How to Mix Skip Trowel Texture

In this video clip I'm using a paint mixing paddle on a cordless 18 volt drill. I'll be demonstrating how to mix a skip trowel texture that I'll be applying to a ceiling that I repaired all of the drywall paper tape joints and then skim coated with an all purpose joint compound before applying a new skip trowel texture.

1) Mix all purpose joint compound with sand and water in a 5 gallon bucket. Start by mixing half a five gallon bucket of joint compound with about two to three cups of water and three or four cups of clean sand. Mix in all of this together until it reaches a pancake batter consistency of thickness. For a thicker texture, add less water. Let mix sit for 15 minutes. Remix and add water if needed to get desired consistency. Try practicing on a scrap piece of drywall to try and achieve the desired skip trowel texture you're trying to replicate.

2) Scoop some of the skip trowel mix out of the bucket onto either a hawk or drywall mud pan. Now using a trowel or mud knife and put about an inch of your mix on the whole long working edge of the trowel or knife. First start by finding an inconspicuous area of the wall or ceiling in the room you will be texturing. Lightly pull your trowel from the corner of the ceiling or the bottom of wall pulling towards the top, holding the trowel at a 15 degree angle and making short subtle skipping motions.

3) After you have applied the texture to about a 4’x4′ area, drop back and lightly go over that area with a clean wet trowel. This will smooth out any blobs or trowel chatters that might have been left behind.
Here's the tools to get the job done!

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Please watch: "How to skim coat a wall in less then 10 minutes | Diy Drywall Tips and Tricks"
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[dagnabbit]

Excellent job on all of your videos and all of your texturing jobs. Thanks for showing us how a pro does it. Much appreciated!

[selahpennington]

That's old school the way it should be mixed Bravo!

[deadgamer]

VERY interesting, I'll give it a test try. Thanks for making the video

[Ryan]

Hello Paul, is there a certain type of sand that you have to use? I have some 30 grit sand would that work to get something similar to the artisan style you had on one of your other videos?

[LewinTaquiso]

Is it okay to use quickrete all purpose sand?

[ryanwilson]

Nobody anywhere tells you where to get sand. I bought general purpose sand from homedepot and ruined 1/2 bucket of mud. Was giant pebbles. Will roll-a-tex work?

[lavomoja]

Any type of sand to used or don't it matter?

[petermichelson]

Will beach sand work? When o go to the big box stores, or paint stores I get the confused look back when I ask about 20-30 grit, or 20-40 grit sands

[elizabethrodriguez]

1 question I'm having trouble matching a artisan doted perfect circle pancake looking texture that not only they're same size but same distance from each other any suggestions ?

[mannydaddy]

question. I'm doing some work in a new build and the customer has asked for a "new style skip trowel texture " witch looks like dots pretty much knocked down. I've done a lot of texture but I'm having difficulties trying to achieve this style any help would be appreciated. thx much.

[jeffpruett]

What's the sand for? I bought Homax mixture from Lowes. Any suggestions besides that?

[mikejustice]

Is that a flat trowel or a comb trowel?
Or is it mud on the back edge that makes it look like a comb?

[hfjeff]

Is the sand a special type or size meant for texturing or just plain old sand? Years ago I tried some sand I had onhand for sandblasting and it was way too fine and did not give any texture to the finish. Great video and I am watching your techniques as I am finishing my 3 car garage. Thanks.

[petermichelson]

Where do I get the 20/30 grit sand in San Diego?

[CF-ycbm]

Still no mention on where to buy the sand. Found out later you don't really need sand at all. Just need a very very light touch with the trowel and light amount of mud on the very tip. Drag at a 10 degree angle and wallah!

[Gandalf]

Hello. Do you use the same ratio of water, join compound and sand for all the different skip trowel textures? (Old world, Spanish, Artisan, etc) I am sure they are applied differently as well, but I can't tell the difference. :) Great work! All of them look fantastic.

[dons]

I guess I am more picky on mine. I don't like all that space between the skips. I've done it with 1 coat, and I've done it with 2. I like 2 more.

[noelstampfli]

I dont see the point in making a video about this without specifying the grit of the sand and the proportion. You could have too fine or too coarse and too much or too little.

[spineguy]

Way too much sand - with practice you don't need sand at all

[jamespeirano]

What mash send do you use for skip trowel texture