How should I properly apply this textured paint with sand for a skip trowel effect on the surface?
Asked by Afşar Erçetin 
8 months ago
Last Updated: April 22, 2024
Hey there! I’m planning to replicate this textured look that seems to have sand in it. I’ve never worked with sand before, but it looks like it was applied with a skip trowel. I was thinking of mixing sand into some paint, rolling it onto the surface, and then using a skip trowel to spread it around. What do you think of that idea? Appreciate any input you have! Thank you in advance.
To me, the ceiling appears to have been sprayed on and left as is. The other picture is a bit unclear, but it seems like it may have been rolled on.
Leaves their trowel marks all over the place. Unless they opt for skip troweling and then spraying.
I’m a bit concerned about the hopper containing sand in it, .
I think they may have attempted to smooth it out with a trowel when it was slightly dry but still soft enough to leave marks. The sand might blow away with the mud, but mixing it in can help achieve a skip trowel effect. Give it a try by spraying it on, waiting 5 or 10 minutes, then knocking it down. I usually mix about 4 cups of special fine sand called silica sand in half a 5-gallon bucket of mud.
Hey there! If you’re using thinned mud in a texture gun, consider adding some paint for a better finish.
Is using paint and mud in the texture gun?
Yep, an anonymous participant
It seems like the texture was applied using a spray or a roll-on method, then smoothed with a trowel. I suggest trying out a few samples on a separate piece of drywall to find the best match.
I took another peek at the lines and pattern, and it seems like it was smoothed out with a wet, bulky sponge.
I probably should have taken better pictures, but you can see the trowel marks, right? And I was thinking maybe using textured paint to create some faint trowel marks.
Mix silica sand into the paint by rolling it on with a 1/2″ nap roller and then smoothing it out with a trowel.
Do you use a trowel to apply the paint, Jesse?
Yep, you’re right! There was a trend going around for a bit where people were doing their own version of a French or Spanish manicure at home. You can find plenty of online tutorials to guide you through it – good luck!
I have a feeling the roller won’t provide an even spread. I might need to go over it with a brush or trowel to ensure uniformity.
Remember that true perfection may be elusive when using additives. Embrace the beauty of imperfection in art and in our humanity. Let your creativity flow without fear of making mistakes – after all, your creation is uniquely yours to enjoy.
Indeed, the current wall is quite uneven. I’m trying to avoid any clumping. Using a trowel to move the paint around seems like a better option than a brush. I appreciate the tip and will give it a try.
I recommend starting by experimenting with different techniques on sample pieces of drywall.