Joint compound is a wonderful texturing and design tool, especially when you are on a budget. Yes, home improvement centers sell all kinds of expensive products for you to use in texturing surfaces. However, joint compound allows you to create the same textures and personalize them at the same time for a fraction of the cost. Joint compound texturing is a messy process, so cover the floors with painter's plastic before you begin. Does this Spark an idea?
Over Paneling
Keep in mind that one large tub of joint compound will cover about two walls, depending on the size of the walls. Open the tub and mix the joint compound thoroughly. Clean the paneling and dry it so that the joint compound will adhere to it easily. Then dip your hands in the joint compound and apply it to the walls. You want to make about a quarter-inch layer of joint compound on the walls to begin with. Then use your fingers to make patterns in the joint compound. A simple swirl with the palm of your hand all across the wall creates a beautiful texture. The joint compound takes a while to dry so play with your texture pattern until you are satisfied with it. Once it is completely dry paint over the joint compound. Painting is necessary so that the compound does not chip.
With Paint
If you want old world texture on your walls create it with joint compound. Pour some acrylic paint in a roller pan, then add about a cup of joint compound in the pan. Mix the paint and compound with your roller. The mixture should have a variety of hues of the paint in it when you are done, not be one solid color. Then use the roller to apply the compound-paint mixture to the walls. This technique will give your walls a bumpy and aged look when it is dry. Make note of how much paint and compound you mix together in your first mix so that you can make the same mixture each time you need to reload the rolling pan.
Picture Walls
Many homeowners use one wall to display photos of their family members over the course of time. Hall walls are very popular for this. Make the wall have its own character by texturing it with joint compound first, spreading the compound over the entire wall and then allowing the members of your family to make their own designs or handprints in the compound before it dries. Once it dries paint the wall, let the paint dry, then hang your pictures for a truly unique memory place that your family has made together.
Ceilings
The joint compound will most likely get in your hair, so a plastic head cap and some goggles are called for with this project. Spread the joint compound on the ceiling with your hands, covering the entire surface about one-quarter-inch thick. Then either texture the ceiling with a sea sponge across the entire surface, or make your own intricate designs. For example, you can create the look of expensive ceiling panels by measuring out squares on the ceiling, then defining them with the edge of a putty knife. Inside the squares draw textured patterns of flowers, wreaths or leaves. Make sure that you paint the entire ceiling with at least two coats of acrylic paint once the compound dries to prevent it from chipping.
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