Finish Guide
Textured Wall Coatings
High-build coatings with a raised, patterned surface, inside or outside.
The short answer
A textured wall coating is a thick, high-build material applied to give a raised, patterned surface. It can be self-coloured (the texture is the finished colour) or a base texture that is then painted. It can disguise minor surface unevenness, but it does not fix cracks or damp. Texture is harder to clean and to repair invisibly than smooth paint.
What it is
A high-build coating, usually sold by weight rather than by the litre, that is trowelled, rolled or sprayed and then patterned. FinishGrid's estimator recognises two kinds: self-coloured texture, and texture followed by a painted colour coat.
How it looks
From a fine, sand-like grain to a deep, pronounced pattern. Deeper textures cast more shadow, so the same colour looks darker and more varied on a textured wall than on a smooth one.
Where it is commonly used
- Exterior walls, boundary walls and gate pillars
- Feature walls and columns
- Commercial frontages and stairwells
Surfaces and conditions it may suit
- Sound, stable, dry plaster or masonry
- Walls with minor surface unevenness (not active cracks)
Preparation
- Cracks and damp come first: FinishGrid's surface method requires the cause to be dealt with before a textured finish is planned.
- The surface must be sound, clean and dry; loose material and weak old paint must come off.
- Whether a primer or base coat is needed depends on the system. The product's technical data sheet is the authority on preparation, primers, number of coats, coverage and drying between coats.
Application complexity
Experienced painter Getting an even pattern across a large wall takes practice. Joins between work sessions and different hands on one wall can show.
Cleaning and maintenance
- The raised surface holds dust and splash more than smooth paint; gentle washing as the product allows.
- Self-coloured textures can usually be refreshed with a suitable exterior paint later; check compatibility first.
Limitations and drawbacks
- Repairs are hard to blend: a patch rarely matches the surrounding pattern exactly.
- It uses far more material per square metre than paint, so it costs more.
- Texture can hide hairline flaws, but cracks that move will come back through it.
Common misconceptions
- “Texture fixes cracked walls.”
- It disguises minor surface unevenness only. Find out why a wall is cracking first (Check My Wall).
- “Texture is cheaper because it needs less preparation.”
- It still needs a sound, dry surface, and it uses much more material than paint.
- “Texture never needs repainting.”
- It weathers like any finish; colour coats may need refreshing over time.
Questions to ask before choosing
- Self-coloured, or texture plus a painted colour coat?
- How deep a texture, and has a sample panel been done on site?
- How will joins between sections be hidden?
- Are any cracks or damp patches being covered up?
FinishGrid tools and guides
When a professional assessment may help
Worth considering before texturing over cracks, damp or patched walls, or when comparing quotes that describe very different textured systems.
Other finishes
- Interior Matt & Silk Finishes
- Exterior Smooth Coating Systems
- Gloss & Enamel Finishes
- Stone- & Granite-Effect Coatings
- Venetian Plaster
- Microcement
- Metallic & Decorative Effects
Choosing colours as well? See Colour Inspiration and the colour chart.
Plan the next step
Check what the wall needs first, check that a quotation specifies the right system, or ask for advice on your project.
Free tool
Check My Wall
Damp, cracks or peeling? Check what the wall needs before choosing a finish.
Free tool
Check My Quote
See whether a quotation includes the preparation and system your finish needs.
Free tool
Project Estimator
A planning budget for interior walls, exterior walls or a textured finish.
Paid service
Paint, Colour & Finish Consultation
A paid FinishGrid Advisory service: written, brand-neutral advice on colours and finishes for your actual property, scoped with you first.