by michael daigle · 9 Jan 2024Have you ever wanted to add some extra dimension and interest to a surface in your home? Textured coatings are a fun and creative way to do just that. Using simple materials and tools you likely already have, you can transform boring walls, furniture, planters, and more into tactile works of art. The textured coating options are endless, from gritty sand finishes to bumpy stucco textures to swirly plaster effects. And the application methods are just as varied, ranging from brushing and rolling to spraying and stenciling. Whether you have a DIY itch to scratch or just want to freshen up your space in an innovative way, textured coatings offer an easy and budget-friendly solution. In this post, we’ll explore some unique ways to use textured coatings in your home and walk through a few simple techniques to get you started. Grab your supplies, roll up your sleeves, and let’s add some texture!
What Are Textured Coatings and Why Use Them?
Textured coatings add visual interest and dimension to any surface. They come in a variety of patterns, from subtle swirls to bold geometrics. You can apply them to walls, ceilings, floors, furniture—the possibilities are endless.
What are textured coatings?
Textured coatings, also known as decorative finishes or faux finishes, are materials used to create surface textures and patterns. They typically contain binders, aggregates, and pigments that provide color and texture. Popular options include:
- Swirl finishes: Create flowing, wavy patterns. Great for accent walls.
- Stipple finishes: Produce a bumpy, mottled effect. Work well for ceilings.
- Metallic finishes: Contain metal flakes for a glimmering, iridescent look. Stunning on furnishings.
- Geometric finishes: Result in angular, geometric patterns. Make a statement on floors.
Why use textured coatings?
There are several benefits to using textured coatings:
They add visual interest. Textured coatings transform smooth, flat surfaces into decorative features. They create focal points and make spaces more dynamic.
They conceal imperfections. Textured coatings can hide minor cracks, dents, and uneven surfaces. They're a great way to refresh and revive old or damaged walls and ceilings.
They create custom looks. With so many patterns and techniques to choose from, you can achieve a custom look tailored to your personal style. Textured coatings allow you to get creative!
They're budget-friendly. Textured coatings are an affordable alternative to more expensive wall treatments like wallpaper, tile, stone, and brick veneer. You get maximum style for minimal cost.
Popular Types of Textured Coatings
When it comes to textured coatings, you've got options. Three popular varieties are sand, pebble, and swirl.
Sand
A sand finish provides a subtle gritty texture. It's created by adding fine sand granules to the coating before application. The result is an evenly “sandy” feel with a matte, natural-looking finish. Great for patios, walkways and pool decks.
Pebble
For a coarser, more rugged texture, a pebble coating incorporates small pebbles or stones into the coating compound. The pebbles are visible on the surface, giving a multi-dimensional finish with an organic, stony vibe. Use on outdoor floors, walls or landscaping features.
Swirl
A swirl coating is applied with a textured roller or brush, creating a distinctive swirl pattern as you paint. The depth and scale of the swirls can vary depending on the tool and technique used. Swirl finishes have a stylish, handcrafted appearance and work well for indoor accent walls or outdoor siding and trim.
The options don’t end there. You can also add color chips, crushed shells, chopped fibers or shredded metals to create fully customized coatings. Get creative! Mix in materials that complement the overall style you’re after. Then decide on your application method. Roller, brush, sprayer or trowel - the choice is yours.
With some experimenting, you'll be designing artisanal textured coatings in no time. And transforming ordinary surfaces into masterpieces. Now go forth and get your texture on!
Unique Ways to Apply Textured Coatings
There are so many creative methods for applying textured coatings beyond a standard roller or brush. Here are a few unique ways to add visual interest to your walls.
Sponging is an easy way to create mottled, irregular patterns. Simply dip a natural sponge in the coating and dab it onto the wall using light, uneven pressure. For a more vibrant effect, use contrasting colors. This technique works great for creating stone or weathered looks.
