Preparing Textured Walls for Skim Coating

Textured walls can make a space feel dated and dark. Over time, paint flakes off the bumps and ridges, giving the walls an worn, imperfect look. If you want to update the space with new wallpaper or a fresh coat of paint, skim coating is an easy DIY solution for smoothing textured walls prior to decorating.

Skim coating uses joint compound to create an even surface over the irregular texture. This provides a blank canvas for new wall finishes. With some basic tools and materials, skim coating can transform the look of a room over a weekend.

Reasons to Skim Coat Textured Walls

There are several benefits to skim coating textured walls:

• Creates a smooth, consistent surface for decorating
• Covers damaged drywall and hides old wallpaper seams
• Levels out uneven textures from poor finishing jobs
• Prepares walls for new wallpaper, faux finishes, or paint
• Brightens up rooms by allowing the use of lighter wall colors
• Gives a modern, updated look for less cost than new drywall

Skim coating requires some labor but saves on the high cost of professional drywall installation. With a little patience and elbow grease, anyone can transform the look of a room.

Preparing Textured Walls for Skim Coating

Proper prep is crucial for good adhesion and a smooth finish. Good skim coating is all in the prep work.

Cleaning and Repairing Wall Surface

Start by washing walls with a reliable degreaser to remove dirt, grease, and soap residue. Rinse thoroughly.

Check for any moisture issues behind existing wall texture and address prior to skim coating. Repair minor cracks and holes with lightweight spackling compound and a putty knife.

Protect nearby floors, windows, trim, and outlets with rosin or brown builder's paper or plastic sheeting. Use painter's tape for more intricate covering.

Filling Cracks and Holes

Use a 4 to 6-inch taping knife to apply joint compound to larger cracks, gaps, and gashes in the walls. Feather out the compound and smooth once dry. Address any damaged drywall corner bead in the same manner.

Stipple the filled cracks using the pointed end of the taping knife handle to allow the skim coating joint compound to grip the repairs.

Skim Coating Materials Needed

Skim coating requires only a few materials:

• Premixed lightweight joint compound
• 6-inch joint knife / putty knife
• 12-inch drywall taping knife
• Mud pan and mixing bucket
• High-quality paint roller with 1/4" nap roller sleeves
• Paint tray with ramp for roller loading
• Drop cloths or protective floor/door coverings
• Low-adhesion delicate surface painters tape
• Pole sander with 150-grit paper
• Paintable latex or acrylic primer

Premixed joint compound has a smooth, pudding-like consistency perfect for skim coating. Avoid powders that require mixing by hand. Opt for a high-quality, lightweight product that sands easily, like Plus 3 lightweight all purpose joint compound. A regular or quick-set formula both work fine.

Applying First Coat of Skim Coat

Once walls are prepped, start applying the skim coat layer. Joint compound is fragile until fully dry so work carefully.

Spreading Joint Compound

Using a paint roller with 1/4" nap, roll joint compound thinly and evenly across the entire wall like paint. Start from ceiling line and work down to baseboards. Replenish compound supply frequently to prevent clumps or gobs. Apply light pressure and use "V" and "W" rolling patterns get get compound into grooves without dragging texture peaks.

Smoothing Out the Coat

Immediately smooth the joint compound with drywall knife. Hold knife at 45deg angle and gently scrape to flatten ridges and texture without digging into the coat below. Glide knife along the surface to feather out edges. Let skim coat fully dry 48 hours.

Sanding and Prep for Final Coat

Sand the dried first coat with 150-grit paper to remove high spots or ridges. Carefully sand imperfections flush, not down to bare wall. Vacuum away all dust.

For heavily textured walls, examine to see if additional skim coat layers are needed for proper smoothing. Seal primed final coat with thinned joint compound if planning to skim coat again.

Applying Final Skim Coat

Repeat process using techniques from first layer. Water down batches of compound slightly for easier spreading and smoothing for final coat.

Feathering Out the Edges

Gently blend outer edges of final skim coat layer into existing wall texture, creating a slight taper so layer blends seamlessly into original drywall without heavy ridges or obviously patched areas.

Achieving Smooth Finish

Take time with final smoothing to create perfectly smooth surface for decorating. Make diagonal passes with knife blade. Carefully scrape away imperfections. Frequently wipe blade clean and smooth with flat side to press down high areas. Let fully cure 48 to 72 hours.

Priming and Painting Skim Coated Walls

Choosing Right Primer

For painting, prime with quality high-build primer formulated for walls, like Zinsser Drywall Primer or Kilz Premium High-Hide Stain Blocking Interior/Exterior Primer. For added moisture-management, use Zinsser Perma-White Mold & Mildew Proof Interior Primer.

Follow manufacturer's recommendations for application and optimal dry time. Thin down primer products when using over fresh skim coat compound. Apply two coats of primer with a roller using a crisscross, multidirectional method to ensure coverage over the ultra smooth coat.

Once primed, the walls are ready for paint, faux treatments, or wallpaper. Skim coating is an easy upgrade that immediately gives any room a fresh, modern look!