For All The Seasoned Finishers...

Mudd Dogg

This is for all the seasoned finishers out there. I need to pick your brain for a sec. Here it is. Is it possible to do a sand finish on drywall and if so how, how, and how? I've been finishing for 8 years and have never come across it before. I'm doing an addition on a really old house and the walls through out the house are sand finished (probably plaster). The contractor wants to put an orange peel for the texture, but the home owner would really like the addition to match the rest of the house. I don't blame them, but is it even possible.

drywaller56

I started out in plaster 31 yrs ago, and now do a lot of finishing. yrs ago I tried to do what you are talking about and tried many combinations of drywall mud, silica sand and even put paint in it. you can make it look ok, but it will never look like the plaster. When you float it with the sponge the sand just doesn't come to the surface like it does with plaster. It will be splotchy or groovy. You might be able to make him happy but it won't look like the rest of the house. Hope this answers your question.

Try1

Can you post a pic?
It can be done but there will be a slight difference in the appearance between the drywall and plaster.

Is the sand fine or is it like small sand/pea gravel? any swirls or stomps?

Glasshousebltr

I wouldn't put pea gravel in it, or you'll be trying again.....Try.

Bob

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Bob

Mudd Dogg

The sand is definitely not fine. There doesn't appear to be any swirls, and no stomps. I'll get a pic when I go back to sand the addition tomorrow and try to post it (not totally computer savy).

With the addition seperated from the rest of the house by a doorway, it wouldn't be too terribly noticeale if its not exact but would like to get it as close as possible. So if there it can be done, I would be greatly appreciative, if you could pass on your knowledge.

Thanx for the replies, and any "training" you could give.

Try1

The house I am at now is a 1950 ranch has a very heavy sand almost like small pea gravel. Like river sand with small rocks.

The way I match it was to trowl the mud on and use a hopper to blow the sand/small rocks on. Then I took the trowl and ran it acrosse in a circular fashion.

Can beraly tell only a slight difernce in shen, from plaster to drywall.

But be perpared to try try and try again to get it to match.
Right Glasshousebltr!

Use a pice of drywall on and practice tell it gets close.

Mudd Dogg

Thanks Try. I'll give it a go and see how she turns out. I appretiate all the help guys.