The choice between Orange Peel texture vs Smooth often comes up when doing DIY home improvements. And even I have wrestled with the two on many of my projects.
But why is drywall essential? In the beginning even I considered only primer and paint as the required elements to make a home look good. Then I found that drywall is an effective way of hiding imperfections like holes, joints and more.
But does the texture of your wall matter in the conversation over interior and exterior style? I would say yes since drywall texture can bring both depth and visual interest to your home.
A smooth texture drywall finish is just as preferred for the polished and clean look it carries.
In this discussion we will try and understand the differences between Orange Peel texture vs Smooth to determine what suits the design of your home. So let us get started!
Orange Peel Texture Explained
Orange Peel texture like its name suggests has the look and feel of an actual orange peel. This means that it has an irregular appearance with small bumps and dimples which are considerably excellent for hiding imperfections.
This texture comes in three levels which are dependent on the size and intensity of the dimples. It ranges from fine smooth Orange Peel texture to medium to heavy where the first one has a subtle near smooth appeal that is popular.
Whereas the medium is commonly preferred for its moderately smooth look and finally the heavy that is considered dated since it offers more dips and wrinkles.
But is Orange Peel texture outdated? I find it to be a good choice for drywall since it can hide scratches, lines and dents. But those who prefer a more polished look may consider it not suitable for their walls.
Smooth Texture Explained
Smooth is a type of drywall finish that is perfectly flat and even. This is the go to for modern designs as it is easier to achieve a high end look with it. Its clean and polished appearance is hard to pull off without extensive labour and it cannot easily hide imperfections.
This smooth finish is categorized in two levels where Level 5 describes a perfectly smooth surface while Level 4 is a standard smooth for paint ready surfaces.
A Level 5 smooth drywall involves a final skim coat over the surface to provide a perfectly even layer. This is the highest standard that is used in luxury led projects.
On the other hand, a Level 4 imperfect smooth drywall texture forgoes the final skim coat and is the usual standard for home interiors. I find it to be a popular choice since it is easier to paint over.
Key Differences Between Orange Peel Texture vs Smooth Texture
In order to decide on a viable choice for your home, you must know more than just the distinction of their appearance. There are some factors we tend to miss when we only lean on the visual appeal of things.
So the key points we must keep in mind beside their look is how durable they are, the process of their application, their cost and maintenance.
Let us now examine how Orange Peel texture vs Smooth differs with a side by side comparison below.
How They Look
The easiest distinction between an Orange Peel texture vs Smooth is their look. Where Orange Peel literally embodies the look of orange skin, a Smooth look is exactly how it sounds, ie, flat and uniform.
This variation in appearance considerably influences the vibe of a room. Orange peel offers a warm look with its textured dips and fits traditional styles like farmhouse, 90s suburban, Mediterranean and so on.
Whereas Smooth feels modern and polished which suits formal styles like art galleries, minimalist structures and so on that require refinement.
Feel and look aside, these textures are not limited to select projects so the choice of either is dependent on you.
Process Of Application
When it comes to Orange Peel texture vs Smooth, the process of application differs from the tools to the skills required for the labour.
With Orange Peel texture, the standard tool is a hopper gun that is used to spray the mixture onto a primed wall that has been sanded to a Level 3 or 4 finish.
The air compressor tool attached to the hopper gun determines the application of fine or heavy texture. Then it takes one to two days to fully dry.
The application process for Smooth is a lengthy process with intensive hand labour with tools such as trowels and skimming blades.
An imperfect smooth wall texture is achieved through stages of hand troweling and sanding. After this, apply the full skim coat with thinned joint compound for a fully even wall. This process takes multiple days and coats to finish.
Durability
Between Orange Peel texture vs Smooth finish, the first has a higher durability since it can hide dents, scratches, scuffs and minor cracks effortlessly. Smooth on the other hand shows damage and surface imperfections more easily.
Orange Peel is an ideal choice for high traffic areas as it easily hides daily damage and its texture resists damage from impacts or scratches. Smooth walls can reflect every dent, every scratch and unevenness.
Orange Peel texture is considered a safe choice for application since it is more forgiving, especially for home DIYers. It is a simpler and more reliable choice for those who have larger families.
Smooth drywall texture presents a polished perfection that requires more skilled labour.
