Fast and Easy Modern Textured Wall Finish!

DIY-friendly contemporary wall finish using ONLY 2 COMPONENTS!
Spoiler alert 🚨 This is not a tutorial on how to get your grandparents’ popcorn ceiling. We’re not going to teach you how to get the perfect knockdown texture, or an orange peel finish either. No. Not today.
It’s time to step up your design game, so buckle up. Today, we’re giving you a step by step tutorial on how to achieve a colourful, modern, troweled plaster finish using only two components- plaster (or drywall compound) and paint. You may have heard of Venetian plaster, neo plaster, Tadelakt, gypsum plaster, slaked lime plaster, clay plaster, or even micro-cement before. We’re here to tell you that you can achieve a shockingly similar effect with ONLY paint, drywall compound and literally NONE of the skill. It’s so simple that even the least skilled DIYers can master this process the first time they try it. We’re that confident. Texture AND color your walls at the same time? What’s not to love?! Whether you want an accent wall, or to cover an entire room, we HIGHLY recommend giving this technique a try.
🚨 Looking for more from the Refresh guys? Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel 👉 / @refreshhomeimprovements or follow the links below for more DIY-friendly home renovation tips, as well as tons of satisfying, easy to watch videos on our other social media pages!
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[@tonysaldivar8187]

Is so cool I am a drywall finisher for over 20 years And I done job from plaster to taping level 5 but never done anything like this great job 👏🏽

[@louisfehlig7903]

This seems like a great way to conceal the awful mudding job I did on some drywall

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

For sure!

[@double_digit_life.9268]

We're buying a house. My idea is hobbit inspired. this looks like it would be mud walls. So yes, I'll try this technique!

[@capriceclassicchannels5061]

❤ Thank you! I was looking for something modern looking to rehab my guest bedroom! This really helped...🎉

[@DonnaRatliff1]

Getting ready to plaster design the living room walls Tuscan style with random raised stencils. Very excited. Was going to do Venetian but not wanting a 3 layers nor sanding. This method is easier

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

Sounds great!

[@marksampson48]

The walls in my new house have taken a beating from previous residents. I was hoping to find a way to add enough texture on top of everything to hide the old texture, the screw holes, the repairs to the drywall, etc. without using mud and THEN painting. This way I can just add the one layer in whatever color I like. I love it.

[@user-bk5dl6et8i]

I'm late to the party, but thank you for posting this video. Building a new house and I've been looking at Portola Roman Clay paints. I'm sure their formula is a variation, proprietary to them of course, of what you a doing here. I'll be doing this on a range hood and in a home office to give the subtle look of roman clay.

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

You’re welcome! But in all honesty this doesn’t compare to Portola paint, their stuff is incredible. This system does lead to good results also though!

[@kathymravintz9218]

Thanks for simplifying everything. I was expecting it to be really really really really hard.

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

Glad it helped!

[@paloupis]

This is my weekend project for my basement.

[@yvonnechristmas2616]

Love it, I'm gonna do it to my laundry room in dark gray.🎉🎉🎉

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

Do it!

[@mariosantana9194]

I’m about to start a huge wall in my living room on a brand new house. The house is maybe less than a year old now, was wondering if I would have to prime this wall before? Also, in this video the finish looks very matte, does it stay that way? Because that is exactly what I’m looking for. or would I get more of a Matt finish using actual plaster mix compared to the drywall compound? Thanks again, guys the videos great lots of tips. Appreciate you👌🏽

[@incognito8015]

Great vid. Silica sand mixed in for a real rustic feel would do wonders

[@juantremillo4820]

is that latex or acrylic paint? I see that you used the whole bag of paint to a small amount of compound. I guess you would need to add more compound if you are to do something like Spanish Lace, Crows Feet, or knock down texture on an existing layer of texture?

[@user-kw1wj9vf2i]

We had a contractor try this technique on our walls and wondering if we were to ever decide to repaint the walls if it would be fine to paint right over it or would we need to sand, prime and paint again? Thanks!

