When it comes to decorative finishes, the texture of your walls is just as important as the product you choose. From gently rolled orange peel to soft trowel marks or heavy puckering, different textures impact how a finish will look, settle, and behave on the wall.
Light Texture: Orange Peel and Subtle Plaster Undulations
What It Is:
Light textures include fine to medium orange peel, brushed-on drywall mud, or aged plaster with minor surface movement. These textures are subtle, with slight bumps or waves that don’t dominate the wall. Orange peel is often the result of paint being applied with a roller—over time, depending on how many times the wall has been rolled and the thickness or nap of the roller used, the surface may take on more or less texture. This subtle variation can influence how smooth or mottled your wall appears up close.
Why It Matters:
Lighter textures provide a wonderful canvas for more refined and detailed finishes, allowing subtle patterns and designs to really shine. That said small bumps, dips and variation are a part of the organic nature of these hand applied finishes and accommodate for them.
Ideal Finishes:
- Simple Linen
- Grasscloth
- Lines on Lines
- Tunnels
- Waves
- Broad Strokes
These finishes rely on subtle pattern and clean lines, so they shine best on smoother walls. That said, they can still perform well on lightly textured surfaces—as long as the texture is even and not too coarse. Avoid applying these finishes to heavily pitted or unpredictable textures, which can interrupt the flow and clarity of the design.
Medium Texture: Soft Trowel Lines and Subtle Peaks
What It Is:
Medium-textured walls are a nice middle ground. You’ll see some visible movement—soft trowel marks, shallow ridges—but the surface isn’t aggressively uneven as heavy texture.
Why It Matters:
Medium texture can support a wide range of finishes, especially those with a loose or painterly style. The texture adds character without overwhelming the design and does not overly accentuate the movement on the wall that exists already.
Recommended Finishes:
- Isles of Seurat
- Wispy Stripes
- Lime Wash
These finishes interact nicely with moderate texture. The glaze may settle slightly into recessed areas, enhancing depth and richness. These designs work with the texture, creating a layered, organic effect.
Heavy Texture: Deep Trowel Marks and Dramatic Puckering
What It Is:
Heavy textures are bold and highly dimensional. You’ll see—and feel—prominent grooves, ridges, and peaks. This kind of wall texture is often created with a thick application of joint compound or plaster using a trowel, sponge, or specialty brush.
Why It Matters:
Highly textured walls create a lot of visual and textural movement, so subtle or detailed finishes can get lost or look messy. Depending on the amount and type of heavy texture, decorative paint may not be the best solution.
Ideal Finishes:
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Limewash
Limewash can work in some cases with heavy texture such as deep groves and trowel marking but if the wall is overall just to rough, even this finish can be problematic. What it does bring to the table is a matte, chalky finish which can help tone down the intensity of the texture while still letting the wall’s personality come through. The natural variation in limewash adds depth and softness, creating an earthy, timeless look that feels intentional, not chaotic.