Maintenance & Repair
Maintaining an Orange Peel texture is relatively simple since its surface hides damage acquired over time. It can be cleaned with a damp towel and should be dusted regularly since its dimples can trap dust or cobwebs.
Smooth or imperfect smooth wall texture can be easily cleaned but they tend to highlight any imbalance on the surface. Therefore it requires more attentive washing and touch ups.
Orange Peel is easier to repair, especially for DIYers with the simple use of an aerosol texture spray. But repair on a Smooth wall is harder since the slightest unevenness or imperfection is harder to hide.
It requires more work and a full wall skim to hide the damaged area.
Cost
If we examine Orange Peel texture vs Smooth cost, the pricing is affected by labour costs and time. Orange Peel texture is a cost effective solution in comparison to Smooth since it requires less labour and skill with a dry time of about 1 to 2 days.
It is priced at about $0.80 to $1.95 per Sq. Ft. depending on the services you avail.
While if we consider Smooth vs textured walls cost, Smooth requires more skill and a timed step by step application to allow dry time that can last about a week.
It costs 20% to 40% more than textured at an estimated cost of $1.50 to $3 and more depending on the services you use.
Using Orange Peel Texture vs Smooth In Your Home
One thing about home improvement projects is that you get to experiment with your own vision board. An Orange Peel texture vs Smooth wall is all about devoting time to what look you desire for your home. Whether you DIY it or hire a contractor, the end result is what serves us.
Therefore, the following discussion is meant to help you visualize how an Orange peel texture vs flat smooth wall can affect the look of your space.
Exterior
For an Orange Peel Texture vs Smooth Exterior, the debate lies in whether one or the other is more durable and cost effective. Orange Peel texture happens to be ideal for covering daily wear like minor dents, scratches and seams.
It is far more affordable than a Smooth exterior but is harder to clean since it traps dust in its dents or dimples.
Smooth or flat reflects a more sleek and modern look but it is harder to hide structural imperfections with it. It is an easy clean with a gentle hose or wipe down but can get damaged easily while Orange Peel endures better.
I would suggest Smooth Orange Peel texture as a middle point between the two since it has an almost flat look. This will be a durable alternative if you have exteriors that are exposed to high traffic.
Bathroom
The discourse on Orange Peel Texture vs Smooth Bathroom cannot only rely on time and cost effectiveness since we have to consider the matter of hygiene.
We have already established that Orange Peel is harder to clean given its characteristics of dents and bumps that trap dust.
And in the case of moisture prone areas like the bathroom, it can also trap moisture and lead to mold growth if not cleaned or dried properly.
Therefore, Smooth walls are the better choice since it is easier to clean and maintain. It is ideal for a clean and modern look which is much preferred for a bathroom.
So for the debate over Orange Peel Texture vs Smooth ceiling, wall or sides in a bathroom, I would suggest going for Smooth or Flat.
Bedroom
The finish in a bedroom between Orange Peel wall texture vs Smooth relies heavily on what atmosphere you seek to create.
Orange Peel has a soft feel given that it diffuses light and covers imperfections. On the other hand, Smooth finishes are ideal for creating a cozy bedroom with moody colors as they reflect light better.
On note of Orange Peel Texture vs Smooth Ceiling in a bedroom, either works since the first slightly lessens room echo. While Smooth adds perceptive height and widens the look of the room.
We have found that Orange Peel is easier to apply but it is a hazard for trapping dust allergens in its surface. Therefore it will require frequent dusting but Smooth is easier to clean with a simple wipe down.
Living Room
For the living room, a Light Orange Peel texture vs Smooth is what I recommend if you want a lighter touch to your space.
Living room with Smooth walls has a modern vibe due to the airy and high end feel it delivers. While Smooth drywall texture has a more lived-in aesthetic with its casual coziness.
Now I do stress that going with Orange Peel texture vs Smooth ceiling or wall for the living room is subject to the preference of budget and ease of cleaning.
You can go with Light or Smooth Orange Peel texture for a cleaner look that covers any imperfection though harder to clean.
Or you can opt for Imperfect Smooth wall texture for a friendly budget compared to ultra smooth which is easier to clean.
Kitchen and Ceilings
With Orange Peel texture vs Smooth ceiling and walls in the kitchen, I would always suggest going for Smooth or Flat since it is more practical for cleaning.
While kitchen walls can be wiped down on the regular, the ceiling tends to remain untouched. This leads to airborne grease piling on Orange Peel surfaces alongside dirt which becomes harder to remove over time.
