The skip trowel texture can be achieved by applying thin joint compound in random arches across the wall or ceiling.It is easy to apply this texture as long as you take your time and work slowly.
Step 1: Don't allow yourself to be exposed to danger.
Prepare to get dirty as this will be a messy project.If you want to avoid wearing fine jewelry, wear old "work clothes" that you won't mind messing with.As you prepare the wall and joint compound, it is a good idea to wear safety goggles.Dust can easily break away and cause irritation if it gets into your eyes.Work gloves are not necessary.Gloves can help minimize the potential mess if you wash off joint compound that gets on your skin.
Step 2: The wall has sand on it.
You will need to sand down the project before you can apply the skip trowel texture.If you're working on a previously painted wall or ceiling, sanding isn't necessary.If that is the case, skip this step and move onto the next one.If you need to sand the wall, you can use a pole sander.Sand away any edges, lines, or bumps with pressure.Make sure you reach into corners and wall seams.
Step 3: Dust and dirt should be wiped off.
To texture the surface, use a damp rag.Allow it to dry before moving on.The joint compound may not adhere properly if you don't remove the dust and dirt from your walls.An air compressor can be used to clear dust from your walls, but using a damp rag is usually easier and more thorough.
Step 4: Place a drop cloth on top of it.
Place a drop cloth, newspaper, or plastic sheet over the floor in the room.To keep it in place throughout the process, tape it down.If you want to avoid getting compound on your floor, you need to use a drop cloth.The pieces of furniture should be taken to another room as you work to protect it.
Step 5: The surface needs to beprimed.
There is a debate on whether or not it is necessary to fix your wall or ceiling.It might be worth considering since the surface won't hurt.Alatex-based wallboard primer can be used to seal the pores in your drywall.After applying the primer in a smooth, even coat with a standard paint roller, let it dry completely.Those in favor of the process argue that it can encourage even drying and limit the potential for the joint compound to shrink.It's a good idea to use primer to seal the pores of the drywall so that mud won't get into them and shrink in volume.
Step 6: All-purpose joint compound is a choice.
All-purpose joint compound is the best for this project.You can use either compound.There are compounds that contain sand.It's best to use plain mud for this type of texture.lightweight compounds should also be avoided.These formulas may not accept the texture as well as all-purpose compound.
Step 7: Get your mixer ready.
A heavy-duty electric drill is the best tool to use.You can mix the compound with a large potato masher if you don't have an electric tool.It will require more strength and physical energy.
Step 8: Take the compound out of the bucket.
Combine a full box or bucket of dry mix compound with a small amount of water in a plastic bucket.Slowly, the mud will look creamy and smooth.You don't need to add water if you use ready-mix compound.Start mixing the compound on your own.Check the package instructions and use the manufacturer's minimum amount of water when using dry compound.You should start with the minimum.You should only prepare as much as you can use since joint compound can dry quickly.In the middle of the application process, more compound can be mixed.
Step 9: Gradually add more water
Adding water to the compound will increase the mixing speed to a medium setting.When the compound develops the consistency of thick paint, continue mixing and adding water.The mud won't spread well if it's too thick.It will leak if it's too thin.The mud is easy to spread.
Step 10: Work from bottom to top.
Work up the wall until you reach the ceiling when applying the skip trowel texture.The wall should be divided in half.Work on the floor to midway point first, followed by the ceiling section.To create a skip trowel texture over a ceiling, you need to start at one side of the ceiling and work your way across to the other side.It shouldn't matter which side you start on.
Step 11: The compound should be put on the trowel.
Scoop some onto the widest edge of your trowel after pouring the compound into a mud pan.It should be easier to move the trowel into the mud.It is not recommended to work directly from the mixing bucket.
Step 12: The compound needs to be Smoothed on the wall.
Use a side-to-side stroke to smooth the compound over the wall.The mud needs to be applied to the wall.You don't have to make a texture in this step.The final appearance of the skip trowel texture will be affected by the amount and thickness of mud.A lighter look is offered by less mud.The initial layer of mud should be a little thicker than you want it to be.
Step 13: You can skip arches across the mud.
The trowel should be held over the mud at a 15-degree angle.As you remove the trowel, bend your wrist away from the wall.This will help create a dash at the end of the strokes.You can create arches from either side-to-side or up-and-down.Continue working with the mud until you're happy with it.
Step 14: As needed, repeat as necessary.
As you apply mud and create skip trowel texture across the entire wall or ceiling, follow the same procedure.Try not to rush and work in small sections.The appearance needs to be perfect before it starts drying.
Step 15: Allow it to dry a little.
Allow the compound to dry for a while.Give it time to set up.You should look over your work once the compound is set.Fix the areas before letting the compound set completely.
Step 16: There are any errors that you should fix.
If you see a compound dripping or dropping from the wall, you should use your trowel to knock it off.The surface should be checked for even application.If certain areas look thicker than others, use the trowel to thin them out.If some areas look thinner, you may need to work more mud over them.
Step 17: Allow the surface to be dry.
Allow it to dry for at least 24 hours after you're satisfied with the texture.You can paint the compound after the mud is dry.As soon as the mud dries, you can remove the drop cloth if you don't want to apply any primer or paint.