How to Make Walls Look Old With Textured Paint

Use painter's tape to tape off any woodwork, including the trim, baseboards and crown molding. Cover the woodwork with a 2-inch border to prevent drips and spills from coming in contact with the surface. Set a drop cloth in front of the wall being painted, and push it as close to the baseboards as possible.

Move a small amount of premixed joint compound into a bowl. Use only enough compound that you can use in 30 minutes.

Start in a 3-foot by 3-foot area. Apply a small amount of compound, using a putty knife. Spread the compound thin, and don't worry if some areas of the wall still show through. Make sure that the edges of the compound are random by using a large "X" pattern as you move across the wall. Let the compound dry until it is hard to the touch, which ranges from one to four hours, depending on the manufacturer.

Apply a second coat of the plaster, this time holding the edge of the putty knife at a 90-degree angle. Use opposite directions when applying the second coat of plaster on the wall until the original wall surface no longer shows through. Let the joint compound dry fully.

Gently sand the surface of the joint compound with 600-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges or corners that will snag the paint roller. Wipe the wall, using a tack cloth.

Pour a small amount of paint into the paint tray’s reservoir. Use a flat or satin paint, which will blend with the texture on the wall and give an old world, rustic look. Paint the edges of the wall around the trim, using a paintbrush. Paint in the same direction to avoid brush strokes showing through the finished wall. Roll the paint roller into the paint, and even out the amount of paint on the pad by working it on the ridged area of the painter’s tray.

Apply a thin coat of paint in a vertical pattern on the wall. Allow the first coat to dry, and apply a second coat to make sure that the compound is covered completely. Let the wall dry overnight before replacing the furniture and removing the painter’s tape.