TEXTURING WALLS BY HAND WITH SHEETROCK MUD & TUTORIAL

Today, I was texturing the walls and ceiling of a powder room and

one niche wall in the dining room.

The texturing I did today was with sheetrock mud.  I love working with sheetrock mud.

TUTORIAL

The mud I always use is labeled "lightweight".  The regular is very wet and very heavy.  And, the lightweight dries faster for me.  I use a 5" broad knife to spread the mud.  If you try it, try to be consistent with the amount of mud you are putting your broad knife each time and spread it across the wall.  Then, just smear it around and keep going with the next broad knife full of mud.  For smaller areas, like between a door frame and wall, I use my finger or a  1" or 2" broad knife. 

When it first goes on, it is wet and gray.  When it starts turning white, that means it's drying.  When it's dry/white, you can faux paint on it or just paint it.  And, depending on what finish I'm doing, I usually put two coats of paint.  The first coat soaks into the mud and the second coat looks good.

To me, this texturing could be any decor...french, texas, santa fe, mexican, anything!  It can look like old walls.  It's different from most of the texture you see in homes.  And, it's ok to texture only one room, one wall, etc.

Be Brave!! and, have fun!