Texture Impact on Paint Coverage
- •Smooth drywall: 350-400 sq ft per gallon
- •Light texture: 300-350 sq ft per gallon
- •Heavy knockdown: 250-300 sq ft per gallon
- •Popcorn ceiling: 200-250 sq ft per gallon
Texture increases surface area by 30-50%. Order 30-40% more paint than smooth wall calculations.
Common Texture Types
Orange Peel
Light, bumpy texture resembling orange skin. Most common residential texture.
Coverage Rate:
- • 300-350 sq ft per gallon
- • Increase coverage 10-15%
Best Tools:
- • 3/8" nap roller (standard)
- • Standard painting techniques work
Knockdown
Medium to heavy texture with flattened peaks. Popular in Southwest and newer construction.
Coverage Rate:
- • Light: 300-325 sq ft per gallon
- • Heavy: 250-275 sq ft per gallon
- • Increase coverage 25-35%
Best Tools:
- • 1/2" nap roller minimum
- • 3/4" nap for heavy knockdown
Skip Trowel
Irregular, hand-troweled texture with high and low points. Mediterranean/Spanish style.
Coverage Rate:
- • 225-275 sq ft per gallon
- • Increase coverage 35-45%
- • Most paint-intensive texture
Best Tools:
- • 3/4" or 1" nap roller
- • May require spraying for deep crevices
Popcorn Ceiling
Spray-applied acoustic texture. Common in homes built 1970s-1990s.
Coverage Rate:
- • 200-250 sq ft per gallon
- • Increase coverage 50%+
- • Absorbs paint like a sponge
⚠️ Asbestos Warning:
Popcorn texture before 1980 may contain asbestos. Test before disturbing. Do NOT scrape or sand without professional testing.
Choosing the Right Roller Nap
Nap thickness determines how much paint the roller holds and how well it reaches into texture.
Smooth drywall, doors, trim. NOT for any texture.
Orange peel, light knock, eggshell texture. Standard residential roller.
Medium knockdown, slap brush, stomp texture.
Heavy knockdown, skip trowel, very rough textures.
Popcorn ceiling, stucco, brick, concrete block.
Rule of thumb: If paint isn't reaching into crevices, go up one nap size. If roller is leaving too much texture/stipple, go down one size.
Application Techniques
Rolling Technique
Load roller heavily
Textured surfaces absorb more paint. Load roller fully - don't wring out excess.
Roll in multiple directions
Use "W" pattern, then cross-roll to push paint into crevices. Up, down, then sideways.
Apply moderate pressure
Press roller firmly to work paint into texture. Light rolling leaves voids.
Backroll immediately
Go over each section while wet to even out coverage and fill voids.
Spraying Texture
For heavy textures or large areas, spraying is more efficient than rolling.
Advantages
- • Reaches deep into texture
- • Faster for large areas
- • More uniform coverage
- • Less physical effort
Disadvantages
- • Equipment rental cost
- • Extensive masking required
- • Overspray cleanup
- • Learning curve
Recommendation: Backroll after spraying texture. Spray applies paint, roller pushes it into crevices.
Common Problems & Solutions
❌Paint Not Covering Texture Valleys
Paint drying on high points while valleys remain unpainted.
Fix: Use thicker nap roller, load more paint, apply more pressure, and cross-roll in multiple directions.
❌Roller Creating Additional Texture
Roller nap too thick, creating stipple pattern on top of existing texture.
Fix: Use thinner nap roller or thinner paint (add small amount of water - max 10%).
❌Uneven Sheen on Textured Walls
Some areas glossy, some flat - caused by uneven coverage.
Fix: Apply second coat with consistent pressure. Maintain wet edge. Mix all paint cans together (box).
❌Running Out of Paint Mid-Wall
Textured surfaces use 30-50% more paint than calculations suggest.
Fix: Always order 40% extra for knockdown, 50% extra for popcorn. Keep spare gallon on hand.
Paint Coverage Chart by Texture
| Texture Type | Sq Ft/Gallon | Extra Paint Needed | Recommended Nap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smooth | 350-400 | Baseline | 1/4" - 3/8" |
| Orange Peel | 300-350 | +15% | 3/8" |
| Light Knockdown | 300-325 | +20% | 1/2" |
| Heavy Knockdown | 250-300 | +35% | 3/4" |
| Skip Trowel | 225-275 | +40% | 3/4" - 1" |
| Popcorn Ceiling | 200-250 | +50% | 1" - 1 1/4" |