ShareefRahim wrote:
If you want to texture yourself, you're going to need to get the right equipment. A bucket of 40 minute mud (for base coat), a drywall sander, a texture sprayer and compressor, a 8 to 12 inch mud knife, and a bag of joint compound mix.
If the wall is currently painted, spread a thin layer of joint compound out over the entire wall with the knife. Let it dry and give it a light sand with the sander (you can repeat this mud/sand). Once dry, you'll need a texture sprayer. Borrow one, if you buy one, you'd better have an air compressor or its gonna cost you. Mix some of the dry mix with water in a clean bucket. You're not going to get this right on the first try. Some people say go for oatmeal consistency, I say go for cold gravy. Get some big pieces of cardboard or boards you can spray on and test your consistency with the sprayer. If it runs, add more. If it makes huge glops and is flopping out of the sprayer without being projected, then add water.
Spray your wall completely, then take the mud knife and LIGHTLY knock down the peaks on the texture. You can knock it down as little or as much as you want, some people like rougher, some like smoother. Just make sure it looks consistent. You can scrape it all off and redo it if you want. joint mix wont dry for a few hours.
Prime. Paint.
If you don't buy the sprayer and compressor, it'll cost you under 50 bucks to do a decent sized room.
Why do you need to do the base coat of mud first?