When learning how to texture a wall, always apply joint compound while holding the trowel at about a 15-degree angle, Oliver suggests. “The slight angle and light pressure ensure that you do not ...

Another way to use joint compound to texture walls is to apply it by means of a notched trowel (the kind used to skim-coat a plaster wall) or a squeegee into which you've cut a series of indentations.

After you've done that, it's time for the fun part -- making your textured scallops. Starting at either upper corner of your wall, lightly touch your V-notch trowel to the compound mixture and ...