Smooth ceilings or walls on the other hand are more functional with a sleek look that adds more appeal and airiness.
We can argue that Orange Peel textures can be more forgiving to structural imperfections and impacts, but the liveability and vibe of a kitchen is lessened when pilings of grease is all one can see.
If there are imperfections you must hide, then go for Smooth Orange Peel texture since it will mask it while offering a less dented look that generally gathers cobwebs and dust.
Other Textured Walls You Can Use
Since we have figured out the details of Orange Peel texture vs Smooth or Flat, we shall have a look at the following wall textures to compare how they appear.
What we will do is understand the value of these alternatives to see what will be viable for your home.
Through these, you can extend your options and explore how you can uplift your space without limiting yourself to specific choices.
Let us begin!
Knockdown
Knockdown texture has an Orange Peel like appearance that is more dramatic and has a rustic appeal. It has an irregular appearance that is achieved by using a hopper gun to apply the drywall in a splatter pattern before using a knife tool to flatten the peaks for an almost smooth look.
It varies by application method that includes spray on, hand trowel and stomp with a brush.
With respect to Orange Peel ceiling vs Knockdown, you can go with Orange Peel if you want a more cleaner look while Knockdown is perfect for hiding larger imperfections or repairs.
If we consider Orange Peel vs Smooth vs Knockdown texture, Smooth offers a sleeker visual and is the costliest. While Knockdown is middle range with the extra step of flattening and Orange Peel is the cheapest when considering cost and effort.
Popcorn
Popcorn texture has a ‘cottage cheese’ or rough sprayed on look with bumps that is often used for ceilings. It is ideal for hiding flaws and lessens sound echo with a very friendly budget.
Though the surface texture can be hard to clean given that it traps dust, insects, allergens and cobwebs.
Now if you consider Orange Peel ceiling vs Popcorn, the first is the preferred choice for easier maintenance and cleaning. Popcorn ceilings are more frail as they tend to crumble when cleaned too roughly while Orange Peel offers more durability.
Between Orange Peel texture vs Smooth vs Popcorn, Smooth offers more light reflectivity then comes Orange Peel. Although this lightens the look of a room, it can also highlight more imperfections in contrast to Popcorn texture.
Skip Trowel
Skip Trowel is a texture made through hand applied mud with a trowel or wide taping knife to form a thin irregular pattern that feels rustic and contemporary.
The randomness of this hand done style is a popular choice for residential use, especially on the ceiling for quick repairs. This texture is also known as Spanish Knockdown, Mud Trowel Knockdown and Santa Fe texture.
Choosing one between Orange Peel texture vs Smooth vs Skip Trowel is a trial between affordability, sleek polish and style. You can go for Skip Trowel if you favor a Tuscan to Mediterranean look. Or Orange Peel for a good quote on cost and traditional casual vibes.
And finally, Smooth if you prefer easy cleaning with a high end and modern note of perfection.
Sanded
Sanded texture or finish is a look that leans on prickly roughness that is achieved though adding silica or other sand to a drywall mix. It is applied with a hand trowel or roller brush for a durable finish on ceilings, accent walls or patios.
This is a style that favors rustic looks with minimal glare from direct lighting and appears earthy due to its gritty finish.
If we consider Orange Peel texture vs Smooth vs Sanded, go with Orange Peel for a modern look that is clean and soft. Next is Smooth texture that offers a polished look that feels premium and makes spaces feel wider.
Or opt for Sanded which has a sandpaper like feel that is more traditional but with the drawback of snagging clothes and cleaning material.
The Conversation Around Orange Peel Texture vs Smooth
My search into Orange Peel Texture vs Smooth Reddit revealed some important points about how “the trick to matching texture is to follow the instructions on the spray bottle.” This user notes that “too many people hold it too close to the wall” to repair the damaged spot on Orange Peel texture which ends up creating “a worse match at best or giant splotches and blobs at worst.”
Another user in the same thread mentioned how textured walls “removes the fine finishing steps needed for smooth wall, so it’s a cost savings.” Though the popularity of textured itself diminishes the availability of smooth wall finishers.
Users on Reddit complain about how it is hard “to make a repair after cutting a hole” since it is hard to match the texture. Orange Peel is indeed “faster, cheaper and it hides flaws” and “ texture walled room doesn’t echo.” But can be hard to clean plus you can end up “scratching your arm if you accidentally brush a wall.”
