How to Paint Textured Walls for Stunning Results

Prep the Walls

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Following these prep steps before diving into the painting project for better results.

• Repair nicks, holes, and scuffs with a putty knife and spackling—but be sure not to go overboard when sanding any repairs. You don’t want to accidentally remove texture from walls in your home and have an unintentional flat section.

• Texturize flat spots or new drywall. Aerosol spray textures come in different textures and bases, making it easy to create a seamless look between the original textured wall and a new textured surface. Be sure to strip the old texture before you apply the new texture.

• Clean your walls, trim, and crown molding thoroughly to ensure paint and painter’s tape stick to the surfaces. 

• Apply painter’s tape to the trim. You want painter’s tape that clings to every nook and cranny of your wall so that paint doesn’t seep underneath the tape, leaving unsightly streaks on your ceiling or floorboards. Remove the outlet and switch plate covers. Putting painter’s tape over the outlet and switch plate covers won’t give your textured walls the clean lines and precision that give your home that ultimate wow factor. 

• Lay down drop cloths. That way, you won’t have to worry about removing paint from wood floors becoming your next DIY project.

• Pick the best paint roller for the job. opt for a thick nap roller labeled for textured surfaces. These rollers can get into the texture crevices to help cover your walls with less sweeping motions—giving your arms a much-needed break.

Use a Primer for Textured Walls

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Priming is key to having beautiful textured walls because it helps paint adhere to the wall as smoothly as possible. Not all paint primers are alike, however, so read the label on each product before you decide which works best for your walls. A few phrases you might see on a can of primer for textured walls include “tough to paint” and “high build.” Once you choose a primer, apply it to the walls using a paint tray and paint roller. Sweep the roller across the walls in a “W” shape, and go over any missed spots with a paintbrush. Wait for the primer to dry for up to 3 hours, and then apply a second coat for good measure.

Apply High-Quality Paint

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High-quality paint will adhere to your textured wall better than low-quality paint. For best results, choose paint from one of the best paint brands to keep your walls looking vibrant for longer. It’s easier to miss a spot when you’re painting textured walls. You can help prevent this mishap by using tried-and-true painting techniques. Like with the paint primer, apply the paint to textured walls in a “W” motion. Follow up with a paintbrush for any sections too deep for a roller.

Choose a Paint Color and Finish

When choosing an interior paint color, consider which shade best suits your room and whether you prefer a semi-gloss or a flat or matte finish. The glossier the paint, the more pronounced your textured walls. A matte or flat finish will offer a subtler appearance that is gentler on the eyes when sunlight hits those angles. Keep in mind that it may be slightly more challenging to clean dust, smudges, and dirt from a matte finish, but again, you should have an easier time cleaning textured surfaces with high-quality paint that doesn’t easily wear down over time.

Use an Edging Tool

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While you can use a paintbrush to paint the edges of your textured walls, a paint edger is a total game-changer. These tools are stiffer than a typical paintbrush and give you a more precise edging that, though subtle, can greatly impact the appearance of your freshly painted walls. To control how much paint is on your edger, use a paintbrush to apply paint to the edger.

Apply a Second (and Maybe Third) Coat of Paint

Textured or not, most walls need at least two coats of paint. With textured walls, you may need to apply a third coat of paint to help give the walls a consistent color that doesn’t reveal any blank spots. Allow each coat to dry fully before applying another coat of paint, waiting at least 4 hours in between paint coats.