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Orange Peel and Splatter textures are commonly used to finish interior wall surfaces and hide taped drywall seams along with other imperfections. At the same time these subtle textures transform flat walls into a finish that reflects light and adds interest to any room.
If damage appears to these walls, the typical spackle and sand repair approach will leave a bald spot or smooth area amid the textured surface. Painting over the area doesn’t conceal the difference in wall surfaces. Unless you’re planning on just hanging a picture over the blemish, you’ll need to get it back to its original state.
Prior to the convenience of aerosol textures, the homeowner would need to call in a painting contractor to repair the texture. The professional would need to haul out his hopper gun and compressor to apply the wall texture and get your walls back to their original appearance. The convenience of aerosol textures has changed that. With a variety of formulas and features to choose from, it’s now as easy as adjusting the nozzle to match the wall texture, spraying and painting over to get invisible repairs.
Before you begin make any necessary wall repairs, spackle and sand as needed.
1. Determine the wall texture best suited to match the surface you intend to repair and the features you desire:
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The Pro’s Choice
Orange Peel Wall Texture - Oil-Based: Fastest drying, solvent formula requires paint thinner for easy clean up.
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Best for the DIYer or Occupied Spaces
Orange Peel Wall Texture - Water-Based: Low odor, Easy water clean up.
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Signals Dry-Time, Aids in Visibility of Repair Area
Orange Peel Wall Texture - Water-Based: Color-Changing; Goes on blue, dries white. Low odor, easy water clean up.
2. Follow the instruction on the can for application; adjusting to the desired pattern and testing on a piece of scrap drywall until you are comfortable with your technique.
It’s important not to apply the texture over 100% of the surface (or full coverage). The highs and lows created by the flat space in between the texture are what creates the dimension when painted over. It’s also important to feather the texture over the edge of the repair to help create a seamless end result.