade is a sleek and modern texture known for its defined and elongated shapes. This style is especially popular for covering up wall damages, as the defects will be virtually undetectable after application.

Monterrey Drag

This popular drywall is a fan favorite among homeowners because it’s simple to apply independently. To start, apply a dry compound to the wall. Do not let the compound dry completely—as the material sets, scrape and shift the compound to make deliberate textures and shapes.

Multicolored

You might imagine drywall as opaque and pale white. But multicolored tones and textures are totally possible. All it takes is applying one layer of plain drywall (the standard white or eggshell hue), and then applying a second layer of the same drywall in a different color. After this initial application, you can apply a brush or trowel for your design of choice.

Right Angle

If you’re a fan of angular designs, right-angle texture is just the thing for you. This style incorporates a trowel and placing it neatly at a right angle against the wall. The result? Distinctive and even, clean lines.

Scarred

Similar to thick layers (see below), scarred is a drywall texture applied in thick overlapping layers. When finished, the visual leaves a cut-up, rough appearance like scars.

Shiplap

For a more rustic feel, go for shiplap. This style is much more involved, as it requires the use of cladding planks or painting indented parallel lines.

Slate

Similar to shiplap above, slate drywall incorporates randomly sized wooden slates to create a pattern of your choosing.

Slap Brush

The name says it all. Slap brush texture is a technique that resembles a painter’s brush slapping against a canvas. Think long, irregular-shaped textures created by brush bristles which create an artsy, bohemian effect.

Spanish Lace

Have a flair for the dramatic? Enter, Spanish lace. This particular texture evokes a sense of charm and timeless grace. The pattern echoes a lace-like shape and can take a fair amount of skill. Definitely tap a professional for this job for an utterly elegant wall (or ceiling).

Thick Layers

Swooping thick layers abound, and it’s incredibly easy to apply. Simply pile on the drywall in thick, overlapping layers (like buttering toast).

Tuscan

Travel to the Italian countryside with Tuscan texture. This element has similarities with Venetian drywall, but this option is more pronounced.