There are a couple of reasons why this type of paint has grown in popularity, primarily: it adds an undeniably unique look to walls, and it can cover up wall damage in a way that flat paint can’t. Suppose you have cracks, nicks, or dents in your drywall, and you don’t want to do a full replacement. In that case, it’s an excellent—and much more affordable—alternative.

Not all imperfections. Texture paint is great for hiding minor and some not-so-minor flaws, but really big flaws—think holes in the wall, moisture damage, etc.—you’ll want to repair before painting.

You can use textured paint on any flat surface to which you would apply standard paint, including walls and ceilings. However, keep in mind that it’s not easy to repair textured paint that has been chipped or otherwise damaged. It’s often recommended to use it in areas that don’t see as much traffic—or to use as durable a variety as you can find.

• They provide even light reflection and give the surface a softer, more uniform look.
• They don’t highlight surface imperfections like higher sheen paints, so they usually don’t require as much surface preparation (like patching, texturing or sanding) prior to painting.
• They are much less likely to show “lap marks”, so they are generally easier to apply and touch up than higher sheen paints. (When one painted section dries before the next section is painted, the two sections won’t flow together into a uniform film, resulting in a “lap mark.”)
• They don’t need to be sanded or de-glossed before repainting, unlike higher sheen paints.