I need an inexpensive idea to thicken paint to texturize and cover damaged walls

Question

I need an inexpensive idea to thicken paint to texturize and cover damaged walls

Answer 1

If you had to try any approach, do the drywall compound suggestion as once you mix a polyfilla or drywall joint or cornice powder in the paint it may go off before you use it all and your paint is ruined. Frankly though, trying to texture a damaged wall is not a recommended approach. 1. Are you expert enough to get a consistent texture all over every wall?  2. How are you going to clean out all the compound absorbed by the roller you use to get the textured finish if it starts to set?  3. Whatever finish you end up with will be unique to you. It won't match any commercial finish. If you ever need to sell, this unique surface will be noticed immediately by any prospective buyer or inspector as an attempt to cover problem walls lessening your house's value. 4. The result, whatever it is, will be permanent. Once set there is no way you can ever practically remove the new texture you have created.  5. Any future damage will never be able to be matched to your unique texture thus standing out more. 6. there would be a tremendous amount of physical effort required to apply the texture (if you can gain the skill to do it satisfactorily) then paint it as well.

You would be far better off to repair damaged walls (replacing some drywall if necessary) and paint normally.  The result would be far more appealing to any future buyer or any self styled critics.  

Answer 2

Check out the 'Flex Rock' product available at Home Hardware in Canada.  It is more expensive than regular paint (approx. $50/gallon can), but well worth it!

I've used it, and it covers very well.  You can even get creative and go with different pattern options, depending on how you apply it.

Answer 3

Buy some drywall joint compound and thin it with a little water, apply that on the damaged wall for the texture.  Play around with different ways of applying it to get close to the rest of the wall.  Then paint it.

Answer 4

if the damage is minimal, using a roller cover w/ a thicker nap (say, for textured ceilings) will give an orange peel look.  Also, if you primer first (normally is thicker than latex paint) and use the thicker roller, it covers blemishes better.  However, if the blemishes are bigger, as someone else mentioned, add to your paint.  I have heard of adding sand to your paint.  Also, the stucco look is a nice look, I've never done it, seen it, friends have done it and it adds so much character to the look.  Or, buy designed white textured wallpaper (even Walmart has it, it's like $11 a roll depending on your location) and paint over that, I've used that boarder.

If you do the primer thing and chip your paint, when you touch-up, you have to re-primer the area you touch up in the future, because your texture will be different in that touch-up spot if you just use paint.

Answer 5

get a small bag of powdered drywall compound and mixit in with the paint and then roll it on. it will leave a bumpy ,stucco- like surface.

The roller knap you use has a lot to do with the finished appearance. So practice on a board or something first to get it the way you want it,

Answer 6

If you are using emulsion or water based paint, try mixing Polyfilla and a little water with the paint.