How-To Texture Drywall
With texture the decorative possibilities are endless, but most people texture for the practical reasons -it hides flaws in your walls and your taping. There are several application options available to you, it depends mostly on the size of the job you have. If you have a larger room or an entire remodel project, the Pneumatic II Spray Texture Gun from Homax is a good choice.
Before you begin, you must first find out when your ceiling texture was applied. If it was applied before 1979, do not attempt to remove it without having it tested for asbestos content. Asbestos fibers, when inhaled, can cause serious health problems including cancer. Prior to the 1980’s, asbestos was used in thousands of different construction materials and manufactured products, including acoustic ceiling textures. Contact the Environmental Protection Agency for more information or have it tested by a professional testing company.
Supplies :
- Homax Pneumatic II Spray Texture Gun
- Homax Premixed Spray Textures
- Plastic Drop Cloths
- 3/4 hp or larger air compressor
- 10" Drywall Knife
- Large piece of scrap cardboard
Steps :
- Protect surrounding area from over-spray, especially furniture and carpet, by covering with drop cloths and masking where necessary.
- Prepare surface by removing grease, loose plaster, peeling paint, etc. Texture will adhere to most clean surfaces. Priming drywall surfaces is recommended.
- Attach premixed texture bottle to Spray Texture Gun. Follow directions on bottle - be sure to uncap small "breather" cap and punch breather hole in bottle.
- Select desired texture pattern. Two easy adjustments on the gun will produce multiple spray patterns. The nozzle plate controls the size of the individual splatters, the larger the hole, the larger the splatter size. The volume control switch controls the volume of texture material and the size of the cone-shaped spray pattern. (Directions included with the gun elaborate on what adjustments to make for your desired spray pattern.)
- Connect the Pneumatic II Spray Texture Gun to air compressor. Set pressure at 25-35 psi. Do not exceed 70 psi. It can operate off of either a portable compressor or HVLP spray unit (HVLP must deliver 80 cfm or larger).
- Test spray pattern on cardboard surface until you obtain the desired pattern.
- Stand approximately 3-4 ft. from wall surface. Move gun in a slow sweeping motion as you begin spraying. Apply the texture to achieve 50%-80% coverage over the drywall, depending on the pattern. Remember this isn’t paint, and the goal is not to cover the surface completely. After you’ve finished texturing let it dry according to the instructions and then apply the paint.
That’s it - you have successfully textured a large project using the Pneumatic II Spray Texture Gun.