[@pearlperlitavenegas2023]

just paint

[@pearlperlitavenegas2023]

prime then paint

[@brandiisbell7746]

??? Which is it--just paint or prime and paint???​@@pearlperlitavenegas2023

[@gabrielsmith6600]

Do you need plaster to get this kind of texture? How easy is this to paint over if I need to get my apartment back to original paint later?

[@kevinthomason1421]

Great job. Have you done any ceilings using flat bright white? Wondering how much the mud would change the bright white?

[@Averie-wl8oq]

I’m actually looking to redo my ceiling living room kitchen and hallway. Didn’t want plain surface so looking for ideas

[@labinotidrizi8193]

Will this stick to a wallpaper which I already have painted over ? .. there's too many uneven spots and this solution looks awesome. !😊

[@marksampson48]

Seems like the mud tints the paint a little??

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

It appears to lighten it a little. Yep!

[@meighenjarvi924]

Great video! Will this finish eventually chip and crack over time?

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

Seems to hold up pretty well! But it’s tough to match again or touch up if that ever happens👍

[@meighenjarvi924]

@@RefreshHomeImprovements great! Didn't expect to receive a reply, I will subscribe now, thanks guys!

[@amandawilkins1365]

Love this! Cheaper alternative to Portola Roman Clay paints that’s for sure! Are you able to do this straight over orange peeled walls 🤢 or will you need to still skim coat them?

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

That’s a great question. Best guess is that you’d be happier with the results with a skim coat first- but you could always test a small area first 👍

[@casademorris]

Se had orange peel and tested - skim coat was needed for us, some areas it doesn’t show but the thinner spots it shows through.

[@theroostmandyvixengastationckn]

Get it thicker, sort of more stucco like, and you can do the raised texture and foiling.

[@DS-ni1ed]

Trying it as fast as my Honda can get me to the Sherwin Williams 😮👏👊💛🥂

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

😂

[@pearlperlitavenegas2023]

hi which SW paint did you use?

[@user-bk5dl6et8i]

This uber real response just made me howl!!! Hope your project was a success!

[@DS-ni1ed]

@@user-bk5dl6et8iit really worked but my paint color was black and it made the color lighter and ashy so I had to buy more paint and did the final coat without the mud. But the wall imperfections was instantly fixed. I love it. 😊

[@annez5070]

I want to try this. But did you really get this great dark color result doing just 1 coat on unprimed wall board? Did you need more premixed material to touch up after drying?

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

We mixed enough to do two coats but only did one really thorough one👍 touch ups are very noticeable. So if you need more you have to do another full coat

[@viviana5107]

Great job. Do you think this could be used in a limewash affect? Two colors brushed or toweled on in random patterns? Also, what complications could one face in the future if needing to repaint?

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

Not really. We did make our own Limewash though, it’s called “make and paint your own limewash”

[@user-bk5dl6et8i]

I think you could easily achieve a "limewash" affect by layering two different colors, but I think the trick would be to get the two colors very close to one another. This will make the affect more subtle and natural looking.

[@Epicsportfix]

Thnx guys i have bee searching evry where on how to make my walls look good and this is by far the best and easyist way thnx

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

Amazing! Glad we could help 👍

[@janismoher9206]

Awesome! I'm doing this in my kitchen! Thanks!!

[@MJ-dv2gr]

Same, I hope it turned out gorgeous

[@paulstephens9274]

Thanks guys! I’m trying cover up a fair amt lippage on subway tiled backsplash. Did first light coat go mud.then used some plater stencils using mud and now need fill in around them doing this approach. Using all purpose with some sand and small amount paint hoping to cut in tight around 12x10” stencil designs. Suppose if can’t get it looking like yours could do a knockdown

[@joannad6715]

Love this project. I've been looking for something I can do that is unique and unexpected-this is it:) I have a question though...you mentioned it's important to have enough mixed to finish the project as it will be hard to match the color. I want to do this on a hallway-it's long-45 feet/8ft cielings. How do I know how much to get? There's probably an obvious answer but I want to be sure to get this right. Thank you! BTW, you guys are funny!

