The Top Tools You Need to Create Beautiful Textured Art at Home

Textured art is more than just a trend, it’s a therapeutic, stylish, and deeply satisfying way to express creativity. Whether you're new to the medium or looking to upgrade your current set-up, having the right tools can make all the difference when it comes to creating beautifully layered and tactile designs. And the best part? You don’t need a fancy studio or a huge budget to get started, just a few simple essentials, a bit of inspiration, and your own two hands.

In this blog post, we’re diving into the top tools you’ll need to create beautiful textured art at home, how to use them, and where to find budget-friendly alternatives. Plus, don’t miss the link at the end to grab your free beginner’s guide to textured art, packed with tips, product suggestions, and DIY secrets to get you started with confidence.

1. Canvas or Board: Your Blank Slate

The foundation of any great textured piece is your surface. Stretched canvas or wooden art boards are both great choices. For beginners, pre-framed canvases (like those with floating frames) are perfect, they’re ready to hang and look polished from the get-go.

Pro tip: You can find budget-friendly options at Kmart, Big W, or even repurpose framed prints from op shops.

2. Texture Mediums: Plaster vs. Paste

Choosing your medium is a key decision in textured art. Joint compound (plaster) is a popular, affordable option that dries hard and can be layered easily. Texture pastes, on the other hand, are typically lighter, more flexible, and hold fine detail well.

You can experiment with:

• Pre-mixed joint compound from your local hardware store

• Modeling paste for softer designs

• DIY options using ingredients like glue, baking soda, and paint.

Each medium creates different effects, so try a few to find what feels right in your hands.

3. Palette Knives and Scrapers

You don’t need a full artist’s toolkit, just a few palette knives or scrapers in different sizes. These allow you to layer, carve, and shape your textures.

Look for tools with:

• Flat edges for spreading

• Pointed tips for finer detail

• Notched edges for patterned textures

These can be found at art stores, but even kitchen spatulas or cake decorating tools can work brilliantly!

4. Mixing Bowls and Spatulas

You’ll need something to mix your medium in, small plastic bowls or even takeaway containers work well. A flexible silicone spatula is also handy for mixing and scraping out every bit of product (less waste!).

Keep one bowl dedicated to your mixing and one for cleaning your tools as you go, this helps with time and keeps your art space stress-free.

5. Brushes for Details and Finishes

While textured art often focuses on the base structure, don’t overlook the power of detail brushes. Use them to:

• Add highlights and shadows

• Soften edges

• Apply washes of diluted paint over dried texture

Even budget brush sets from discount stores are fine to start with, just clean them well after use.

6. Finishing Products: Paint, sandpaper & sealers

Once your textured base is dry, it’s time to finish it off. You’ll want:

• Acrylic paints in whatever colour you desire

• Sandpaper to smooth off any undesirable rough texture

• Matte or gloss sealers to protect your final piece

These finishing touches elevate your artwork and help it tie in beautifully with your home’s interior styling.

7. Protective Gear and Clean-Up Supplies

Textured art can be a little messy, but that’s part of the fun. Be sure to have:

• Drop sheets or old towels to protect surfaces

• Aprons or old clothes

• Disposable gloves for sensitive skin

• Rags and water spray bottles for quick clean-ups

Creating in a calm, prepared space helps you fully relax into the process.

BONUS: Tools You Already Have at Home

You might be surprised how many amazing textures you can create using household items:

• Forks or combs for linear patterns

• Sponges or cloth for dabbing

• Toothpicks or skewers for fine detail

• Bubble wrap, cardboard, or even leaves for impressions

Experimenting with these tools makes your art truly unique, and costs nothing extra.

Conclusion: Simple Tools, Stunning Results

Creating beautiful textured art at home doesn’t require expensive equipment, just a few affordable tools, a touch of creativity, and the willingness to experiment. With the right palette knife, medium, and canvas, you can design striking, one-of-a-kind pieces that feel both stylish and meaningful.

Want to dive in and get started? Download my FREE beginner’s guide to textured art, it’s packed with insider tips, easy tool hacks, and supply suggestions to help you create confidently (without overspending).

Let your hands do the talking, and create art you’re proud to display.