Texturing your ceiling will hide minor taping imperfections while adding detail to your room. You may choose from numerous types of texture, but one easy method involves using drywall tools and thinned drywall compound. The time to apply a slap brush ceiling texture is after the drywall taping is complete, but before you paint the walls. This is a messy technique, but when applied correctly, the results are stylish enough for any home.
Instructions
1. Dilute the drywall compound until it is slightly runny. The consistency of the compound will determine the thickness of the ceiling texture. The thicker the compound, the more detail the texture will have. Test the slap brush technique on a piece of scrap drywall before applying it to the ceiling.
2. Saturate a paint roller in the drywall compound. Use only a large nap paint roller; a thinner nap will not hold and transfer a sufficient amount of the compound. The compound will drip everywhere, but don't skimp on the compound to avoid a mess. Use an extension stick on the paint roller. Put on goggles or other eye protection.
3. Roll a layer of drywall compound onto the ceiling in an area approximately 5 feet by 5 feet. Apply a light pressure on the paint roller, just enough to make the roller roll smoothly on the ceiling. If you press too hard, the compound will be too thin.
4. Attach a second extension stick to the slap brush. A slap brush is a thick utility brush that appears to be smashed beyond repair, its long bristles bent to the sides. You can purchase a single slap brush or a double slap brush at lumberyards and do-it-yourself centers.
5. Stand directly beneath the section of rolled-on compound, holding the slap brush vertical. Shove the brush toward the ceiling forcefully, creating a slapping effect. Allow the brush to fall back after impact. It's the slapping motion that presses and pulls on the wet compound, creating a stippled look.
6. Turn the slap brush one-quarter of a rotation and move slightly to the side. Shove the brush upward again, making a new stippled pattern that slightly overlaps the first one. Repeat the process until you cover the entire section with the brush pattern.
7. Roll another section of the ceiling with compound and repeat the brush slapping technique until the ceiling is complete. Once you get the hang of using the slap brush, you can move quickly, rotating the brush and slapping the ceiling in a rhythmic motion.
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