Smooth, orange peel, knockdown, skip trowel, slap brush and popcorn textures compared for look, upkeep and repair.
Wall and ceiling texture is a finish applied to drywall to hide joints, add character or speed up production. Smooth walls look modern and show every flaw unless finished well. Orange peel is a light, bumpy texture sprayed on and common in many homes. Knockdown is a splatter that is flattened with a trowel for a mottled look. Skip trowel has a handmade, layered look that suits traditional and Mediterranean styles. Slap brush gives a stippled, fan-like pattern, and popcorn is the thick, bumpy ceiling texture of older homes.
Texture affects painting, cleaning and repair. Heavy textures are harder to wipe, collect dust and use more paint. Light textures hide minor flaws and are easier to match in repairs. Smooth walls are the easiest to clean but the hardest to patch invisibly. If you want to change the look, texture can be removed by skim coating, or added to match an addition. In Nashville homes that have grown over the years, matching texture where old and new meet is one of the quiet details that make the work look right.
Modern and clean, but it reveals flaws.
A light spray texture common in homes.
A flattened splatter with a mottled look.
A layered, handmade look.
A stippled pattern, often on ceilings.
A thick ceiling texture found in older homes.
Popcorn Ceiling RemovalCareful popcorn texture removal with full protection, skim coating and smooth, freshly painted ceilings.Explore 
Drywall RepairPatching holes, cracks, dents, nail pops and damaged corners so repaired walls disappear under paint.Explore 
Drywall Hole and Crack RepairFixing doorknob holes, anchor holes, settling cracks and impact damage with strong, invisible patches.Explore 
Ceiling Drywall RepairPatching cracks, sagging sections, water stains and holes in ceilings, with texture matching and a clean finish.Explore 
Drywall Texture MatchingMatching orange peel, knockdown, skip trowel and other wall and ceiling textures so repairs blend in.Explore 
Skim Coating and Plaster RepairSmoothing damaged, textured or old plaster walls with thin coats of compound for a flawless, paint-ready surface.Explore 
Drywall for Additions and RemodelsDrywall hanging and finishing for room additions, wall removals and whole-house remodels with matching textures.Explore 
Drywall Patching After Plumbing and ElectricalClosing and finishing access holes cut for pipes, wires, vents and fixtures, then painting the area to match.Explore Check problems, pick a sheen or ballpark a budget.
Wall and Paint Problem CheckerPick what you see on a wall, ceiling or exterior to get likely causes, what to do first and the service page that fits.Try it 
Paint Sheen and Finish PickerChoose the room or surface and see which paint sheen and finish usually fits, with reasons and care tips.Try it 
Painting and Drywall Budget PlannerPick a painting or drywall job, set the size and add extras to see a ballpark planning range for your project.Try it Yes, by skim coating and sanding. It takes more time but gives a smooth modern wall.
Usually yes, with sample testing. A good match makes patches hard to find.
Older popcorn may contain asbestos, so test before removal. We explain safe options.
Topic guidePaint Types and SheensWater-based and oil-based paint, primers and the five common sheens, from flat to gloss, and where each belongs…Learn more 
Topic guidePaint, Stain and SealerHow paint, transparent and solid stains and clear sealers differ for decks, fences, siding and interior wood.Learn more 
Topic guideDrywall Types and ThicknessesStandard, moisture-resistant, fire-rated, lightweight and soundproof drywall, and where quarter-inch to five-eighths-inch board belongs.Learn more 
Topic guideDrywall Finish LevelsWhat finish levels zero through five mean, which to choose for your paint and lighting and why smoother…Learn more Call us and describe your project. We will walk the space, explain the prep and give you a clear written estimate.
