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How to Make a Sculpture With Drywall Compound

Things You'll Need:

  • Plastic sheeting
  • Painter's tape
  • Drywall compound
  • Paint brush or
  • Trowel
  • Sculpting comb
  • Stencil

Tip

Apply drywall compound with a sprayer if you are working with multiple walls or very large walls. Rent these machines from a hardware store or building supply store.

Color drywall compound by adding latex paint to it. You can also apply paint over the compound once it is dry.

Sculpting combs come in different sizes and patterns. Choose the style you prefer or mix and match.

Drywall compound, also known as joint compound or mud, is a material used to smooth the seams where drywall has been installed and to repair damage to walls and ceilings. It is also used to create sculptured relief textures or designs on walls or ceilings. Drywall sculptures add dimension and interest to a wall. Use drywall compound along with various application techniques to create three-dimensional walls.

Knockdown or Skip Trowel Sculpting

Cover all areas you do not wish to be textured. Cover windows, baseboards and door jambs with plastic sheeting and tape it in place.

Add water to your drywall compound until it is a thick soupy consistency.

Apply the drywall compound in small but rough chunks with a trowel, or splatter the wall with compound using a paint brush. Work in sections as you create texture.

Spread each section with a trowel, moving lightly over the compound. Move in different directions with a very light touch so that you leave irregular gaps between the flattened mounds of compound. Let the compound dry.

Comb Sculptures

Cover and tape all areas you do not wish to sculpt.

Apply the drywall compound to the surface and smooth it as flawlessly as possible with a trowel.

Drag a sculpting comb across the smoothed compound. This creates a pattern in the compound. Use this technique for straight or curved lines.

Stencil Sculpting

Drape and tape areas where you do not want the compound.

Tape your chosen stencil to the wall or ceiling.

Apply the drywall compound with a trowel across the stencil. Texture the compound by splattering and smoothing, combing or any other method that creates the texture you want.

Remove the stencil from the wall and let the compound dry.

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