The big secret about matching texture that Dexter the bad texture guy doesn't understand is: less is more.

Once the sheetrock (dry wall) is installed and you have successfully ended up with a completely smooth, finished wall patch you could either stop or you could continue and try to match the existing texture all around the repair.

In many circumstances you could stop. If, for example, the patch is not at eye level or in a conspicuous location you may be satisfied with the patch as is. (Remember, all your attention has been at that patch ... most people might not even see it).

I have a friend that would find it even if I put a refrigerator in front of it. So if you feel the need to match the existing texture you must decide what kind of texture is it. The two most common textures we will look at are knockdown

and the splatter or orange peel.

This time we will work on the knockdown texture. Materials needed are: Joint compound, 10 or 12 inch trowel (or joint knife), texture brush, rags, pan and water source.

This is a texture brush.

Once the wall area is smooth, pat the brush into the mud a couple of times to collect the mud.

Then in a random motion pat the brush onto the wall two or three times as shown

Continue to add the mud to the wall until you have a 4 foot by 4 foot area covered. Take the joint knife and wet it, then in a curving manner lightly skim or "knockdown" the mud on the wall.

The knockdown texture can be added in a heavy fashion or light fashion depending on the existing texture and your personal choice.

The splatter or orange peel can be accomplished by working with a regular painter's roller and cover, joint compound, water, and pan. You may need to lightly sand the area once it is dry. There are available at most hardware stores spray cans of texture (about $12.00). These are good for small areas but be sure to cover everything in the area!

Matching texture is a skill that takes patience and practice...

Remember: When matching texture the secret word is "understatement."