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

The easiest way to answer that question would be to calculate how much paint you’d need to cover the area. Most cans of paint will have area of coverage indicated on them (1 gallon usually covers about 350-400 sq feet), so calculate your square footage and then make sure you have enough paint to cover that (get extra for touch ups/multiple coats etc.). The compound you add will only make the paint go farther, so getting enough paint to cover the area should do the trick. If you’re worried about having enough, then just measure your compound accurately and take note of the compound to paint ratio so that you can duplicate the formula again 👍

[@ashley47448]

Hi Joanna, did you end up doing this project? Just wondering how it turned out. Thanks!

[@aprilatkins9254]

will this help conceal not so good taping?

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

Yes it will actually👍

[@0326vinnie]

Love the idea I was looking for something different to use in my kitchen for the backsplash. I’m going to do this technique I love it.

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

Awesome! Tag us in some photos on social!

[@pearlperlitavenegas2023]

awesome idea how did it turn out? did you seal it?

[@TheComposer1979]

love this technique i was looking for this its sheaper than use pigment but i would sugegest use another gray tint plus this one or 3 tint of gray

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

👍

[@lisacarpenter2001]

Looks great, I’m gonna try this, do u know how to make it look like marble on the walls, it looked similar, Thx❤❤❤

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

Unfortunately not, sorry!

[@angelkisses1234]

love it! im going to do this for my backsplash in my kitchen!!!

[@pearlperlitavenegas2023]

did you seal it? with ?

[@casademorris]

We are doing this now in our house with a light color… one thing I have noticed it it seems like it catches marks and dirt/smudges easily I’m not sure how well it will wipe off with a little water on a rag because it’s drywall mud… can this be sealed without yellowing? What would you recommend - we are basically doing our entire home. Thank you

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

It can be sealed yes, it will just add sheen to it no matter what in our experience.

[@vonbyorn9098]

2/3 paint to 1/3 mud. How to say 2 :1 ratio with extra steps. Good video though, I'm trying this in my bathroom remodel right now.

[@fatimab121]

I’m doing exactly this at my mums house ❤

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

Awesome! Let us know how it turns out!

[@FabianHamblin]

Would this work on an interior stucco wall? Would I use more compound?

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

It probably would work. You might need to skim coat the walls smoother first👍

[@jonannacastaneda4041]

Hi, can you do this on garage walls? Our builder did a stage 1 finish on the walls, just wondering if I can just do this without any other steps.

[@MathieuKCS]

Hi Guys... Looks awesome!! I be keen to experiment using this technique on exterior walls. I'm guessing an exterior paint would be used, but would you have a suggestion for a compound to include? Thanks

[@suesavage9233]

Is it possible to do this process over already painted walls, not fresh sheet rock? Is there something you need to put over existing paint in order for this to adhere?

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

Yes, absolutely! A coat of primer would help for sure too👍

[@AltruisticWarrior]

I'd sand with 80 grit, clean, decent skim coat, prime then do this. It's the only way you're most likely to get similar results and something that lasts.

[@jesshudson3208]

Will this change the finish of the paint? If I have eggshell finish paint, would it mattify it?

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

Great question! It does, and a surprising amount actually. We accidentally bought eggshell paint for this video and were thrilled when the final product came out super matte finish 👍

[@alyssasoto8771]

@@RefreshHomeImprovements What type of paint finish would you recommend using for a bathroom?

[@ethancarruth7390]

This will help with my terrible drywall botch lol

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

😅👍

[@laurelandhector]

Do you need to prime the walls first or can you paint over an already painted wall?

[@adamdawson9881]

Any recommendations on how to give it a glossy shine. Thinking about a base colour then adding colours on top?

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

You can seal the finished texture with a glossy sealer👍

[@mountdoomee]

​@@RefreshHomeImprovements glossy sealer such as?

[@dja24pr]

Can i do this on a concrete wall?

[@tylersierra25]

Would you recommend using milk paint and a lime wash paint brush?

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

probably not for this application

[@beank4837]

Can this be used directly on drywall? Im turning a garage into a room and the idea of taping, sanding, texturing then painting is alot for me in that space. Also is this something i could later paint over with a gloss paint or would these walls continue to absorb paint and stay matte?

