Do you want to look at your outdated textured walls but need more money for a complete renovation? Don’t worry. There are ways to make your textured walls smooth without breaking the bank.
Transforming a textured wall into a smooth surface can dramatically enhance the aesthetic appeal of a room, creating a more modern and streamlined look. This process involves several steps that require patience and attention to detail but can be achieved by both DIY enthusiasts and professionals. By following the correct procedures and using appropriate materials, you can improve the visual appearance of your walls and prepare them for a fresh coat of paint or wallpaper.
This guide will walk you through the essential steps and tips on how to make a textured wall smooth.
What Will You Need?
Before you start tackling this project, gathering all the necessary materials and tools is essential. Here are some items that you will need to make your textured walls smooth:
- Sandpaper or sanding block
- Taping knife or drywall scraper
- Spackle or joint compound
- Primer
- Paint roller or paintbrush
- Fine-grade sanding sponge
Once you have all the materials, you can start transforming your textured walls into smooth surfaces.
10 Easy Steps on How to Make a Textured Wall Smooth
Step 1: Prepare the Wall
To ensure a smooth finish, it is crucial to prepare the wall thoroughly. Begin by removing any furniture, decorations, or obstructions near the wall to allow for easy access and to protect them from dust or damage during the process. Lay down drop cloths or plastic sheeting on the floor to catch any debris or dust that may fall, and wear protective eyewear and a mask to safeguard against inhaling dust particles.
Next, clean the wall’s surface with a mild detergent and a damp sponge to remove any dirt, grease, or oils that could interfere with the adherence of the joint compound or primer. Allow the wall to dry completely before moving to the next step. This initial preparation is vital, as it sets the foundation for the subsequent stages of making your textured wall smooth.
Step 2: Sand the Surface
After preparing the wall, the next step involves sanding the textured surface to level the uneven areas. Using coarse-grit sandpaper or a sanding block, work across the wall in a circular or back-and-forth motion. This will help to flatten the most pronounced textures and make it easier to apply the joint compound in the following steps. Be thorough but gentle to avoid damaging the drywall beneath. Once the most textured areas have been smoothed, wipe the wall with a damp cloth to remove the dust residue. Allow the wall to dry completely before proceeding to the next step. Sanding is a key process that helps ensure the joint compound adheres effectively and provides a smoother overall finish.
Step 3: Apply the First Coat of Joint Compound
Once the wall is clean and dry from the sanding process, you can apply the first coat of joint compound. Using a taping knife or drywall scraper, begin spreading a thin compound layer onto the wall, starting at the top and working your way down. The goal is to fill in the indentations left by the texture and create a more even surface. Work in sections, ensuring each area is covered before moving on to the next. Apply the compound in smooth strokes, feathering out the edges to blend seamlessly into the wall.
Allow the first coat to dry completely, according to the manufacturer’s instructions—usually about 24 hours—before moving to the next step. This initial coat is the groundwork for achieving a smooth and even wall surface.
Step 4: Sand the First Coat
After the first coat of joint compound has dried completely, it’s time to sand the surface again to ensure it’s smooth and ready for the subsequent coat. Use a fine-grade sanding sponge to sand the surface gently. Focus on eliminating any ridges or uneven spots created by the previous layer. As you sand, be careful not to press too hard, as this could remove too much compound and expose the underlying texture. Once you are satisfied with the smoothness of the wall, wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any dust.
Step 5: Apply a Second Coat of Joint Compound
After sanding the first coat and ensuring it’s smooth, apply a second coat of joint compound. This coat should be applied more liberally than the first to smooth out any remaining texture further. Use a taping knife or drywall scraper, and apply a uniform layer over the entire surface. Focus on filling any low spots and making the surface smooth. Pay special attention to areas that showed imperfections after the first coat, and feather the edges to blend seamlessly. Once the second coat has been applied, allow it to dry thoroughly—typically, this takes another 24 hours. The second coat builds upon the first, helping to create a perfectly smooth base that complements the room’s modern aesthetic.
Step 6: Sand the Second Coat
Once the second coat of joint compound is fully dry, the next step involves sanding the surface again to achieve a smooth finish. Use a fine-grade sanding sponge or sandpaper to sand the entire wall gently. Focus on areas where the compound may have built up or any imperfections that need to be clarified. The goal is to create an even and consistent surface ready for priming. Be careful to sand lightly to avoid removing too much compound. After achieving the desired smoothness, wipe the wall with a damp cloth to remove dust and ensure a clean surface for the next step.
Step 7: Apply a Primer
It’s time to apply a primer with the wall surface now smooth and dust-free. Priming the wall is crucial as it ensures better paint adhesion, provides additional protection, and enhances the overall finish. Choose a high-quality primer that suits your paint type. Apply the primer evenly across the entire wall surface using a paint roller or brush. Make sure to cover all areas thoroughly, including any corners and edges. Allow the primer to dry completely, as specified by the manufacturer, usually within a few hours. Applying a primer not only preps the wall for painting but also helps to even out any minor imperfections, ensuring a flawless final result.
Step 8: Paint the Wall
Once the primer is completely dry, the wall is ready to be painted. Select a high-quality paint in the color of your choice that complements your room’s design. Applying the paint in large, even strokes across the wall using a clean paint roller. Start from the top and work down, maintaining a wet edge to prevent visible lines. For corners and edges, use a brush to ensure thorough coverage. Depending on the paint and the desired finish, you may need to apply a second coat after the first one dries. This additional coat will enhance color depth and provide a more uniform appearance.
Step 9: Inspect and Touch Up
After thoroughly drying the paint, inspect the wall for any areas needing a touch-up. Look for inconsistencies in color or spots where the paint coverage might be thin. Use a small brush to carefully touch up these areas, ensuring a seamless blend with the rest of the wall. Check the edges and corners, as these spots are often missed during the initial paint application. Allow any touch-ups to dry, and then step back to admire your newly refreshed and smooth wall, which now serves as a perfect backdrop for your room’s design and décor.
Step 10: Clean Up
With the painting and touch-ups complete, it’s time to clean up the area. Begin by carefully removing any painter’s tape to avoid peeling any fresh paint. Gather your brushes, rollers, and other tools, and clean them according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure they are in good condition for future projects. Dispose of or recycle empty paint cans and other materials as per local regulations. Finally, tidy up the workspace by wiping down surfaces and vacuuming or sweeping the floor to remove dust or debris. Cleaning up not only leaves your space looking neat but also prolongs the life of your tools and enhances the overall satisfaction with your finished project.
By following these steps, you can achieve a smooth and flawless wall surface that enhances your room’s overall aesthetic.
Conclusion
How to make a textured wall smooth surface can seem daunting, but with careful preparation and execution, the process is rewarding and straightforward.
The key lies in meticulous attention to detail at each step—properly applying and sanding multiple coats of joint compound, priming the surface adequately, and applying the paint with precision. Each step builds upon the last, ensuring that the final outcome is a wall boasting a sleek and modern finish.
Whether you’re updating a single room or an entire home, the effort put into smoothing out textured walls can dramatically enhance the elegance and feel of your space. With patience and the right techniques, achieving professional-quality results is entirely within reach for any dedicated DIY enthusiast.