The Wall Texture Guide

Surcrete Concrete Textured Wall

Materials:

• SureCrete MicroTek™ One Coat Micro Topping

• SureCrete WhiteWater Color Pack

• 5-gallon bucket

• Paint pan

• Drywall Knife

• Thompson’s Concrete Sealer

Here’s The Process:

1. We start by using the MicroTek™ One Coat Micro Topping (which is a thin concrete overlay mix that can be applied on floors and walls) in white and the WhiteWater Color Pack to make it extra white.

2. Using a 5-gallon bucket, we add half the MicroTek™ One Coat bag with half of the WhiteWater Color Pack and start adding water slowly and mixing as we go. We don't have an exact amount of water but keep adding until you get the consistency of pancake batter. You really can't mess it up too much so use your design instincts with this one and just make sure the final texture is something you can spread - as Steve puts it: "Like Peanut Butter".

3. We put some of the SureCrete mix into a paint pan and use drywall knives to spread the mixture over the wall.

4. Start from the bottom of your desired wall and using your drywall knife, pull the mix straight up the wall - we like to fan it out as we go for added texture. Have fun with it - it's YOUR wall and the different methods make for an interesting and unique finish. No wall turns out the same - somewhat like our lime wash method here.

5. The final step is to go back after the mixture sets and with a drywall knife and break off spots where the texture has built up too much for your liking. You could even use a small piece of coarse sandpaper to even it out. TEXTURE IS GOOD so don't be too precious!

6. Once this is done, we use Thompson’s Concrete Sealer to seal it (especially in bathrooms). Be sure to follow the directions as given on the package.

Lime Wash Walls

We use Portolo Paints Lime Wash!

1. Prime your walls as directed by the Portola website

2. I don’t think there is a right or wrong way of doing this - over at team LFI we like to sing a little Kermit the frog while we brush it on like to rainbows. The brush strokes show through, that’s on purpose so perfectionist’s beware.

3. It goes on dark and dries light (tricks us too!) so don’t be scared, that’s normal!

About Lime Wash:

• Due to it’s high PH, Lime Wash also acts as a mild fungicide

• It is eco-friendly - containing zero VOCs.

• This organic and highly breathable finish makes Lime Wash ideal for historic restorations, interior and exterior masonry and drywall applications.

• For drywall application, first prime with our Limeproof undercoat. For a wipeable surface, seal with Portola’s Matte Wall Sealer.

• Lime Wash is available in a broad range of stock and custom colors.

The Grout Wash Technique

Materials:

• Pre Mixed Grout in the color Alabaster

• Water

• Sponge

Here’s The Process:

1. Mix the grout with water

2. The more water you add to the grout the lighter it goes on and the less water you add the thicker it goes on

3. Grab your sponge, dip it in the mixture and rub it onto your stone surface.

4. Pro Tip: Start at the bottom and work your way up so the drip lines stay!

5. It will dry naturally as you go!

6. And then just sit back and enjoy it!

Vintage Wallpaper Collage

Materials:

• Wallpaper scraps, the more the merrier! Torn/uneven ends = MORE TEXTURE

• Mod Podge in the matte or glossy finish (depending on the look you want)

• Paint brush

• Optional: drywall mud diluted with water or white paint diluted with water

 Here’s the Process:

1. Use the brush to apply an even layer of Mod Podge to the back of the wallpaper scraps and apply to the wall
   Tip: You can leave some edges torn/not completely adhered to the wall for a perfectly imperfect look, overlapping edges can be treated with extra Mod Podge if desired
   Tip: Change up pattern/color/shape of adjacent wallpaper scraps for a unique look.

2. Once the Mod Podge is dry apply diluted white paint/diluted drywall mud using large strokes in random directions. Tip: Pay special attention to the joints where different wallpaper pieces meet to make the transitions more subtle.

3. Once dry repeat Step 2 until you are happy with the level of whitewashing.

4. Optional: Seal with a clear matte sealer to protect your masterpiece!

Bottled Wall Effect

Materials Used:

• Green Lid Joint Compound - Click here

Here’s the Process

1. Take an empty vintage glass bottle

2. Dip the head of the bottle in the compound

3. Holding the neck of the bottle smear and roll the compound on a designated part of the wall—aim for medium sized strokes.

4. Rinse and repeat 

Pro tip:

"Don’t over do it in one area, once you do one section move on to the next. You can’t control it, you kind of just have to let it go!" - xx Leanne

Coffee Wall Wash

Materials:

• Coffee! 

  • Note: you can play with the darkness/lightness of the coffee finish by adjusting the coffee/water ratio

• Old rag

• Cover any areas you don’t want to get coffee on with drop cloths or plastic sheeting and painters tape

Here's the Process:

1. For a soft cloudy coffee, haze look: moisten the rag with coffee, wring out excess and apply in circular motions over the wall surface

2. For a more dramatic streaked effect: soak the rag with coffee, squeeze the rag against the wall surface allowing the coffee to drip and trickle down the wall

   1. Note: This is MESSY and smells GREAT

3. Once the coffee-stained wall is dry you can repeat Step 1 if desired or seal with a clear matte sealer to protect the finish (note I’m not sure if we sealed the walls in the cottage).

4. Watch the tutorial below to see the process!.

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How-to Videos