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

Sure you could. And we’re not totally sure. We’ve never painted over it!

[@beank4837]

Ok great thank you!

[@pearlperlitavenegas2023]

you still need to tape

[@anywherenearzero]

I'm doing this to Chimney breast this evening!!

[@joramjensen1296]

Do you guys not use primer? Just straight on drywall?

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

- We did yes primer would not be a bad idea👍

[@vladislavbarmak5431]

Great presentation guys 💪👍

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

Thanks!

[@sterlingsilver2214]

Dude that’s what I do it’s so awesome

[@brooklynadebowale9051]

Great tutorial, did you guys use fine or rough compound?

[@saulmartinez2312]

Thanks. This looks awesome. Question, how much prep work is necessary for this effect? Mudding the drywall once, twice, all three?

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

Good question, you can get away with a little imperfection but you want it almost primer ready.

[@dogscratchedoor]

Drywall compound is that the same as joint compound? But it's not called plaster? All I can find is small containers of pre-order mix like for repairing holes in the wall. Can you give a brand?

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

There are a lot of varieties of filling compound. But you’re looking for All Purpose drywall compound. Try a brand like CGC or Certainteed.

[@pearlperlitavenegas2023]

usg

[@Donna-vh5ym]

Love this. I just found your channel, so new sub. I have a textured paint roller. Can I use this same technique (minus the trowel) and then come back with the textured roller, by just mixung like you did applying with a regular roller and then come back before it dries to use my textured roller? I hope that made sense...lol. Thanks in advance ❤

[@hsmd4533]

Is one coat enough or do you ever do 2 coats?

[@pwwilb]

I love it. Which finish is best to use for ghe paint itself?

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

We’re not sure it matters really. This is eggshell. And we’ve only ever used that and matte. Both came out the same👍

[@andreadahlkamp1980]

Love this! What sheen of paint is best?

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

Not sure, we’ve only done it with eggshell

[@logankirby8105]

Great video! Is it sandable after it dries?

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

No, you’ll want to leave it as is. Maybe seal it if you want👍

[@logankirby8105]

Thank you for the response 👍. Great work!

[@pearlperlitavenegas2023]

​@@RefreshHomeImprovementswhich sealer do you recommend? thx

[@mounikakonchada8967]

Can we do this process to textured walls

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

You can try! Depending on how textured, it might not achieve the best look.

[@anotheryou218]

Can this be used for exterior? Please advise.

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

Probably not without some sort of topcoat/sealer first. We wouldn’t recommend using this outdoors as is.

[@user-zw4vv4cz1c]

Can you do this inside of a shower wall?

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

No, microcement is better for that. We’re doing a feature on that now👍

[@dogscratchedoor]

Beautiful job, btw.

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

Thank you!

[@AlejoTorres82]

Where can I buy the f-bead? I didn’t find it in Home Depot.

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

Depends on where you’re located- buts it’s made by a company called Trim-tex (www.trim-tex.com/products/architectural-f-reveal-bead). We’re in canada and get ours from CSR building supplies (csrbuilding.com/products/trim-tex-architectural-f-reveal-bead?_pos=1&_sid=7eb07eb22&_ss=r) if you can’t get it through them, we’d reach out to Trim-tex directly and they’ll be able to put you in touch with a distributor in your area 👍

[@strykerliker]

Is there a reason why you don't just roll on the mud and trowel it how you like and then paint over it the color that you want?

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

It wouldn’t have the same effect unfortunately

[@user-bk5dl6et8i]

Definitely would NOT give you the same effect. Mixing the paint and mud together and then skimming the walls in a random (not straight up and down or left to right) motion is what gives you the beautiful "movement" and final look of limewash or roman clay.

[@martindembek9833]

Looks cool. Can you suggest something for bathroom / showerroom walls ? Ofc thaf would have to be water resistant. Ideally I would like to have similar effect as in your video just in the bathroom :)

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

Check these guys out 👉 www.frescoharmony.com/ They have a higher end product that gets sealed afterwords. Might be exactly what you’re looking for 👍

[@chaseveacock609]

These same products are already on your bathroom walls. You can use this. If you want get mold resistant level paint.