A further look into Smooth vs Textured walls Reddit made me discover how Imperfect Smooth wall texture “is easy to patch like smooth but gives it a modern more appealing look than regular smooth.” Another user mentioned that they have “smooth and it IS easier to patch and repair bumps and scrapes, however those bumps and scrapes are much more apparent on smooth walls versus textured.”
When To Choose Orange Peel Texture vs Smooth
After going through the realities of Orange Peel texture vs Smooth, we have also looked at alternate wall textures in the above section. But which of the two is the better alternative? To recap, we know that the first has a good cost to labour ratio while the other requires more time and skill which makes it costlier.
And knowing this, how do we proceed to choose what is best for our home? Let us see.
When To Choose Orange Peel Texture?
You can go with Orange Peel if you want the soft vibes that feel traditional and cozy with a friendly budget. Their uniform dimpled pattern is good for hiding minor flaws like scratches, dents and more.
It will suit the look of your living areas or bedroom as ceiling and wall for a less reflective surface that diminishes the glare of bright light.
It is the ideal choice if you want a durable look that is not as outdated as Popcorn texture and requires lower maintenance. Though you have to make sure to keep it clean to avoid making it a dust hub and not use it in moisture or grease prone areas.
When To Choose Smooth?
You can choose Smooth or Flat textured if you favor premium looks that feel airy and modern. It is preferred if you have low ceilings and want to make it seem higher as the light reflectively widens your perception or viewpoint. It is best used for sleek kitchens and minimalist or contemporary looks.
It is a popular look that you will find almost anywhere and it can also elevate the resale value of your home. Do keep in mind that it is far costlier and without a Level 5 finish, any imperfection like dents, cracks, waves and more will be highlighted in abundant light.
Conclusion
So far we have explored what Orange Peel texture vs Smooth are with a focused look at their appearance, application, cost and so on to learn their differences.
We have further seen how people feel about these textures to gauge how they can be of use.
One thing to point out is how Orange Peel texture vs Smooth come with their own advantages and disadvantages.
Whereas Orange Peel may hide flaws on your walls and ceilings but they are a health hazard as they trap dust, moisture, allergens and more.
On the other end, Smooth finish that is easier to wash or wipe down but reflects the slightest imperfection.
So, whether you go with traditional feeling Orange Peel or modern Smooth, the choice is dependent on the vibe you want.
And since we have considered their uses in a home, I am confident you will figure out what works best in yours.
FAQs on Orange Peel Texture Vs Smooth
What are the levels of Orange Peel texture?
Orange Peel texture has three levels namely Light or Fine, Medium and Heavy. Their variation is measured by the difference of their consistency where the air pressure and thickness of the mud or compound mixture decides their appearance. Light or Fine has smaller dimpled patterns that is a good alternative to perfectly Smooth finishes that work for modern or high end spaces. Medium has more visible uniform bumps that is considered builder standard and is good for residential walls or ceilings. Heavy has more magnified bumps and dimples which is due to more mud on the wall that is perfect for hiding larger flaws on it.
What should Orange Peel texture look like?
Orange Peel texture should look like the peel of an orange or any citrus that comes to mind. It should have a uniform pattern of dips or dimples all across that is achieved through a spray on only method. It should have a rough look without the feel of grit or crumbling of Popcorn texture. It should not have flat depressions or prickly peaks, but should look and feel smooth to the touch.
Is Smooth or textured drywall better?
Between Smooth or textured drywall, the argument is between what is affordable and the estimate of labour before and after its application. The better choice is decided by how much time you can commit to their upkeep aside cost and look. With Smooth you can achieve an elegant and polished look with a little extra cost that is best for minimalist or modern vibes. It is easier to clean in comparison to textured walls that cost less and is better for those with allergies. While Textured drywall is good for hiding imperfections on home walls and ceilings, especially rental units. But it can trap dust, moisture and insects which is not conductive for hygiene.
Do I need to prime before Orange Peel texture?
Yes, you do need to prime before applying Orange Peel texture. Primer is good for being a middle surface that allows good adhesion for the drywall that prevents it from flaking off. It also checks porous surfaces that need to be filled in before the work begins. You can apply a Polyvinyl Acetate sealer (PVA) or high build primers like Usg First Coat, Zinsser Triple Thick and more.
