Drywall Texture Identification and Repair Guide

Appearance: Fine, random bumps resembling an orange peel surface

Common Locations: Modern walls and ceilings

Matching Method:

1. Materials: Thinned drywall mud or texture spray
2. Tools: Hopper gun with air compressor OR aerosol texture can (small patches)
3. Technique:
   • Thin joint compound to consistency of pancake batter
   • Spray in light, even coats at 45-degree angle
   • Adjust air pressure (20-40 PSI) and nozzle size to match existing texture
   • Practice on cardboard first to match pattern density
4. Drying: Let dry 24 hours before priming/painting

Pro Tip: Test spray pattern on scrap drywall. Orange peel can range from fine to coarse - match existing density.

Appearance: Splattered texture that's been partially flattened, leaving subtle ridges

Common Locations: Modern residential walls and ceilings

Matching Method:

1. Materials: Drywall mud (all-purpose or topping compound)
2. Tools: Hopper gun OR knockdown knife/trowel + mud
3. Technique:
   • Spray splatter texture (similar to orange peel but heavier)
   • Wait 5-15 minutes until mud loses its wet shine but is still soft
   • Run knockdown knife lightly over surface to flatten peaks
   • Leave subtle ridges, don't flatten completely
   • Timing is critical - too wet smears, too dry won't flatten

Alternative (Small Patches): Hand-apply mud with trowel, then knock down with drywall knife

Appearance: Irregular, raised patterns from trowel application

Common Locations: Southwestern, Spanish, rustic style homes

Matching Method:

1. Materials: Joint compound (all-purpose or topping)
2. Tools: Drywall trowel or large putty knife
3. Technique:
   • Apply thin coat of mud to patch area and slightly beyond
   • Hold trowel at shallow angle, press lightly and "skip" across surface
   • Create irregular raised patterns matching existing texture
   • Vary pressure and direction for natural look
   • Feather edges into existing texture

Variation: Santa Fe style uses heavier application for more pronounced texture

Appearance: Circular rosette or random patterns from stomping/slapping tool

Common Era: 1970s-1990s residential ceilings

Matching Method:

1. Materials: Thinned joint compound
2. Tools: Stomp brush, texture roller, or slap brush
3. Technique:
   • Roll or brush thin layer of compound over patch
   • While wet, press stomp brush into surface and twist slightly
   • Lift straight up to create rosette pattern
   • Overlap patterns to match existing density
   • Match rotation direction to existing texture

Identification Tip: Look for circular or semi-circular patterns - these indicate stomp texture

Appearance: Perfectly smooth, no texture

Common Locations: High-end homes, modern construction, critical lighting areas

Matching Method:

1. Challenge: Most difficult to patch invisibly - any imperfection shows
2. Technique:
   • Apply 3-5 coats of joint compound, feathering each layer
   • Sand perfectly smooth between coats (fine grit sandpaper)
   • Apply skim coat of compound over entire wall section if needed
   • Prime entire wall before painting for uniform sheen
   • Use strong sidelighting to check for imperfections
3. Reality Check: Truly invisible patches on Level 5 are very difficult. Consider repairing then adding subtle texture across entire wall.