[@mountdoomee]

Epoxy is the answer for shower walls, I have done it with mine

[@sandramaselli]

Can you use these 2 products in a bathroom?

[@kaceestagg2299]

Do you seal it?

[@AuntDi2]

I wonder if I could do this over outdated bumpy plaster walls to bring the look more current? Moving into a 1979 house that has this horrible texture on every wall! Help!! 😳😳😳

[@Clipz.2310]

👏 yes

[@adinacustovic-selimovic]

So I can mix Paint with my Compound?

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

Sure!

[@adinacustovic-selimovic]

Thank you @@RefreshHomeImprovements

[@Gubers]

What's the point of mixing the two? Can't you just do the same thing with the mud only then just paint it?

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

Interesting question! We don’t actually know (we’ve never tried it that way). Either way that’s two steps, and this is only one 😎

[@Gubers]

@@RefreshHomeImprovements I know little about this stuff. I was just thinking the consistency might be different if you just mixed the mud with more water. But if you can get it roughly the same as with the paint then at least you wouldn't have to worry about color matching if you can just paint the walls after applying the mud texture.

[@mountdoomee]

Is doing this actually legit? I want to try!

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

Sure it is! You can add a sealer to it after to make it more durable if you’re concerned👍

[@mountdoomee]

@@RefreshHomeImprovements cool! What sealer would you recommend??

[@mike-pm6xn]

What about doing this in an RV/bus? I'm assuming the plaster would crack because of vibration. Does anyone know of something kind of flexible to the mix in that would keep the plaster from cracking? And maybe something more waterproof to do this to a shower?

[@mountdoomee]

Definitely use epoxy for a shower, it works amazing. This is a cheaper way to practice the technique, though, but not suitable for shower walls

[@talirubinnow]

Thanks, if I need to use it on a mobile (on panels), do I need to prime it in any particular way? And will it work with white paint?

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

good question 👍 Unfortunately we’d need to know more to give you a more detailed answer- but generally speaking if the surface will accept paint, this technique ‘should’ work. Priming can never hurt. We also can’t guarantee it will work for you, so always test a small area out before going ‘all in’. We’ve never tried it in white, so you’ll have to let us know!

[@talirubinnow]

@@RefreshHomeImprovements Thanks 🙏

[@pearlperlitavenegas2023]

​@@talirubinnowhow did it turn out?

[@chandaphillips1337]

How long will it take to dry?? I’ll need to find a sitter for how many days??😂

[@IMOO1896]

Paint finish should be matt for the best result

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

We found it doesn’t make too much of a difference and that maybe there’s slightly more depth in texture with some sheen 🤷‍♂️

[@sharonsmith1203]

It's really too dark to tell.

[@dianelarose6927]

I like it

[@roberto.gallegos]

Where are the outlets and switches

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

🫣I knew we forgot something!

[@roberto.gallegos]

@@RefreshHomeImprovements lol

[@dogscratchedoor]

For Canadians only guys.

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

Just the bagged paint part. Everything else is worldwide🙌

[@marlaschaefer2544]

it's hard to see the result.

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

That’s too bad, we did our best to show it👍

[@anthonysgambati3683]

Turn your camera/phone sideways. We have eyes side by side for seeing wide, not narrow. Use your tools the right way please.

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

Sorry… this stuff was mainly filmed for TikTok and Insta🥲

[@steveg2509]

OMG

[@mattcallister4811]

Cry about it

[@huseyinkarakas341]

Hey Anthony. I'm throwing a party next week. Can you make it? You definitely look like you'd be fun to have.

[@cadememmott4472]

When I mixed the paint and plaster it came out like cottage cheese. Any advice would be appreciated.

[@annamarietercero9629]

Some of you have never been to jail, and it shows

[@hsmd4533]

Huh??

[@Davidsweirdness]

3d printing nerd?

[@zeetrain9625]

çlowns

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

🥲😔

[@le_med]

Looks awful...sorry to say

[@RefreshHomeImprovements]

long as you’re sorry 😉