How to Get Rid of Textured Walls

Textured walls have been a trend in home design, but many homeowners now prefer a smoother, more modern look. Fortunately, how to get rid of textured walls yourself with two simple methods: soak and scrape or apply a skim coat. Here’s how:

Method 1: Soak and Scrape

1. Protect your floors and trim with a canvas drop cloth and painter’s tape.
2. Spray walls with water using a pump sprayer or spray bottle. Let it sit for 15 minutes until the surface softens.
3. Scrape off the softened texture with a drywall taping knife at a 30-degree angle.
4. Continue scraping until smooth, then let the wall dry for 24 hours.
5. Sand down any remaining texture with a drywall sanding screen.

Method 2: Apply a Skim Coat

1. Protect floors and remove trim. Lightly sand-painted walls to remove the gloss.
2. Mix premixed drywall compound with water until pancake batter consistency.
3. Roll compound onto the wall with a thick-nap roller, then skim off excess with a drywall taping knife.
4. Keep the surface wet while working, and let it dry for 24 to 48 hours.
5. Repeat if necessary, then lightly sand the wall with drywall sanding sponges.

Considerations:

• For older homes built before the 1970s, consult professionals to handle potential asbestos or lead paint.
• Always wear protective gear like a dust mask and goggles when working with drywall.

By following these easy steps, you can achieve smooth, textured-free walls without professional help, saving you time and money.

How to Easily Remove Unwanted Texture From Your Walls

Textured walls might have seemed like a good idea once upon a time, but if you’re ready to bid them farewell, you’re not alone. Whether it’s for a fresher look or to prep your home for sale, here’s a guide to help you smooth things out.

For Unpainted Walls:

1. Prepare the Area: Lay down drop cloths to protect your floors and furnishings.
2. Soak and Scrape: Spray the wall evenly with water and let it soak for about 15 minutes. Then, gently peel off the texture from the top using a scraper or drywall knife.
3. Touch Up: Reapply water as needed for stubborn spots. Once most of the texture is off, let the wall dry for 24 hours. Then, lightly sand it to ensure smoothness.
4. Patch and Prime: Fill any imperfections with drywall compound, sand again, and then prime the wall before painting.

For Painted Walls:

1. Prep Work: Remove baseboards and trim. Lightly sand glossy paint to improve adhesion.
2. Scrape Off What You Can: If parts of the texture come off easily, scrape them away. For tougher areas, consider a soak-and-scrape approach.
3. Apply a Skim Coat: Mix drywall compound to a batter-like consistency and roll it onto the wall in small sections. Smooth the coat from bottom to top using a drywall knife or magic trowel.
4. Repeat and Refine: Allow the skim coat to dry for 1-2 days. If needed, apply a second coat and repeat the smoothing process.
5. Final Touches: Lightly sand the wall once dry, then prime and paint for a flawless finish.

Conclusion:

While removing textured walls is a labor-intensive task, it can be a cost-effective alternative to installing new drywall. However, achieving a perfectly smooth result requires patience and attention to detail. If you’re up for the challenge, follow these steps and transform your space with ease.

Say goodbye to textured walls and hello to a sleek, modern look!