How to Do Splatter Texture

Prepare the room. Plaster will splatter and move in the most unexpected places. Move all furniture out and cover the entire floor base with plastic sheeting. Tape down the plastic tarps using painter's tape so the sheets do not lift up when you walk on them. If you are applying the splatter texture to the ceiling, cover the walls with the same sheeting, taping at the top and bottom.

Prepare the splatter solution. Use drywall compound and add water until the mixture is moist and slightly runny. Add water slowly; too much will render the mixture unusable. You can always add more water, but you cannot take any away.

Add the solution to the texture machine. Pressure is commonly between 25 and 45 psi or pounds of air pressure per square inch. The harder you pull on the trigger, the faster the plaster comes out and the larger the dots. Slowly and lightly pull on the trigger and sweep the nozzle over one area. If you like what you see, continue. If the dots are too large or too small, wipe the area smooth with a wet rag and try again, changing the pressure on the trigger.

Continue to sweep the area with an even, uniform pattern. Ensure all areas look the same, with a similar amount of plaster and size of plaster dots. If any area looks uneven, stop to wipe it, then splatter it again to blend in with the rest of the textured surface and continue. Allow the plaster to dry about 24 hours.

Finish the project by rolling on a primer and approximately two coats of paint.