The Difference Between Manual and Spray Drywall Textures

Posted on May 26, 2020 by bittnerdry

Drywall texture is an important design application that delivers enhanced warmth, appeal, and overall aesthetic to an interior. Although there are hundreds of different styles of drywall texture, all fall under one of two primary application processes: manual or spray. Continue reading to learn more about each category of drywall texture application, including what sets them apart and how to choose which style for your remodel.

Indianapolis Drywall and Painting 317-269-7319

Manual Drywall Textures

When drywall texture is applied by hand, they are manual textures, or hand textures. For this type of drywall texture application, basic hand tools, like trowels and hawks, are used to achieve the desired look. Most often, a simple pan and knife are the tools chosen to apply manual drywall textures. Additional hand tools, such as specialized brushes and rollers, are used to complete the textured swirl, stomp, and swoosh motifs into the drywall mud. Sometimes, commercial paint sprayers are used to apply drywall texture, but this method is still considered manual.

Spray Drywall Textures

When drywall texture is sprayed onto a surface, they are spray textures. This method of drywall texture application requires specialized machinery that pumps drywall texture onto surfaces. Such machines are can be electric or gas-powered, but all are manufactured with powerful pumps that supply drywall mud through inner lines, and out of a special nozzle or tip. The designs in the drywall mud are created using compressed air and a sprayer gun, rather than by hand.

Common Drywall Texture Names:

➤ Skip Trowel
➤ Popcorn
➤ Smooth Wall
➤ Hawk and Trowel
➤ Crows-Foot Stomp
➤ Splatter Knockdown
➤ Orange Peel
➤ Rosebud
➤ Stomp Knockdown
➤ Santa-Fe Texture
➤ Double Skip
➤ Swirl Drywall

Indianapolis Drywall Services You Can Trust

Call Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 when you need professional drywall services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are a licensed, bonded, and insured drywall company that provides residential and commercial drywall work at competitive prices. Call 317-269-7319 to request a free estimate, today. Call 317-269-7319 to request a free estimate, today.

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

How to Match Drywall Texture

Posted on May 9, 2017 by bittnerdry

Indianapolis Drywall Installation 317-269-7319

When you have to patch textured drywall, matching the textures properly can be quite the challenge since there are so many variables involved. In fact, it is strongly recommended to use professional drywall service for patching and repair work on textured drywall unless you have experience. Professional drywall contractors retain all the proper tools, materials, and training to match drywall textures effortlessly. However, if you are going to take on the project yourself, there are a few tips to learn before
you get started.

Continue reading to learn some advice on how to match drywall textures and achieve a seamless finish.

Be Sure the Width of the Drywall Matches the Existing Layer

It is important that the wall is level. To ensure this, you must use the same thickness drywall as the new layer. Otherwise, the new layer will protrude or cave in, which will look defective when finished. Simply measure the width of the existing drywall and find the matching size at your local home improvement store. One exception to this rule is plaster. You may have to use shimming to raise the final layer of your drywall patch since plaster is not always an exact size.

Use as Little Drywall Mud as Possible on the Surrounding Drywall

When taping and coating the surrounding patch area in an effort to make it as flat as possible, be sure to limit the amount of mud you use. Use the thinnest layer possible to get the job done.

Blend the Lines that Distinguish the New Layer with the Existing Layer of Mud

One of the primary focuses of a drywall patching job is to blend the lines so they are not distinguishable when the wall is finished. But there is more to this strategy than this obvious factor. For flat finishes, you could simply feather out the mud and do away with these lines entirely; but for textures, you will need to use a drywall knife or other tool to fill these crevices with excess drywall mud.

Mimic the Same Application Technique Used for the Original Texture

It is vital to use the same tools and techniques used for the existing drywall texture. If you do anything differently, you will not get the same results and your patch will not match the rest of the wall. If you did not apply the initial layer of drywall, you may want to hire a professional for assistance.

Be Sure You Use the Same Amount of Spackle as the Existing Layer of Drywall

Just like you matched the drywall width and technique, you must also match the same amount of drywall mud. If you use less mud than the existing layer, it will appear concaved; and if you use too much, it will look swollen. Work in moderate amounts so you can match the layer accurately.

Indianapolis Drywall Installation and Repair

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Call Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 for professional drywall installation and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding areas. We provide residential and commercial drywall service at competitive prices. Call 317-269-7319 to request a free estimate, today.

A Closer Look at Skip Trowel Drywall Texture

Posted on April 17, 2017 by bittnerdry

Skip trowel is a confusing term since it can refer to several different types of drywall texture. It is used too vaguely in the drywall industry, which is misleading among property owners. Proper skip trowel texture can only be achieved using the right tools and techniques. For it to be a true skip trowel, the drywall mud material must be applied in a very thin layer using a specialized curved knife, called a trowel. These are 18 inches wide, which aids in the application process. When applied at the right angle, the blade of the knife spreads the mud in a way that causes it to “skip” across the surface. This creates a unique rounded circle texture that is a true and true skip trowel.

Indianapolis Drywall Installation 317-269-7319

Similar Drywall Textures

Skip trowel is often confused for alternative drywall textures. One of the most common textures mistaken for skip trowel is called hawk and trowel. This drywall texture is a lot different because it produces many layers of texture, rather than just one thin layer. Also, hawk and trowel texture creates several lines and uneven circles, unlike skip trowel that produces small round circles. Another common drywall texture that is frequently confused for skip towel is called Sante Fe texture. Santa Fe drywall texture also uses a very thin layer of material.

Skip Trowel Application

If you are planning to finish your drywall on your own, you will need to purchase the materials for the project. You can find everything you need for drywall work at any local home improvement store. It is important to have the proper tools, materials, and equipment to finish drywall. Not only is it a challenging task to undertake without experience or knowledge, it is a costly investment. A better option would be to hire professional drywall contractors. They have the training, equipment, and resources to deliver prompt and professional drywall finishing at an affordable price.

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors

Indianapolis Drywall Contractors 317-269-7319

Call Drywall by Local Builders at 317-269-7319 when you need professional drywall texture and drywall service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are a licensed, bonded, and insured drywall company that provides residential and commercial drywall work at competitive prices. Call 317-269-7319 to request a free estimate, today.