How to Finish a Skip Trowel

Skip trowel texturing, also known as orange peel in some areas of the country, is a technique that applies drywall compound to a surface to create an uneven texture. This texture often resembles the bumps on an orange peel. Skip trowel texturing is typically finished with a glaze which highlights the texture of the surface and gives the room an old-world feel. Most glazes are done in a brown or yellow tone, but this technique can be used with any paint color you choose.

Glaze
Latex or acrylic paint
5-gallon bucket
Stir stick
Paintbrush
Rags or large sponge

Instructions

- 1
  Wait for the drywall compound to completely dry. This may take 12 to 24 hours. Apply a base coat of acrylic or latex eggshell paint in a light color that complements the color selected for your glaze and allow it to dry to the touch.
- 2
  Pour your glaze into a 5-gallon bucket and add paint. One part paint for every 4 parts glaze is the typical ratio. This means to add 2 pints of acrylic or latex paint to a gallon of glaze. Mix well.
- 3
  Brush the glaze on a 3-by-3-foot section of the wall. Immediately begin to wipe the wall with a rag. This will remove some of the glaze from the more textured areas while leaving the untextured areas darker. A large sponge also works well for this technique.
- 4
  Paint your next 3-by-3-foot area, touching the edge of the first. Allow your rag to cross over the line between the two, blending the seam.
- 5
  Repeat until the entire wall has been glazed. Allow to dry for up to 24 hours before touching.

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