How to Texture Walls Using White Tissue Paper

There are many techniques to alter plain walls. You can go with the traditional wallpaper or paint, or you can be a little more adventurous and try a new technique. A simple way to apply texture to walls is to add some wall plaster to paint and apply it with a roller. The problem with this texturing technique is the walls will be bumpy and possibly sharp to touch. A more professional look can be applied by using inexpensive white tissue paper. This technique is very easy and even less expensive than purchasing wall plaster to mix in with your paint.

Adding texture to walls can be time consuming and labor intensive. Using inexpensive white tissue paper is simple, quick, and cost efficient. The results are amazing. You will end up with a very classy, professional look just by using inexpensive white tissue paper on your walls.

To begin with, you will need minimal supplies. Besides your regular painting supplies (a roller tray and roller, a paint brush, masking tape, and a drop cloth) you will need enough paint for two coats of paint and plenty of inexpensive white tissue paper. The amount of tissue paper needed depends on the size of the room and the amount of texture desired. I suggest you buy half a dozen large packages of white tissue paper to get started.

When painting your room, you will begin with a small section about three feet wide. Paint the edges first with a brush, then roll on a layer of paint from the ceiling to the floor. Now for the fun part. Take a sheet of white tissue paper and crinkle it up. Carefully spread it out and apply it to the wet paint on the wall. Use the straight edges of the crumpled tissue paper along the ceiling, floor, door jams, and windows. To create an interesting effect you can tear the tissue paper as you go along. Smooth as desired using a small brush. Continue crinkling the tissue paper and applying it to the wet paint, overlapping layers slightly. When you are satisfied with the effect apply another coat of paint over the tissue paper. Continue working around the room from top to bottom. The tissue paper is very forgiving. It can be moved around and flattened with a paint brush or completely removed and reapplied.

As you move around the room, look back over the previous application and try to keep the texture similar throughout the room. If you want more texture you can add another layer of crumpled tissue paper over the first layer.

The paint will take a little longer to dry using this texturing technique.