Texture matching

Texture matching is the step that makes a drywall repair disappear. When a wall has been patched, the smooth new drywall stands out against the old textured surface. Homeowners notice this most in hallways, living rooms, and bedrooms where the light catches the wall. The goal is to recreate the exact pattern so the repair is invisible.

We start by examining the existing texture under a bright light, noting the depth and pattern. For orange peel, we use a hopper gun and air compressor to spray fine droplets. For knockdown, we spray a heavier texture and then flatten it with a knockdown knife. Smooth walls get a skim coat. We always test on a scrap piece first to dial in the air pressure and material consistency.

The complexity of the texture is the biggest factor. A light orange peel is quicker than a heavy knockdown with multiple passes. The size of the repair matters, as does the location, corners and ceilings take more care. The age of the paint and the condition of the underlying drywall also affect how well the new texture bonds. Each job is different, and we adjust our approach to match.

Before we start, we cover floors and furniture with drop cloths and tape off trim. We mix the joint compound to the right consistency and load our sprayer. After applying the texture, we let it dry, then prime the area. We clean up all dust and debris before we leave. You don't need to do anything special beforehand, just clear the area around the repair if you can.

On the day of the job, we arrive with everything needed: joint compound, texture sprayer, knockdown knife, drop cloths, and primer. We work carefully to protect your floors and belongings. After the texture is applied and dry, we prime it so it's ready for paint. We leave the space clean and tidy. If you're painting the whole wall, we can schedule that as part of the same visit.

You can expect the repair to be invisible once it's painted. The texture will match the surrounding wall in depth and pattern. We take the time to get it right because a mismatched texture is the most obvious sign of a patch. After we finish, you can walk into the room and not know where the hole was. That's the standard we hold ourselves to.