This Time, With Feeling: Textured Ceilings, Paint, and Metal

Textured building materials are very common, especially in homes that have been remodeled. Surfaces with texture are not only interesting to the eye, they also hide scratches, scrapes, or even small holes. They have a wide range of uses in the home, and homeowners would do well to understand the benefits that can be gained by adding a textured surface.

Textured Ceilings
In modern renovations, textured ceilings are becoming ever more popular. Whether they are blown on or painted on, the rejuvenating qualities of a textured ceiling are likely to improve not only the appearance of a room, but the home's value as well.

Not unlike regular paint, textured paint can easily be applied with roller. While textured paint is an easy way to cover up cracked paint and old watermarks on your ceiling, you should do a bit of priming first. The ceiling should be washed and allowed to dry to remove any loose dirt. Stains that are very noticeable should get a preliminary coat of a similar colored paint. After that, move out the furniture, cover the floor, and you're ready to go! Textured paint will drip a bit more than regular paint, so make sure to wear goggles to protect you eyes.

A blown on textured ceiling will require some special equipment that a DIY can rent. Blown on textured ceilings will provide better cover up for larger cracks, dents, and the like. Though it won't cover up a hole where the ceiling fan used to be, small holes made by screws or nails will likely be covered easily. This process is very messy! It is crucial to move everything out of the room and make sure the floor is very well covered.

Texture Paint Options
There are texture additives that can be purchased and mixed with a wide variety of paints. These additives come in packets, and in different "sizes" of texture. They aren't recommended for use with all types of paint, so check for compatibility when you purchase. There are also textured paint products available for use on outdoor furniture. This will provide your outdoor furniture with a unique look and feel, as well as protect any metal or wood that it covers.

Textured Metal
As far as residential applications go, textured metal is generally used as a back-splash in kitchens, or around fireplaces. The look of textured metal is bold and original; though some products try to duplicate it, the real thing is hard to match. Textured metal is very durable. It is easy to maintain, and can be cleaned vigorously without loosing its visual appeal. If it does get scratched or marred, textured metal can be resurfaced to look as good as new.

In homes, its use is most often aesthetic, but it has some practical properties as well. Textured metal is sometimes used as a roofing material. Its look is only matched by its strength. Its non-porous qualities make it a hygienic choice in kitchens, as does its resistance to heat.

Like other textured materials, textured metal is good at hiding imperfections and dents or dings. For those who would prefer a less reflective surface, it is available with a flat finish that will reduce glare significantly.