How to Mix Paint and Joint Compound

When you mix paint, one of the things you might end up having to do is mix paint with joint compound. You’d do this for faux painting to create a plaster effect on a wall. There are two ways you can do this, although they do require some experimentation to create the right texture and color for your needs.

Step 1 - What Type of Paint?

The most important thing to know is that you can only mix joint compound with latex paint. Don’t attempt it with oil-based paint because the two will not combine. Be aware of this when you go shopping for paint. You can use joint compound that’s pre-mixed and available in tubs or you can also make your own by adding powered joint compound to water.

Step 2 - Mixing

If you use pre-mixed joint compound, you’ll need to thin it a little before you add it to the paint. There’s no set degree as to how much you can thin the joint compound. Much depends on the ultimate effect you want to achieve. The best answer is to just thin it a little, then experiment as you continue to mix your paint.

Start by pouring the paint into a large bucket. Add a little of the joint compound at a time and mix it in thoroughly using the drill with a mixer attachment. What you’re really looking for is something with the consistency of cake or brownie batter when you mix paint. This will help the material to apply and adhere to the wall properly.

A problem you might face is that the joint compound is going to affect the color of the paint and lighten it. One alternative is to buy a darker shade of the color you want. Unfortunately, this isn’t an exact science or formula. It can take quite a bit of trial and error in order to achieve both the consistency and color you want when you mix paint with joint compound.

Step 3 - Alternative

Instead of mixing joint compound with paint, you can add powdered paint to joint compound. To mix paint this way, pour some of the thinned joint compound into a large bucket. Make sure you’ve thinned it with water first. Add some of the powdered paint in the color you want. Mix them together with the mixer attachment on a drill. It can be a little trickier to achieve the right consistency and you’ll need to experiment to find the right shade of color.

Whichever method you use, be prepared to make several attempts before you find the right result. It’s worthwhile making notes each time; this way, when you succeed in finding the color and consistency you want, you’ll know how to do it again. You’ll need the paint to be thinner if applying with a brush or roller than you would for applying with a trowel.