There is no easy way to create a smooth wall surface from a previously textured surface. It requires time, patience, a lot of skimming and sanding resulting in a sore neck and arms. Replacing the drywall is about as time consuming but it also requires removal of trim, demolition, etc.
The process of smoothing textured walls with skim coating is fairly common. It refers to spreading a layer of joint compound over the walls to fill in the bumps and valleys in the texture, effectively creating a smooth surface.
Unfortunately, removing the texture from walls can be a messy project and it is also an expensive task to hire a professional to do. Luckily, you can try tackling this project yourself by following these two simple methods to remove your wall texture: soak and scrape or apply a skim coat.
Removing the texture from walls costs anywhere from $500 to $1,000 per 500 square feet, depending on the current conditions of the walls and what you're going for. Hiring a local popcorn ceiling removal pro or interior painting company is more expensive than doing it yourself, but it offers a higher success rate.
I can't speak for all areas of the country, however, in CA, smooth texture walls will almost always bring the higher value.
Drywall Texture Enhances Appearance
A smooth finish, a knockdown texture or a popcorn texture can add drama and dimension to a space. Different textures can fit different styles, whether you want a rustic look or a modern feel. A plain wall or ceiling can make a room look empty and uninspired.
You can add an artistic touch to your textured wall by adding two or three shades of the same colour creating a gradient effect that fades from dark to light or vice versa. This is a fine technique that can be used to create modern bedroom wall texture as well as modern living room wall texture.
Smoothing textured walls costs $1 to $3 per square foot. The cost to smooth textured walls depends on whether the old texture is removed or covered by a skim coat. Wall texture that has never been painted can be sprayed with water to soften and then scraped off until smooth.
In 2023-2024 we've been witnessing a fun resurgence: textured wall finishes! And they're more on trend than ever. From bedrooms to stylish living areas, textured walls make a bold statement, inviting touch, and adding depth to spaces. Gone are the days when wallpaper was a flat piece of paper adorning our walls.
Skim coating a room yourself costs you about $50 in materials and $430 in tools if you don't have them already. Hiring a local drywall contractor is usually $50 to $100 per hour, and the average room takes four to six hours to complete—totaling a labor cost of about $200 to $600.
Don't let your blemishes become the focal point of a smooth wall, when you can hide it with texture. The additional layer of texturing helps act as a soundproofing insulation. While you wouldn't want to rely on just this to help drown out noise bleed between two rooms, you can use this to help soften the sounds.
Painting bumpy, textured surfaces might not be the easiest task, but it isn't impossible either. With the right materials, good technique, and dedication, you can give your rough, indented walls and ceiling a fresh coat of paint.
Skim coating is an easy process, and it's easy to learn for those who don't want to be professional. This job can save you some money, and it's easy to understand. Using skim coats can make you achieve results on wall surfaces.
Polycell Polyfilla SmoothOver for Damaged and Textured Walls. Gives a smooth surface that's ready to paint…. This product is not for online sale and can only be purchased from selected stores. Coverage 2.5 litres will cover up to 5m²(average layer thickness 0.5mm).
Level 5 Wall Texture
This wall texture feels more refined and luxurious, and it is also the most expensive option because creating a smooth wall texture requires additional labor and skill. Extra skim coats are applied, and more attention must be placed on floating drywall to ensure every wall is even.
Determine if it is too rough for wallpapering rough walls by running your hand over it. If it's overly bumpy or sharp, consider smoothing it down with an orbital sander to create a more even feel. Preparing the Wall: Clean the textured walls with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris.
While it is certainly possible to add modern elements to an existing space that has the standard textured drywall finish, in projects requiring construction, we do prefer to recommend starting with a smooth canvas (a.k.a. wall surface). It is part of the base layer to building a more modern aesthetic overall.
The lower the grit number, the more abrasive the sand will be. So for sanding super heavy wall texture, I would recommend using a 60 or 80 grit, and finishing off with a 120 gritt for a softer hand. + A Dust Mask or Respirator – You can find these at any supply store (I bought these) for pretty cheap.
A room might appear larger and the diverse wall textures can be less obvious by painting the walls a light hue. Neutral hues like white and beige as well as earth tones like soft greens, browns, yellows, and pinks are examples of light paint.
While certain types of wall texture are considered outdated, it would be unfair to call all textured walls out of step with modern trends. Like many things with interior design, textured walls are what you make of them, and they can certainly take on a more modern spin when paired with of-the-moment decor.
In many cases, this was likely done as a cost-saving option. Textured walls with “orange peel,” popcorn, or swirl patterns may have been popular in the 1970s - but today it's a pretty obvious sign that something was done cheaply and quickly in order to hide imperfections and errors.