Ragging involves crumpling a rag, dipping it in the coating, then dabbing and dragging it across the wall. The crumpled rag creates uneven, mottled patterns that resemble timeworn, distressed surfaces. For a rustic feel, use burlap, canvas or cheesecloth rags. Twist, knot or braid the rag for different effects.
Stenciling allows you to create crisp, geometric patterns. Place stencils on the wall and apply the coating with a roller, brush or sprayer. Create your own stencils or purchase pre-made stencils featuring intricate Moroccan, decorative or nature-inspired designs. For high contrast, use stencils with the base coat and apply a different color for the topcoat.
Stamping produces repetitive patterns using carved stamps, potatoes, corks or other materials. Dip the stamp in the coating and press firmly onto the wall, lifting straight up. Overlap the impressions slightly for a seamless pattern. This works well for simulating stone, brick, wood grain or tile.
Spattering involves flicking the bristles of a stiff brush with your finger to splatter droplets of the coating onto the wall. Hold the brush close to the wall for smaller splatters or farther away for larger splatters. Spattering creates a mottled, organic effect reminiscent of natural stone or weathered surfaces. For extra texture, apply a thicker topcoat and spatter before it dries completely.
With some experimentation, you can achieve beautiful textured and layered looks using these creative application methods. Let your imagination run wild!
Creative Uses for Textured Coatings in Home Decor
Textured coatings can be used in so many creative ways to add visual interest to your home. Here are some ideas to get you started:
One simple way to use textured coatings is to create accent walls in a space. Apply the coating to just one wall for a dramatic look without overwhelming the room. The texture provides depth and dimension.
Textured coatings also work well on ceilings. An ornate ceiling coated in a metallic finish can make a stunning statement in an entryway or dining room. For bedrooms, a subtle swirl finish on the ceiling creates visual interest for a calming space.
Get creative with stencils and stamps. Press stencils or custom stamps into the coating before it dries for decorative patterns and shapes on walls, ceilings, and even floors. Metallic coatings pair nicely for an elegant look.
Don’t forget about floors! Coat concrete floors, wood floors, and even laminate floors to create slip-resistant surfaces with visual appeal. A coating with light grit or sand additive provides traction. Clear topcoats protect the finish.
Doors, cabinets and trim provide another opportunity for texture. Coat the surfaces for a custom distressed or aged finish. Metallic coatings lend a rustic, industrial vibe. Clear topcoats help protect the finish from wear and scratches.
For a fun DIY project, coat household items like trays, boxes, baskets or picture frames. The textured, painted finish transforms simple items into decorative accents for your home. Clear topcoats seal the finish.
The options for using textured coatings in home decor are endless. With a little creativity, you can achieve custom finishes that reflect your unique style. Experiment on scrap materials first to perfect your technique and create samples for your space. Then get ready for a fun, hands-on project that will dramatically transform your home!
Adding Dimension With Textured Walls and Ceilings
Adding texture to your walls and ceilings is an easy way to create visual interest and dimension in any room. There are so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find something perfect for your space.
Paint
The simplest way to add texture is with paint. You can roll on swirled or bumpy paint with a textured roller, or dab it on with a textured brush for a mottled, uneven look. For ceilings, try sponge painting, rag rolling or stippling. These techniques create soft, subtle textures using layers of paint and different implements.
Wallpapers
Wallpapers offer textures from soft and subtle to bold and dramatic. Grasscloth and burlap provide natural texture, while flocked, metallic and glitter wallpapers add glamor. For kids’ rooms, try bumpy or soft wallpapers they’ll love touching. Peel and stick wallpapers make it easy to add temporary texture.
Panels
Wood planks, metal panels, stone and brick veneers provide rustic, dimensional texture. Wood planks come in reclaimed, distressed and weathered finishes. Metal panels like tin, copper and corten steel create an industrial vibe. Faux stone and brick panels offer the look of natural materials without the weight or installation challenges.
