How to Smooth Textured Walls: Simple Tips and Tricks

Textured walls can add character and depth to a room, but they can also be a pain to paint and decorate. If you’re tired of dealing with the bumps and ridges on your walls, there are a few easy techniques you can use to make them perfectly smooth. With a little bit of patience and the right tools, you can transform a textured wall into a sleek, seamless surface that’s just as easy to work with as a plain one.

Before you start any smoothing project, it’s important to assess the condition of your walls and choose the right approach. Some textures, like popcorn ceilings, may contain asbestos and require special care. Other textures may be too thick or uneven to easily sand down. If you’re unsure whether your walls can be smoothed safely, it’s always best to consult with a professional. Once you have a plan in place, you can begin smoothing out your walls and creating the perfect backdrop for your decor.

So, you have textured walls that make your home feel outdated and drab. You want to make them smooth, but you don’t know where to start. Fortunately, there are several ways to achieve this. In this article, we’ll discuss 10 methods you can use to transform your bumpy walls into polished, elegant surfaces.

1. Sanding

One common way to smooth textured walls is to sand them down. You’ll need a sanding pole and sandpaper, preferably a coarse-grit paper. Start by removing any loose debris or peeling paint from the walls. Then, sand the walls in a circular motion, working your way from the top to the bottom. Be sure to wear a mask to avoid inhaling dust.

2. Skim-coating

Skim-coating involves applying a thin, smooth layer of joint compound over the textured surface. Start by taping around the edges of the room to protect your baseboards and floor. Then, apply the compound with a trowel, covering the entire wall. Let it dry completely before sanding lightly and applying a second coat if necessary.

3. Plastering

Plastering is similar to skim-coating but involves using plaster instead of joint compound. Mix the plaster according to the manufacturer’s instructions and apply it to the walls using a trowel. Allow the plaster to dry completely before sanding it down.

4. Drywall installation

If your textured walls are in poor condition, you may need to replace them with drywall. Install new drywall over the existing surface and finish it with joint compound and sandpaper.

5. Textured wallpaper removal

If your walls are covered in textured wallpaper, you’ll need to remove it before you can make them smooth. Soak the wallpaper with a solution of hot water and wallpaper remover, then scrape it off with a putty knife. Once the wallpaper is removed, you can proceed with another method to create a smooth surface.

6. Paint over the texture

If your texture is not too heavy, you can try painting over it to create a smoother appearance. Use a thick-nap roller and apply a generous coat of paint. Be sure to use a high-quality paint with good hiding power.

7. Cover the texture with fabric

An unconventional way to make textured walls smooth is by covering them with fabric. Choose a lightweight, non-stretchy fabric such as linen or cotton. Apply a thin layer of liquid starch to the wall, then smooth the fabric over it. Once the starch dries, trim the excess fabric and paint the walls.

8. Apply a textured paint

A textured paint can add a new dimension to plain walls while hiding the underlying texture. Use a roller or a trowel to apply the paint, depending on the pattern you want to achieve.

9. Contact a professional

If your walls need major repairs or you don’t feel confident in DIY methods, consider hiring a professional to handle the job. A contractor will have the skills and tools to get your walls smooth and sleek.

10. Embrace the texture

Lastly, remember that there’s nothing wrong with textured walls. In fact, they can add interest and depth to a room. If none of the above methods suit you, consider embracing the texture and finding creative ways to decorate around it.

In conclusion, making textured walls smooth requires patience and effort, but the results can transform your home’s appearance. Whether you choose to sand, skim-coat, plaster, or opt for a different method, you’ll be able to achieve a clean, elegant finish that will be the envy of your guests.

Section 2: Tools and Materials Needed

Before embarking on the process of smoothing out textured walls, it is essential to have the right tools and materials. Here is a list of things you will need:

1. Protective Gear

The safety of your eyes and respiratory system is crucial. Therefore, you will need to have goggles and masks necessary for sanding, scraping, and patching the wall.

