Textured walls add a little character to your space, but they can be a real pain when it comes time to repaint. Whether itโs that classic knockdown texture, heavy orange peel, or something even more dramatic, knowing how to paint textured walls the right way can save you time, frustration, and money.
For homeowners in Beverly Hills, FL dealing with this challenge, the right approach matters. Paint doesn’t always glide over those bumps and grooves like it does on smooth drywall. If youโve ever ended up with uneven color, drips, or missed spots, youโre not alone.
Letโs break this down the right way, using the right tools, techniques, and materials.
Key Takeaways:
- Use a ยฝ to ยพ-inch nap paint roller to reach deep into textured surfaces like orange peel and knockdown texture.
- Cleaning your wall with a sponge or shop vac is a mustโdust ruins paint adhesion fast.
- Always start with quality primer before adding your color; textured walls absorb more paint.
- Choosing the right paint sheen mattersโgo for satin or eggshell to balance texture and cleanability.
Common Wall Textures and What They Mean for Paint
Not all textured walls are the same, which means painting them isnโt a one-size-fits-all situation.
Some textures you might be dealing with:
- Orange peel: Looks like its namesake. Subtle bumps that require a slightly thicker nap roller.
- Knockdown texture: Common in Florida homes. Flat but uneven surface created by โknocking downโ drywall mud after spraying.
- Popcorn: Usually found on ceilings, this one needs more prep (and care) than most.
- Comb texture: Often found in bathrooms or accent walls, created with a toothed trowel.
- Stucco or plaster: More dramatic and can be rough to the touch.
The texture type impacts everything from the type of paint roller to the number of coats of primer you’ll need.
If you’re working with older surfaces, popcorn ceiling removal or repair can also require special handling, especially if it’s hiding damage or dust buildup.
How to Paint Textured Walls
Textured walls can add personality to a room, but painting them isnโt as simple as grabbing a roller and going for it. From choosing the right roller to applying coats of primer the right way, this guide covers everything you need to get clean, even results.
Tools and Materials: Donโt Skimp Here
The wrong tools can wreck your results fast, especially on a textured wall.
Hereโs what professional painters use when painting textured walls:
Tools
- Paint roller with a thick nap (ยฝ to ยพ inch)
- Brush (2-inch angled for corners)
- Paint tray and liners
- Putty knife
- Trowel (for patching areas of broken texture)
- Sprayer (optional, used for heavy textures or ceilings)
Prep Materials
- Painterโs tape
- Plastic sheeting to protect furniture and floors
- Sponge or shop vac with brush attachment
- Joint compound or mud for filling holes or cracks
- Tape and putty for detailing
- Latex primer and high-quality interior paint
- Optional: sandpaper, though not always recommended on textured surfaces
Choosing the right finish also makes a big difference. Some textures can catch the light differently depending on the paint sheen, so consider whether youโre going for eggshell, satin, or something with more wipeability like semi-glossโespecially in spaces like the kitchen or bathroom.
Prep Work: Donโt Skip the Dirty Part
This is the step most people rush throughโand it shows. Textured walls trap dust, which keeps paint from sticking well. You want a clean surface before anything touches a roller.
Prep steps worth doing:
- Vacuum or wipe down the wall using a sponge and water. Get in those nooks.
- Remove switch plates and tape off areas like baseboards, windows, and trim.
- Use joint compound or spackle to fill in any dents or damage. Let it dry fully.
- Apply plastic to protect nearby furniture or flooring.
- Spot prime patched areas. Then apply full coats of primer before painting to give the surface a good base.
Skipping prep can lead to issues like poor adhesion, uneven color, or having to repaint sooner than you’d like. It’s also one of the most common painting mistakes people make when dealing with texture.
Primer and Paint: Get That Coverage Right
Textured surfaces are thirsty. They soak up paint more than smooth walls, which is why professional painters always recommend priming first.
Start with a quality latex or oil-based primer, especially if you’re covering darker walls or heavy stucco. After priming, move on to two full coats of paint for best results.
Roll the wall in small 4×4 foot sections using your paint roller. Check each area for drips and roll them out right away. Youโll want to keep a steady rhythm so everything blends smoothly.
Donโt press too hard. Let the paint roller and the nap do the workโitโs designed to reach into crevices. For tight spots and corners, a paintbrush is your friend.
Painting ceilings with texture? A sprayer may be necessary for even coverage over popcorn or heavily combed finishes.
Tips for Flawless Results
Hereโs what the pros keep in mind when painting textured walls:
- Donโt skip the primerโyouโll regret it when the color looks patchy.
- Use a 1/2 to 3/4-inch roller nap depending on the wall texture.
- Avoid using foam rollers on textured surfaces.
- Add a touch of caulk along painterโs tape to prevent seepage on rough textures.
- Sponge or vacuum the wall to remove dust before painting.
- Match your paint sheen to the room and surface type. Avoid flat finishes in high-traffic or damp areas.
Want help figuring out how much paint youโll need for those bumpy walls? Use a paint calculator to save time and avoid overbuying.
Paint Textured Walls the Smart Way
Knowing how to paint textured walls is less about guessing and more about getting the process right from the beginning. With textured surfaces, every stepโfrom cleaning to taping to choosing the right toolsโplays a role in how your final result turns out.
Take the time to clean, prep, and prime your walls properly. Pay attention to your tools and choose the right paint, primer, and paint sheen for the job. And when in doubt, working with professional painters in Beverly Hills, FL is the best way to get smooth results without the stress.
Hereโs how Premium Painting makes the process easier from start to finish:
- Full prep and masking of all furniture, floors, and trim
- Surface cleaning, patching, and sanding where needed
- Professional-grade primer and high-quality paint
- Clean and consistent finish with zero mess left behind
- On-time, respectful crew with experience in textured surfaces
Weโre proud to serve homeowners in Beverly Hills, Crystal River, Citrus Springs, Lecanto, FL and the surrounding areas.
Call us at 352-660-7820 for your FREE estimate.