Stencils
Stencils allow you to add customized texture with paint, wallpaper paste or joint compound. Geometric shapes, botanical designs and abstract patterns are all options. Stenciling takes time but yields impressive, one-of-a-kind results. For beginners, start with a simple stencil and practice on cardboard first.
Joint compound
Joint compound, also called drywall mud, can be applied with knives, trowels and textured rollers to create swirls, peaks and ridges. Once dry, it can be sanded, painted and sealed. Joint compound is ideal for creating bold, dramatic textures on ceilings and walls. However, it does require some skill to work with and can be messy.
Adding texture to your walls and ceilings provides visual depth and enhances a room’s character. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find a texture perfect for your space and style. Experiment and have fun with it!
Textured Coatings for Furniture and Accessories
Textured coatings are a fun way to give new life to old furniture and accessories. Spruce up side tables, lamps, picture frames or decorative boxes with an easy DIY project.
Sand it Down
Lightly sand the surface to rough it up and provide “tooth” for the coating to grip onto. Wipe away dust with a tack cloth. For curved surfaces like lamp bases or table legs, use fine-grit sandpaper that can bend and contour to the shape.
Choose a Coating
Consider stucco, plaster or concrete coatings for a rustic look. Faux stone coatings resemble granite, marble or sandstone. Metallic coatings contain mica or stone particles that shimmer when the light hits. For outdoor pieces, use a coating specifically formulated for exteriors that can withstand weather.
Apply a Base Coat
Apply a base coat of acrylic sealer or primer, especially for raw wood. Let it dry as directed. The base coat provides a consistent surface for the textured coating to adhere to. For dark-colored coatings, a tinted primer in a similar shade helps with coverage.
Add Texture
Roll, brush or spray on the textured coating, building up layers gradually. As it starts to firm up, use tools like a putty knife, roller or trowel to create peaks and swirls. For a stucco effect, criss-cross a roller over the coating with a stippling brush. Let each layer dry fully between applications.
Seal and Protect
Apply two coats of acrylic sealer once the textured coating is dry. The sealer protects from damage and makes the coating more durable and water-resistant. For outdoor pieces, use an exterior sealant and reapply every few years.
With some simple tools and a little creativity, you can transform ordinary furnishings into custom pieces with loads of character. Textured coatings open up a world of DIY possibilities for your home.
DIY Textured Coating Projects and Techniques
DIY textured coating projects are a fun way to add visual interest to walls, furniture, and decor. Here are some techniques and ideas to get you started:
Roller Painting
Using a paint roller, apply two coats of paint in contrasting colors, waiting for each coat to dry in between. Once dry, go over the surface with a roller in a third color, dabbing and stippling to create peaks and valleys. The layers of color peeking through create a mottled, textured effect.
Sponge Painting
Apply a base coat of paint and let dry. Then dab on a second coat using a natural sponge, blotting and stippling to build up layers of color and create bumps and craters in the surface. Use coordinating or contrasting colors for dramatic results.
Rag Rolling
After applying a base coat of paint, load a rag, towel, or other fabric with a glaze or second color of paint. Then roll and dab the rag over the surface to create a mottled, streaky finish with subtle highs and lows.
Stenciling
Apply a stencil to a primed surface and dab on paint with a sponge or roller over the stencil openings. Remove the stencil to reveal the pattern. Go over the entire wall or surface with a roller in a contrasting shade to add texture around the stenciled shapes.
Stamping
Create your own stamps from materials like cardboard, cork, or linoleum and apply to a painted surface to imprint patterns. Use a sponge or roller in a contrasting color over and around the stamped shapes to build up texture.
Exploring different textured coating techniques is a fun, creative endeavor. Start with some DIY projects to practice the methods before tackling entire walls. Mixing and layering techniques, as well as using tools in new ways, allows for endless variations to discover your own signature style.
