Simple Steps to Smooth Wall Texture

Textured walls can make a space feel dated and cluttered. With unique textures covering every inch, it can be challenging to decorate or update a room. While some enjoy the dimensional look, others find it distracting. If you're hoping to transform the feel of a textured wall space, smoothing the surface is a great option.

Smoothing textured walls allows you to modernize the room and opens up limitless design possibilities. With a flat, seamless canvas, you can add color, art, wallpaper, or anything your heart desires! The process takes time and elbow grease but is completely doable as a DIY project.

Determine Wall Texture Type

The first step is identifying what type of texture is on your walls. There are various styles, including:

• Popcorn ceiling texture - Small, bumpy pieces that resemble popcorn
• Knockdown texture - Swirled finishes with indented areas
• Orange peel texture - Bumpy pattern resembling an orange peel
• Skip trowel texture - Thick layers created by a decorative trowel

The depth, thickness, and material composition impact the smoothing process. Generally, lighter textures like skip trowel come off easier than heavy applications like popcorn. Knowing what you're dealing with sets clear smoothing expectations.

It's also important to determine if there are multiple layers of texture built up over time. This can make removal more tedious. Inspect closely for signs of existing paint or texture under the surface coat. Multiple layers may influence tools and techniques needed to expose the drywall underneath.

Gather Smooth Wall Materials

Collect the necessary supplies before starting demo work and texture removal. Essentials include:

• Painters tape
• Thick plastic sheeting
• Drywall joint compound
• Joint compound mixing bucket
• Drywall taping knives
• Sandpaper
• Sanding pole
• Trisodium phosphate (TSP)
• Face mask
• Safety goggles
• Protective gloves

Joint compound levels the textured walls after removing the bumpy material. TSP cleans the surface for strong adhesion. Power sander rental may help for large walls. Gather everything before starting work in the space.

Consider using a heavy duty scraper or oscillating multi-tool if dealing with thick or heavily embedded texture materials. The extra power can help remove it efficiently down to the drywall layer.

Prep Textured Walls for Smoothing

Clean Surfaces

Cleaning is the first prep step for smoothing textured walls. Use TSP cleaner and water to remove all grease, dirt and soap residues. Rinse thoroughly. Allow the texture to fully dry for 48 hours.

Check manufacturer guidelines for application tips, protective equipment, and proper ventilation when using cleaning products like TSP. Proper safety steps prevent accidents or illness.

Remove Loose Material

Check for any loose or hollow spots on the textured wall that should be eliminated before smoothing work. Use a putty knife to scrape off peeling sections and reapply joint compound to fill gaps.

If dealing with thick or heavy texture, first soak the walls with water. This softens the material for easier removal. Then begin gently scraping with your scraper or oscillating tool in small sections until you reach the drywall layer.

Fill Cracks and Holes

Inspect for small cracks and holes that require patching compound before you apply joint compound over the entire textured wall. Use painter's caulk for small cracks and lightweight Spackle paste to patch nail holes and imperfections in the existing texture.

Allow proper drying times before adding smoothing coats. Refer to manufacturer guidelines for the patching products you choose. Proper fill and dry times prevent adhesion issues later.

Apply Smooth Wall Compound

Use Drywall Joint Compound

Joint compound creates an ultra smooth finish over existing wall textures. Use a taping knife to apply a thin, even coat across the whole surface. Feather out the edges so they blend seamlessly into surrounding areas.

Choose joint compound products designed specifically for wall preparation vs ones made for embeded drywall tape joints and corners. The right formulas contain adhesive strengtheners to bond exceptionally well.

Use Skim Coat Plaster

An alternative is high quality skim coat or Venetian plaster. They create a durable smoothed surface but work much faster with less drying time than traditional joint compound. Both skim coat methods cover the bumps well.

Skim coat plasters form an ultra smooth surface for painted walls or unique Venetian polished plaster finishes. Products like Structolite, USG Sheetrock, and Durabond offer solutions.

Smooth On New Coat

Apply Evenly

Work top to bottom, applying the smoothing compound steadily across the entire textured wall. Use a water sprayer to mist the surface and slow drying time. Uneven sections make fixing imperfections harder.

Load small amounts of compound on knives and apply in smooth, consistent strokes. Overloading makes consistency tougher. Take your time working thoroughly from top to bottom for best outcome.

Allow Drying Time

Let the smooth coat dry completely, allowing 24 hours before adding second coats or primers. Drying times vary based on temperature, humidity and ventilation. Test readiness by pressing gently with a finger.

Add a fan to circulate air accelerating drying without allowing dust to settle. This prevents tacky spots that ruin adhesion. Thicker applications take longer to dry fully before sanding or priming.

Prime and Paint New Surface

Use Oil-Based Primer

Once thoroughly dried, apply an oil-based primer to the newly smoothed walls. Primer enhances paint adhesion and provides maximum sealing power over the prepared texture. Allow another full day to dry.

For the best finish, use high quality oil or shellac based primers after proper drying timelines are complete. They block stains and textures missed during removal work.

Apply Finish Paint Coats

The final step is adding fresh coats of paint in your color choice now that the wall surface is smooth. Use a mini roller and work in sections for the most seamless, professional looking finish on your newly smoothed textures.

Plan your painting in sections to avoid lap marks and touch ups later. Allow proper dry times between finish coats for most durable results. Lightly sand before final coat.

Achieve Professional Results

Smoothing over a heavily textured wall requires careful prep, patience during application and drying times, and attention to detail. Rushing the process risks cracks or an uneven look in the final surface.

Take your time following each step, allow thorough drying between compounds and primers before adding fresh coats, and work methodically. The reward is gorgeous smooth walls ready for beautiful finishes.

For best results, consider hiring a professional if you have little drywall experience or are working with tricky heavily textured walls. They bring the right tools, techniques and workforce to tackle the job efficiently.

Proper maintenance keeps your freshly smoothed walls looking pristine. Gently dust using a microfiber cloth to prevent paint scratches. Repair minor nicks or scuffs using leftover spackle compound. Address moisture issues quickly to prevent adhesion loss or bubbles.

Consider lightly sanding and applying new paint coats every 2-3 years. Touch ups revive the color and keep the perfect smooth surface intact with minimal additional work. Your walls stay fresh and decorative ready for years!

Use mold resistant paints in moisture prone areas like bathrooms. Check yearly for signs of mold or mildew indicating trapped water problems behind walls. Catching it early prevents destruction of your beautiful smooth finishes.