2. Sandpaper and Sanding Sponge

Sandpapers are used to smoothen the wall surface after scraping off loose debris. You will need sandpapers with different grits, ranging from coarse to fine, to achieve the desired results. A sanding sponge is also useful for smoothing edges and corners.

3. Joint Compound

Joint compound or drywall mud is an essential material for wall patching and repair. It is used to fill in holes, cracks, and dents on the wall, leaving a smooth and even surface.

4. Putty Knives

Putty knives of varying sizes are necessary for applying the joint compound to the wall surface. A larger one is suitable for filling larger patches and dents, while a smaller one is necessary for smoothing the surfaces.

5. Taping Knife

A taping knife is used in the process of taping and coating the joint compound over cracks and seams on the wall surface. It creates a smooth and even surface.

6. Dustpan and Brush

Cleanup is vital after each sanding session. A dustpan and brush should be used to sweep up the debris from the floor and walls.

7. Drop Cloths

Texturing can create a lot of debris, and you do not want the dust and particles getting into your furniture and household items. Drop cloths are necessary for protecting your furniture and floor from the debris.

8. Paint Roller and Tray

After the wall is completely smooth, a fresh coat of paint is necessary for aesthetic purposes. A paint roller and tray will be used during the painting process.

9. Primer and Paint

A primer is essential for the paint to adhere to the wall surface. A particular primer can be used for any textured wall. The paint color should complement your decor and preference.

10. Drywall Vacuum Sander

If you are thinking of smoothing out textured walls in multiple rooms, a drywall vacuum sander may be necessary, as it will reduce the amount of dust generated.

Having all of the above listed tools and materials will ensure that your project goes as smoothly as possible, achieving the desired results, and turning your textured wall into a smooth and beautiful finish.

Fixing Textured Walls: Sanding and Filling

If you are dealing with moderately textured walls, then sanding and filling is an effective method to make the walls smooth. Here’s how to do it:

1. Sand the Textured Wall

Sand the wall with a sanding pole. A sanding pole is useful in hard-to-reach areas, such as the corners of the walls. Use 120-grit sandpaper and sand the walls in circular motions.

Make sure you wear protective gear such as a dust mask and goggles during this process. If the wall texture is rough, you may need to use 80-grit sandpaper first followed by 120-grit sandpaper. Sand the surface until the texture is completely removed.

2. Repair Holes and Cracks

After sanding the wall, check for holes and cracks. Use a joint compound and fill the holes with it. A joint compound is a putty-like material that is used to fill gaps, create smooth surfaces, and cover seams. Allow it to dry and sand with 120-grit sandpaper until it becomes smooth.

3. Skim Coat the Walls

Apply a thin coat of joint compound to the entire wall with a taping knife. Work on a small area and spread the compound thinly and evenly. Once you have covered the wall, let it dry completely. This process is called skim coating, and it helps in creating a perfectly smooth surface on the wall.

4. Sand Again for a Smooth Surface

Once the wall is dry, sand it again with 120-grit sandpaper. Use a sanding pole for the hard-to-reach areas. Sand it in circular motions until the wall is smooth and free from bumps and rough patches.

5. Apply Primer and Paint

Finally, apply a primer on the wall before painting. Use a high-quality paint for better coverage and finish. If you follow these steps carefully, you will have a smooth and flawless textured wall.

In conclusion, sanding and filling is an effective method to make textured walls smooth. It requires patience and attention to detail, but the end result is worth the effort. If you are unsure about doing this on your own, it is always best to seek help from a professional. By following our easy steps, you can have a beautiful textured wall that is smooth and visually appealing.

Time to Get Those Smooth Walls!

Now that you know how to tackle those textured walls, it’s time to get to work! Don’t stress too much if it takes a little time to achieve that perfectly smooth finish. Take deep breaths and enjoy the process. Remember, practice makes perfect. Thanks for reading this article and I hope it helped you create smoother walls. Make sure to come back for more insightful DIY articles. Have fun decorating!