Buzz
A fundamental principle of interior design, especially when preparing to sell your home, is to steer clear of overly personalized and permanent design choices. However, as many house or apartment hunters can confirm, textured walls are frequently mistaken for a universally attractive feature. The truth is, they are not. While textured walls are often used as a budget-friendly solution to reduce drywall installation expenses and conceal flaws, they remain a polarizing design element.
If you’re faced with textured walls you’d prefer to smooth out, don’t worry—there are effective methods to achieve this. While the process requires effort and patience, the results are worth it.
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Texture from Unpainted Walls
If your textured wall has been painted, a more complex solution is required (details below). Paint acts as a sealant, shielding the texture from water and your efforts. These methods also work for textured ceilings. For unpainted walls, the 'Soak and Scrape' technique can effectively remove the texture. Here's how:
Cover your floors and furniture with drop cloths to avoid mess.
Evenly spray the wall with water. A pump sprayer works, but a plastic spray bottle is sufficient for smaller areas.
Allow the texture to soak for approximately 15 minutes.
Using a scraper or large drywall knife, begin at the top and scrape downward. Unpainted texture should come off easily, creating a significant mess. Avoid gouging the drywall—hold the blade at an angle and proceed slowly.
Reapply water if you encounter stubborn texture or if the wall dries out.
After removing the bulk of the texture, let the wall dry for at least 24 hours.
Sand the wall with a sanding screen or fine sandpaper. Aim for smoothness without overdoing it.
Patch any imperfections with drywall compound, sand, and prime.
Removing Texture from Painted Walls
Painted textured walls present a greater challenge. In some cases, replacing the drywall entirely might be the best solution. If that’s not feasible, applying a skim coat—a thin layer of drywall mud—is necessary. While it sounds simple, achieving a smooth, even finish requires skill. Hiring professionals is recommended, but for determined DIYers, here’s the process:
Remove baseboards and trim.
If the paint has a glossy finish, lightly sand it to remove the shine, ensuring better compound adhesion.
Scrape off any loose texture. The soak-and-scrape method can help if applicable.
Prepare your compound. Use powdered or pre-mixed drywall compound, thinning it with water to a batter-like consistency for easy rolling. A power drill with a mixing attachment is ideal for this step.
Pour the thinned compound into a rolling tray and apply it to the walls. This process is messy and physically demanding. Work in small sections to prevent the compound from drying unevenly.
Smooth the applied coat from the bottom up. A standard drywall knife or a magic trowel (adjustable squeegee trowel) can be used. Dampen the blade slightly and scrape to blend and smooth the compound. This step requires patience and precision.
Let the skim coat dry for 1-2 days. If texture remains, apply a second coat and repeat the process. Avoid sanding between coats.
Once satisfied with the smoothness, lightly sand the wall with a sanding sponge. Be gentle to avoid damaging the delicate skim coat.
Finally, prime and paint your newly smooth walls.
Yes, both methods require significant effort. Whether it’s worth it depends on your situation. While it’s more affordable and less invasive than replacing the drywall, there’s a good chance the walls may not turn out perfectly. Achieving a professional-looking finish demands considerable time and patience—so take your time and avoid rushing the process.
