Painting bumpy, textured surfaces is no easy task. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible, though. With the right materials, a good technique, and plenty of dedication, you can give your rough, indented walls a fresh coat of paint. Need some help? Here’s what to know about painting on textured walls.
Tools and Materials
You’ll need classic painting tools, including the paint, brushes, and a tarp, but you’ll also need some materials that are better suited to the task at hand. Here’s what you should get before you start painting:
- Interior paint
- Primer
- Spackle
- Putty knife
- Angled paintbrush
- Paint roller and tray
- Painter’s tape
- Drop cloth
Prepare the Surface
Another thing to know about painting on textured walls is how to prep the surface. Start by filling any holes or scratches left behind from hanging hardware such as paintings, shelves, or metal hooks. Use your putty knife to spread spackle over the indents and wait for it to dry.
After that, you’ll want to wash your walls. The crevices of textured walls trap debris such as dirt and dust. Vacuum the textured surface or wipe it down with a clean, damp cloth.
If you’re painting around outlets and switches, remove the covers before you start painting. Taping is always an option, but remember—small mistakes can get messy, and fast.
Next, grab your tarp and drop cloths and cover the floor. If you have any furniture, store it in a different room or pile it in the center of the space, away from any walls.
Finally, apply any painter’s tape as necessary. For a tight seal, press on the tape with your putty knife.
Start Painting
When you’re done preparing, get ready to paint! Start by priming the surface. You can find primers designed for textured surfaces. Normally, these are labeled as “high-build” or “problem surface.”
Pick a white or tinted primer that’s close in shade to the original paint color. Oil or latex-based primer works, but oil is more versatile. You can then top it with either oil or latex-based paint. However, if you use a latex primer, be careful—it won’t be easy to apply oil-based paint on top.
Once you’ve applied the primer, dip your angled brush into the paint. You’ll want to paint the wall’s edges first. This protects abutting surfaces such as your ceiling from being ruined by stray paint strokes.
With the edges done, it’s time to focus on the rest of the wall. With your roller, paint over the textured wall, using wide, W-shaped strokes and working from the top down.
When you’re done, step back. Examine the walls for any missed areas, and if you find any, touch them up with a chip brush. If you want a darker, richer color, you can add a second coat of paint. Wait for the paint to dry before removing your painter’s tape and moving the furniture back into the room.
Having trouble painting your bumpy, textured walls? If you’re searching for one of the best interior painting contractors in Durham Region – Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Brooklin, Oshawa, Courtice, Bowmanville, and Newcastle, look no further. HausePainter & Contracting can help you with all your interior painting needs.