How to Smooth Out a Textured Wall

If you are looking to transform the look of your home, changing the texture of your walls can make a big impact. Texture walls have been around for a long time and are a popular choice for homeowners as they add visual interest and depth to a room. However, sometimes you might want to eliminate the texture on your wall to create a smoother and more modern look. But how can you make your rough texture wall into a smooth one?

In this article, we’ll discuss some simple tips and tricks to help you make your textured wall smooth. While the process may seem challenging, it’s something that can be done with a bit of patience and elbow grease. Whether you want to paint, wallpaper, or simply update the look of your wall, a smooth surface will provide a clean canvas for any design you want to create. So, let’s get started and make that textured wall into a smooth surface that you’ll love.

Section: Tips on How to Make Your Texture Wall Smooth

Get the Right Tools and Materials

One of the first things you need to do when making a rough texture wall smooth is to gather the right tools and materials. You will need sandpaper with different grits (80, 120, and 220 grit are commonly used), a sanding pole or a hand-held sanding block, a gentle sanding sponge, a drywall joint compound and a putty knife.

Clean the Wall Surface

Before attempting to smooth out the texture on your wall, you need to clean the surface where you will be working. You can use a soft-bristled brush or a vacuum cleaner to remove any dust, spider webs, or loose debris that may have accumulated over time. A clean surface can help you achieve better results.

Repair Any Damaged Areas

Next, inspect the texture wall for any holes, gaps, or cracks that may need to be filled. Use a drywall joint compound and a putty knife to fill these damaged areas. Wait for the compound to dry completely before sanding.

Protect Your Safety

Before you start sanding, it’s important to put on your protective gear. Wear goggles to keep dust, debris, and debris out of your eyes and a mask or respirator to filter out any harmful particles that might be floating in the air and cause health problems.

Start with Coarse Sandpaper Grits

Begin sanding with a coarse sandpaper grit, such as 80-grit, so the surface is rougher and uneven. This will help level out the wall by sanding down any thick or high areas of texture.

Use a Sanding Pole

Using a sanding pole makes the process much easier when sanding a large texture wall surface. It also helps you apply more pressure and reduces fatigue on your arms and hands. Start sanding in a circular motion, and go over the entire wall, making sure to keep the sanding grits in the same direction.

Switch to a Smoother Grit

After sanding with the 80-grit sandpaper, switch to a smoother grit of 120-grit sandpaper. Keep the sanding pole and work in the same circular pattern over the whole wall. This step will help to get rid of any remaining rough (yet hard to get to) patches of the wall.

Use a Gentle Sanding Sponge

After the second sanding is complete, switch to a gentle sanding sponge with a fine grit. This will work to give the wall a final smoothing to create a completely smooth surface.

Finish the Surface

After sanding, check to make sure the wall surface is even. After all parts of the wall are smooth, you can patch any remaining hairline imperfections or blemishes with drywall compound and let it dry for an hour. Finish by sanding the surface with a fine grit sponge or sandpaper.

Paint or Wallpaper Your Surface

After making sure the wall surface is completely and perfectly smooth, it is now time to paint or wallpaper it. The walls should be primed and ready before you begin laying down your wallpaper or cutting with paint. A smooth finish will help produce a successful finished product.

Preparing the Wall

Now that you know the necessary materials, it’s time to prepare the wall for the smoothing process. Here are ten steps to follow to make your wall ready for a seamless surface:

1. Clear the Wall

Start by removing any fixtures on the wall, such as pictures, posters, or shelves. Next, clear the wall of dust, dirt, and debris.

2. Repair any Damaged Sections

Check the wall for dents, holes, or cracks. Repair any damaged sections to ensure a smooth finish.

3. Sand the Surface

Once you’ve repaired any damages, use sandpaper to remove bumps and rough spots on the wall. This process will help make the wall even, making it easier to achieve a seamless texture.

4. Clean the Surface again

After sanding, clean the wall once more to remove any dust or debris.

5. Apply a Primer

Apply a coat of primer to the wall to help the smoothing compound adhere to the surface. You can use a roller or brush.

6. Apply a Taping Compound

Using a drywall knife, apply a thin layer of taping compound to the wall. This step will help fill any remaining holes and gaps on the surface.

7. Sand the Surface Again

Once the taping compound is dry, sand the surface again to smooth out any bumps and roughness.

8. Clean the Surface One Last Time

Clean the surface of any remaining dust or debris from the sanding process using a damp cloth.

9. Masking

If there are any areas you want to protect, such as sockets or light switches, mask them with painter’s tape.

10. Let it Dry

Leave the wall to dry for at least 24 hours before applying the smoothing compound. Ensure there are no air currents or drafts, which can interfere with the drying process.

Tools and Materials Needed

To achieve a smooth texture wall, you would require some tools and materials. These items include:

All-Purpose Joint Compound

The joint compound is the most important material you will need. It is used to fill the gaps, cracks, and holes in the textured wall. You can buy it from the hardware store. When buying, ensure that the compound is suitable for painting.

Sandpaper

Sandpaper is used to smooth out the rough patches of the wall. You will need both 150 and 220 grit sandpaper. Start with the coarser grit to take out the high bumps and finish with the finer grit to give the wall a smooth finish.

Primer

After the wall is sanded, it’s crucial to apply a coat of primer. A primer seals the wall, giving it an even texture for the paint to hold onto. It improves the durability of the paint and prevents it from peeling off after some time.

Paint

Finally, you will need paint to complete the process. Choose your preferred color and finish. A high-quality paint will give you better results.

Other tools

You may also want to have a trowel for applying the compound, a putty knife for smoothing out the edges, and a sanding pole for larger surfaces. A paint roller comes in handy when applying the paint. With these tools and materials, you are ready to make your wall smooth in no time.

Smooth Walls, Smooth Living

Thanks for sticking with us throughout this helpful guide on how to make your walls smooth and flawless. We hope this article provided you with insightful tips and tricks that you can implement in your home renovation project. Don’t hesitate to visit our website for more inspiring and informative articles on home improvement. Remember, a smooth wall means smooth living. Stay safe and enjoy your new smooth walls!