Textured Art 101: Everything Beginners Need to Know to Get Started

So you’ve fallen in love with the look of textured wall art and want to try it for yourself? But where do you start? From the outside, it can look overwhelming: so many tools, products, and techniques! But the truth is, creating textured art is simple, affordable, and so satisfying once you know the basics.

This beginner-friendly guide will answer your most common questions and give you the confidence to get started. We’ll cover the best paste to use, affordable materials, household tools you probably already own, how to fix common issues like cracking, and the all-important step of sealing your finished piece. Let’s dive in!

What Paste Should Beginners Use? (Hint: Plaster Is Your Best Friend)

If you're new to textured art, plaster is one of the best materials to start with. It’s budget-friendly, easy to find at most hardware stores, and dries with a beautiful matte finish that gives your art that luxe, gallery-style look.

Benefits of using plaster: smooth and buttery texture that's easy to spread, dries relatively fast, which is great for beginners, it's affordable compared to specialised art pastes, and it creates stunning, dimensional finishes.

Ready-mixed joint compound is a great starting option. Just stir it before use and you’re good to go. Once you’re more confident, you can explore other mediums like texture pastes or gels, but plaster is perfect to get you started.

Do I Need Expensive Canvases? Not at All.

One of the best parts of DIY textured art is that it doesn’t have to be expensive. You absolutely don’t need to splurge on high-end canvases. Discount store canvases work just fine, especially while you're learning.

You can even repurpose old art from op shops or clearance sections—just paint over them with a coat of primer to create a blank surface for your texture. Float-framed or deep-edge canvases give a more professional finish if you're gifting or selling your work, but any sturdy base will do to begin.

Tools You Already Own Can Work Wonders

Forget fancy art tools! You can create stunning textured art for beginners using items you already have around the house, such as: a butter knife or cake spatula - great for spreading plaster, combs - great for making arches and circles, spoons or forks - use to carve lines or patterns, sponges - great for dabbing for a more dramatic effect, and left over house paint - to colour and add personality to your textured art design was dried.

Once you start experimenting, you’ll find that almost anything can become a tool for creativity.

Fixing Cracks (Because They Happen!)

Cracking is one of the most common beginner frustrations in textured art, but it’s also very fixable. Cracks usually happen when the plaster is applied too thickly or dries unevenly.

Here is how to fix them: Let your artwork dry completely, lightly sand the cracked area, apply a thin layer of plaster over and into the crack using your finger tip or small paint brush, and voila - no more cracks!

Bonus tip: Embrace small cracks if they work with your design! They often add character and authenticity to the piece!

Don’t Skip This Step: Sealing Your Textured Art

Once your masterpiece is complete and fully dry, sealing it helps protect the surface, especially if you're using plaster (which can absorb moisture and dust).

How to seal your textured wall art: Use a clear paint or spray varnish, apply with even strokes and let it dry completely before hanging. You can choice to use matte or gloss, depending on the look you are going for.

Sealing keeps your piece looking fresh and prevents colour fading over time.

Conclusion

Starting your textured art journey doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With the right paste (hello, plaster!), affordable canvases, and tools you already have at home, you can create beautiful, meaningful art that reflects your personal style. And when cracks happen? You’ll know how to fix them like a pro. Seal it up, hang it proudly, and let the compliments roll in. 

For more in-depth information about how to begin your textured art journey, grab my FREE guide: '15 Secrets Exposed that Every Beginner Must Know to Create Textured Art Like a Pro.'

Want more tips and tricks? Book in for one of my workshops, sign up for my fortnightly newsletter and come and join my Facebook Group: The Texture Life Journey.

I can't wait to see what you create!