There is no doubt that for Pleasant Hill homeowners painting textured drywall can be a challenging task. The various bumps and grooves in the wall require special techniques to achieve an even, professional-looking finish. The paint job can easily look streaky or uneven without the proper tools and preparation.

How to Paint Textured Surfaces

So, how do you paint a textured drywall? Here are some tips to help you get to it:

Get the right tools. 

The number one secret of painting textured surfaces is to use the right tools. If you have used low roller naps to paint smooth and flat walls, you shouldn’t use them to paint textured and uneven walls. You may miss a textured surface’s tiny indentations and other unique qualities. 

Instead, get a longer paint roller with a high-capacity nap (preferably made of sheepskin) to hold and apply more paint to textured walls, ensuring that every hole and crevice is filled with paint. Look for rollers with at least a 3/4-inch nap. Some recommended brands include Purdy and Wooster, as these are known for their durability and quality. These rollers hold more paint and can effectively cover the uneven surface of textured drywall.

Besides a good roller, you’ll need:

• Paint Brushes: Angled brushes for cutting edges and corners.
• Painter’s Tape: To protect trim and fixtures.
• Drop Cloths: To cover floors and furniture.
• Primer: This is especially important if the drywall has never been painted or has stains.
• Paint Tray and Liners: These are for effortless loading of rollers.
• Extension Pole: To reach higher areas without a ladder.
• Ladders: To reach very high spots.

Clean and prep the surface. 

The number two secret of getting paint on textured drywall is proper cleaning and preparation before painting. No matter how high-quality your paints and tools are, you will not get the desired results if the textured walls are not cleaned and prepped properly, depending on the texture type. Dust, dirt, cobwebs, and even smaller insects cling to these tiny holes, crevices, or small bumps of the textured walls. Because of its surface pattern, cleaning textured drywall is a bit challenging and, therefore, requires special attention.

If your drywall has a light texture, a microfiber cloth or a duster is enough to remove loose dust. But if it needs a more thorough cleaning, you can use a mixture of water and mild detergent. Using a sponge with this solution, gently wipe down the walls to clean them. 

But if your drywall has medium to heavy texture, use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dust and debris from the textured surface. Then, gently scrub brush with a mild cleaning solution to get into the crevices. Rinse with clean water and allow the walls to dry completely.

Remove fixtures and protect surrounding areas.

Before painting, removing or covering fixtures like switch plates, outlet covers, and light fixtures is important. This prevents paint from getting on them and ensures a cleaner finish. Unscrew these fixtures and set them aside in a safe place.

Use painter’s tape and drop cloths to protect your floors, furniture, and trim. Apply painter’s tape along the edges of trim, windows, and door frames. This creates a clean line and prevents paint from bleeding onto these surfaces. Then, lay down drop cloths to cover floors and furniture that can’t be moved. This will catch any paint drips or splatters.

Paint. 

Now, here comes the main event! Here’s how you can tackle this project:

• Use a primer designed for textured surfaces. It helps the paint adhere better and covers any imperfections.
• Cut in edges and corners using an angled brush. It allows you to paint around edges and corners where rollers can’t reach. Be meticulous for clean lines.
• Roll on the paint using a high-capacity roller with a 3/4-inch nap or thicker. Roll in multiple directions to cover all the grooves and peaks. Apply light pressure to avoid splatters and ensure even paint distribution. 
• Apply a second coat, but before you do, make sure the first coat has dried thoroughly. This ensures better coverage and a more even finish.
• Make some touch-ups. After the paint dries, inspect the walls for any missed spots or thin areas. Use a small brush to touch up these spots.

Some Painting Tips:

• Don’t skimp on primer. Textured surfaces need a solid base to hold the paint well.
• Avoid overloading the roller. Excess paint can settle in the texture, causing drips and an uneven finish.
• Roll in different directions to ensure the paint reaches all parts of the texture.

Peel tape and put back fixtures. 

An hour after painting, gently peel off the painter’s tape. Then, reinstall fixtures like switch plates and outlet covers. 

Common Problems and Solutions

Painting textured drywall can present unique challenges. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:

Uneven Coats

Painting a textured surface can be challenging because, if you’re not careful, you can easily make it uneven. The paint may pool in the textured areas, causing alterations to the texture design. To preserve the look of your surface and get the results you want, apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat. 

Paint Streaks

Streaking is another common problem when painting a textured wall. To combat this, use a high-quality roller with a thick nap to ensure the paint gets into all the crevices. Also, roll in multiple directions to cover all angles of the texture. How you apply the paint also affects this—you have to apply consistent pressure throughout to avoid this problem.

 

Consider Hiring a Professional Painter

Painting a textured wall is a bit more complex than painting a flat, smooth wall, and if you’re not handy enough, you may not get the desired results if you try it on your own. If you’re unsure about your ability to handle the project, hiring professional painters is better. They have the experience to handle textured surfaces efficiently and effectively. Plus, they know the best techniques and products to use for a flawless finish.

Also, if you’re starting from scratch and need to buy all the tools and equipment so you can paint, why not hire a painter instead? Professionals already have access to high-quality tools and equipment that are not usually available to the average Lafayette, CA homeowner. If you’re not going to use your tools a lot, you will not get a good return on your investment, so it’s better to hire a pro.

To choose the right painting contractor, make sure to:

• Check credentials: Ensure the contractor is licensed and insured. This protects you in case of any accidents or damages.
• Read reviews: Look for reviews and testimonials from previous customers. This gives you an idea of the contractor’s reputation and quality of work.
• Get multiple quotes: Don’t settle for the first quote you receive. Compare prices and services from several contractors to find the best fit for your needs.
• Ask for a portfolio: Request to see a portfolio of the contractor’s previous work. This helps you gauge their expertise and style.

Conclusion

Painting textured drywall requires proper preparation, the right tools, and patience. Whether you decide to take on this project yourself or hire a professional, remember that a well-done paint job can significantly enhance your Moraga, CA home’s appearance.

If you want a reputable painting company to handle painting your textured walls, contact Custom Painting, Inc. now! Ask us your concerns at our contact form, or call us at 925-686-0903 for a free quote. Let us make your painting project a success!