Choosing the Right Textured Coating for Your Project
When selecting a textured coating for your DIY project, you have many options to consider based on the look you want to achieve and how much texture you desire.
For a subtle rustic or distressed appearance, a light sand additive creates a fine sandy texture. Mix in a small amount of fine-grit sand, like playground sand, to a latex or acrylic paint base. The sand will give the coating a delicate pebbled finish. Start with just a cup of sand for every gallon of paint and add more to reach your desired level of texture.
For a stucco-like finish, add perlite, a lightweight aggregate made of volcanic rock. Perlite creates an uneven, bumpy texture perfect for a rustic Tuscan feel. Mix 3 to 4 cups of perlite per gallon of paint. Add a concrete bonding agent or acrylic sealant to help the perlite adhere to the surface. Multiple thin coats will provide the most realistic stucco effect.
For a heavy swirl pattern, add thickening agents like joint compound or drywall mud. Joint compound is a lightweight plaster that creates deep grooves and swirls when applied with a roller or brush. Mix 2 to 3 cups of joint compound per gallon of paint for a heavy texture or 1 to 2 cups for a lighter swirl. Roll it on with a thick nap roller in a figure-8 pattern.
For a knockdown texture, apply a layer of joint compound or drywall mud with a roller or hopper gun and then flatten it out with a drywall knife or trowel. Let it partially dry until tacky and then use the knife to scrape across the surface, leaving the grooves and bumps behind. Knockdown provides dimension with flattened peaks for an organic plaster look.
The options for textured coatings are endless. With some experimentation, you can create a custom look all your own. The key is to start light by mixing in small amounts of additive and build up gradually. You can always add more texture but removing it requires re-painting! Have fun with it and embrace the imperfections.
FAQ on Textured Coatings - Uses and Application Methods
Textured coatings can be used in so many creative ways to add visual interest to walls, ceilings, and floors. Here are some of the most common questions about using textured coatings.
What surfaces can I apply textured coatings to?
Almost any surface - drywall, concrete, wood, metal. The key is to clean and prime the surface first so the coating has something to adhere to.
How do I apply textured coatings?
There are a few methods:
- Roller - For subtle swirl textures or bumpy effects. Use a roller with the specific texture you want to achieve.
- Spray gun - Gives an even, consistent texture and works well for ceilings or large walls. Requires equipment like an air compressor and sprayer.
-Trowel - For thicker coatings that can be spread and then textured. Use a trowel, putty knife or drywall knife to apply and scrape the coating to your desired texture.
-Brush - For small accent walls or trim, a brush can be used to stipple and dab the coating onto the surface. Achieves a mottled, irregular texture.
How do I create different textures?
There are many ways to vary the texture:
- Add aggregates like sand, perlite or vermiculite to the coating before applying for a bumpy, gritty texture.
- Apply a base coat and let dry partially, then go over it with a roller, brush or trowel to create peaks and valleys.
- Use tools like a comb, roller or brush to create swirl patterns, bumps or ridges in the coating as it's drying.
- Apply multiple thin coats, letting each dry partially before applying the next coat. This builds up layers and depth.
- Add a thickener or thinner to the coating to achieve your desired consistency before applying. Thicker coatings result in heavier textures.
- Experiment! The options are endless. With some practice you'll be creating custom textures in no time.
Let your creativity shine through and have fun with it. Textured coatings offer an easy, inexpensive way to add major visual impact to any space.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, some cool ways to spice up your space with textured coatings. Whether you want to add visual interest to an accent wall, camouflage imperfections, or just experiment with different materials, textured coatings offer an easy and budget-friendly solution. With so many options to choose from, you're sure to find a style you love. And the best part is, if you don't like it or want to change it up in a few years, you can just apply another coating right over the top. Textured coatings are meant to be played with, so grab some supplies, turn on your favorite music, and get creative! You'll be amazed at how much you can transform a room. Give textured coatings a try - your walls will thank you.