How To Paint Textured Walls

If you want to create an interesting and attractive look in your home without spending a lot of money, textured walls are a great option. The right texture can complement any existing décor, while also adding visual interest, plus, texture does a great job of hiding any troublesome imperfections in drywall finish.

However, textured walls have the disadvantage of being slightly more difficult to clean, paint, and repair. If you’re considering painting your textured walls, you should first check out these helpful tips from the professional painters at Horner Painting.  

Types of Textured Walls

Textured walls can add depth and personality to any room. Over the years, designers have used increasingly creative methods to create texture on walls, allowing homeowners to add an extra layer of visual appeal to their homes. Although there are dozens of different types of textured walls, the following are some of the most popular ones.

KNOCKDOWN TEXTURE

This type of texture is created by spraying a thinned-down joint compound onto the walls and then lightly knocking it down with a drywall knife. This creates a smooth, subtle texture on the wall with a slightly stippled look.

ORANGE PEEL TEXTURE

If you are looking for a more low-profile texture, orange peel may be the way to go. As its name suggests, this texture resembles the texture of an orange peel, with small dimples covering the surface of the wall. This is a fairly quick and easy texture to create, as it is made by spraying the wall with a drywall texture spray gun.

SKIP TROWEL TEXTURE

Skip trowel texture is a popular “swirl” texture that is achieved by applying a thin layer of joint compound to the wall and then dragging a trowel diagonally through the compound. This texture is great if you are looking for a more dramatic effect on your walls, as the trowel leaves behind swirls and ridges that create an interesting texture.

SAND PEEL TEXTURE

For a more subtle texture, sand peel is a great option. This texture is created by mixing joint compound with sand and then applying the mixture to the wall. The sand creates small ridges in the surface of the wall, creating a textured finish that is much more subtle than other textures.

What Paint is Best for Textured Walls?

As anyone who has ever painted a textured wall knows, it can be a tricky process, and picking the right paint is essential for achieving the most ideal outcome. Textured walls made from drywall, rough plaster, or stucco can be difficult to paint over because of their tendency to absorb more paint compared to smooth surfaces. Oftentimes, the best choice is a special type of paint designed specifically for textured surfaces.

Latex-based paints are typically the most popular choice for textured walls because they offer a good balance between durability and affordability. Latex paints dry quickly and can be washed, making them easy to maintain after the painting job is done. They’re also mildew-resistant and won’t require an additional sealant. While latex paints may not provide the same level of durability as oil-based paints, for most people, they’ll still be the most practical choice.

On the other hand, oil-based paints are designed to give better coverage and better adherence to textured surfaces; however, they also take longer to dry and require more effort and skill when applied. Additionally, oil-based paints often require the use of a primer and a sealant when compared to latex paints, making them the more expensive option.

The best thing to do is to do your research, test out a few different paints, and see how the color actually looks on your wall.

What Kind of Paint Roller Should You Use on Textured Walls?

Paint rollers can be one of the most useful tools when tackling textured walls. The key is to use the right type of paint roller. When painting textured walls, a medium or high-nap roller works best. A “nap” refers to the length of the fibers on the roller, and the higher the nap, the thicker and more luxurious the texture of the paint will be. Naps greater than ¾ inch are best for highly textured walls. These longer, thicker naps can absorb more paint and help disperse it better throughout the groupings of thick texture on the walls. There are some specialty rollers designed specifically for textured walls. These may have extra-long naps, plus be extra wide or have a special texture that makes them better for textured surfaces.

When it comes to painting a textured wall, having the right tool for the job is key. Using the wrong type of roller can have a significant impact on the amount of paint needed and the overall uniformity of the finished look of the walls. Still not sure which roller is right for your paint job? Consulting with a professional at your local hardware store or paint store can also be extremely helpful in determining which type of roller is best.

Is It Better to Paint Roll or Spray Textured Walls?

Painting textured walls can be a bit tricky, as the texture can be difficult to cover and can create an uneven finish. However, there are two approaches you can use to achieve a professional-looking result: rolling or spraying your walls.

When applying latex paint with a roller, you will need to use a thick nap roller so that the paint fibers can weave themselves around the texture of your wall. Additionally, you may also need to use a stain-blocking primer to ensure proper coverage. This approach can be time-consuming and you may need to apply several coats of paint to achieve the desired coverage.

Spraying textured walls is typically faster than rolling, but it requires more skill and practice. This is because you will need to adjust the sprayer to the correct pressure and distance from the wall in order to achieve an even coating. Additionally, you will need to use a fine-finish or texture-matching paint for consistent results. With a bit of practice, you can quickly get a professional-looking finish.

When considering spraying vs using a paint roller on textured walls, consider the cost, the time involved, and the desired effect. Spraying may be the preferred choice for speed and finish quality, while a roller may be more cost and labor effective in the long run.

Save Time and Ensure a Quality Finish with the Help of Horner Painting

Not all painting jobs are alike, and when it comes to something more complicated such as painting a textured wall, you might want to consider hiring a professional. At Horner Painting of Fort Collins, we offer experienced and reliable service, competitive pricing, and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction. Contact us today and we’ll be happy to get started on your free quote!