Flat, uniform surfaces are fading into the background. Today’s walls are being reimagined as design elements in their own right, with texture playing a starring role. Whether you’re creating a calm, grounded interior or a striking exterior facade, textured paint is a powerful way to add depth, dimension, and personality to your space.
From softly-layered finishes to bold architectural statements, Rockcote exterior texture finishes range is designed to perform in Australia’s conditions while delivering beautiful, long-lasting results.
In this article, we’ll explore 7 reasons why textured paints are gaining ground and how Rockcote’s products can help you bring your design vision to life.
1. Add visual depth with natural texture
Even the subtlest variation in surface can bring richness and warmth to a room or facade. From fine quartz particles to sandy or pebbled finishes, Rockcote’s texture coatings help break up flat surfaces and create a more organic, layered look.
Whether you’re applying to masonry, cladding, or pre-rendered surfaces, our texture paint range brings walls to life. Try Sandcote Hydratech Fine for a smooth finish with a subtle, natural sparkle or Santa Fe Hydratech for a rich, sandstone-style texture that adds serious impact.
2. Elevate minimalist spaces
In a world of pared-back interiors, texture adds character without clutter. A softly textured wall becomes a design feature that enhances, rather than competes with, furniture or décor.
Many architects and designers are using Rockcote’s textured paints to complement clean lines, raw materials, and neutral colour palettes, giving minimalism a more tactile, grounded feel.
Tuscany Trowel On Medium or Coarse are great options for flexible acrylic texture in muted tones.
3. Define zones and surfaces with contrast
Textured paints aren’t just for feature walls: they can help define different areas within a space or highlight architectural elements. Think fireplace surrounds, or a stairwell return.By varying the finish across selected walls or surfaces, you can create subtle contrast without relying on colour alone. Consider using Rockcote Cerano for a seamless finish with exceptional flexibility and colour versatility.
4. Enhance light and shadow play
Texture catches the light differently than flat paint. As the sun moves through a room or across a facade, it creates soft highlights and shadows that change throughout the day.
This movement adds a sense of life and dynamism to walls, especially in spaces with ample natural light or intentional architectural lighting. Rockcote Finecote offers a subtle, consistent sponged texture that enhances light and shadow play, making it ideal for a refined finish.
5. Bring warmth and earthiness to modern builds
Modern builds can sometimes feel stark or sterile without the right balance of texture. Painted textures introduce an element of earthiness, especially when combined with Rockcote’s warm neutral tones or muted clay-inspired colours.
Textured finishes also tie in beautifully with natural materials like timber, stone, and concrete. Rockcote Sandcote delivers lasting beauty with a subtle sparkle effect, perfect for elevating spaces with light and texture.
6. Improve surface performance with durable coatings
Rockcote’s texture paints aren’t just about looks, they’re formulated to perform. Rockcote’s coatings are flexible, crack-resistant, and suitable for both residential and commercial applications. They can help protect underlying render, resist mould and fungus, and stand up to Australia’s tough climate.
When applied correctly and overcoated with Armour or Armour Flex, these finishes maintain their look for years to come.
Tuscany Trowel On Medium offers enhanced flexibility to help resist cracking, while Render Paint Flat includes powerful mould and fungus inhibitors.
7. Add value and timeless appeal
Textured walls signal craftsmanship. Whether you’re renovating for resale or finishing a dream home, high-quality texture coatings help elevate the finish and deliver a lasting impression. Unlike trend-driven colours or finishes, natural textures and earthy tones have enduring appeal.
Backed by Rockcote’s four decades of experience, our coatings are chosen by architects, specifiers, and homeowners who value both design and durability.
Explore Rockcote’s textured paint range
Whether you’re looking for a flat, sandy finish or a coarse, hand-trowelled effect, Rockcote’s Texture Finishes range delivers professional results across a wide variety of architectural styles. Here’s a closer look at some of the most popular options:
Cerano
Rockcote Cerano is a smooth acrylic texture finish designed for modern minimalism. It is premixed, tintable, and perfect for achieving consistent results across substrates. Its high flexibility and durability make it a standout choice for both interiors and exteriors, especially lightweight substrates like EPS and fibre cement.
Best for: Sleek, uninterrupted finishes across kitchen islands, feature walls or facades.
Finishing tip: Use in conjunction with a full Rockcote system for maximum performance and warranty.
Sandcote
Formulated to showcase the natural sparkle of sand, Rockcote Sandcote is a 100% acrylic texture finish that delivers a refined, light-catching effect. It’s low-maintenance, highly durable, and eliminates the need for additional painting.
Best for: External facades where you want texture, colour, and a soft glitter effect of the sand.
Finishing tip: Tint to your desired shade and apply as part of the full Rockcote system for up to 15-year warranty eligibility.
Finecote
Rockcote Finecote provides a subtle, sponged fine texture that brings softness and uniformity to any wall. Its flexible acrylic formula ensures compatibility with a wide range of substrates, including masonry, EPS, and fibre cement.
Best for: Interior or exterior applications where a consistent fine texture is preferred.
Finishing tip: It can be overcoated with Rockcote Clearcote to enhance depth and add a gentle sparkle.
Santa Fe Hydratech
A bold finish with strong visual movement, Santa Fe Hydratech creates striking pattern effects reminiscent of natural sandstone. With water-repellent technology built in, it offers long-term durability without compromising on visual impact.
Best for: Feature walls, modern and earthy render styles.
Finishing tip: Apply with a steel trowel and plastic float for optimum results; no overcoat required.
Sandcote Hydratech Fine
This fine-grain version of Sandcote brings together subtle texture and Rockcote’s cutting-edge Hydratech water-repellent technology. The result is a breathable, high-performance finish ideal for harsh climates or areas exposed to moisture.
Best for: Exterior walls where you need subtle texture and high resistance to moisture.
Finishing tip: Apply as part of a full Rockcote system for a durable, long-lasting result.
Why textured paint for walls is worth considering
In both interiors and exteriors, the right texture can completely transform a surface. It turns plain walls into design features, it enhances mood and movement, and it adds long-lasting durability to match.
Rockcote’s Texture Finishes range has been developed to support creative vision with proven performance. Whether you’re after a soft, sandy render or a bold trowelled pattern, we have options to suit your style, substrate, and setting.
View our Texture Finishes collection here.
FAQs
What is textured paint used for?
Textured paint adds depth and dimension to walls and surfaces. It’s used in both residential and commercial projects to elevate design, hide surface imperfections, and create natural finishes that catch the light.
Can I use Rockcote textured paint indoors and outdoors?
Yes. Many of our texture coatings are suitable for both interior and exterior applications, provided the correct system is used. Refer to the specific product details for substrate and overcoating recommendations.
How do I choose the right texture finish?
It depends on the look, substrate, and durability requirements of your project. Our team or your chosen applicator can help guide your selection.