Applying texture to a wall or ceiling can give it a unique look and cover up imperfections. Applying texture by hand is a good alternative to the messy process of spraying. The variety of hand-applied texture alternatives is limited only by the imagination of the applicant.

Step 1: Cover floors and furniture with plastic or cloth drop cloths. Use painter’s tape to protect outlets, switches, woodwork and other areas near the area to be textured.

Step 2: Prepare the surface by lightly sanding it and prime unpainted surfaces.

Step 3: Wash the area to be textured with a nonresidual cleaner, such as Dirtex or TSP. Allow the area to dry before proceeding.

Step 4: Mix water into either pre-mixed or powdered joint compound to create the right consistency. The thicker the mixture the heavier and more pronounced the texture will be.

Step 5: Depending on the desired look, thinned compound can be applied with a roller, brush, trowel, rag or many other things. If one method does not produce the desired effect, simply wipe the compound away with a putty knife and start again.

Step 6: For an easy eggshell texture, apply a thinly mixed compound with a regular nap roller. Apply the compound in one direction over a portion of the surface. Roll a second application of compound across the first layer to complete the process.

Step 7: Use a putty knife to smooth the corners of the textured surface before it dries.

Step 8: Alternatively, create a simple design by pressing a sponge or rag onto freshly applied compound before it has a chance to dry.

Step 9: For a stucco-like texture, choose a heavy nap roller or a texture roller to apply thicker compound.

Step 10: Create a standard knockdown or skip trowel design by running a trowel or putty knife lightly over the freshly applied compound to smooth the sharp edges.

Step 11: Create a Spanish trowel effect by applying joint compound with a trowel and then scraping along the surface in short, random strokes.

Step 12: Create a brush swirl effect by applying compound with a trowel and using a heavy drywall brush to swirl the compound around in the desired pattern. Dip the brush into joint compound before starting the process to ensure an even texture throughout.

Step 13: Allow the textured surface to dry completely before priming and painting it.

— Have a home improvement question for the Fix-It Chick? Email it to Linda Cottin at features@ljworld.com.