How to cover a badly painted wall?

Author: Assunta Kutch II  |  Last update: Friday, February 6, 2026

Here are seven unique ways of covering, repairing, hiding or simply turning the wall damage to your advantage:
  1. Temporary Wallpaper – Easy Solution. ...
  2. Wall Tiles for Lasting Impression. ...
  3. Tile Decals – Redecorating Tiled Walls. ...
  4. Wall Decals – Let the Walls Speak. ...
  5. Tapestry & Curtains – Your Signature Theme. ...
  6. Art Accent Wall.

How to cover up a badly painted wall?

Either skim coat the entire wall with drywall compound, or have a plasterer come in and skim coat a thin layer of plaster. The drywall compound you could do yourself. It is messy, but not brain surgery. A plasterer will put a bonding agent over the paint and then put a thin coat of plaster over the entire wall.

How to fix a poorly painted wall?

Lightly sand the troublesome area with 150-grit sandpaper, then tack the walls. That's painter lingo for ``Wipe it with a cloth to get rid of dust.'' (Easier than the lingo makes it sound!) Then re-paint the area, maintaining a wet edge--meaning, don't let the paint dry until you finish the wall.

How to cover wall dampness?

There are several ways to damp proof a wall. One is to install a damp proof course, which is a layer of material that helps to prevent moisture from penetrating the wall. Other methods include painting the wall with a waterproof paint or sealant, or covering the wall with a waterproof membrane.

How do you hide wall imperfections in paint?

Glossy and satin sheens are more likely to show imperfections, but some matte sheens can be challenging to clean despite being better at hiding blemishes. Choosing a more middle-ground sheen, like eggshell, could be the best solution when your goal is to hide imperfections.

How to Fix a Drywall Paper or Repair Flaking/Peeling Paint

Is there a thick paint to cover bad walls?

Paint designed for uneven surfaces may be sold under a range of names including elastomeric paint, high-build paint, crack-free paint or renovation paint (which is basically a filler and undercoat in one). These paints are much thicker than ordinary paints which gives them much better coverage.

Will multiple coats of paint hide imperfections?

Wall condition: If your walls are in good condition, you may only need one or two coats of paint to achieve a smooth, even finish. However, if your walls are rough or damaged, you may need to apply additional coats to cover up imperfections.

What is the cheapest way to cover a damp wall?

But the cheapest way to deal with groundwater wall dampness is to cover it up with PVC wall panelling. This is a go-to option when you are looking for quick, cheap and permanent solutions.

How to hide bad walls without paint?

Various objects, such as wall art, frames, and vases can be used to hide the damages in the wall. Another great way would be to add an organic and natural touch to not only your wall but your house through plants. Plants can not only add a touch of greenery to your house but can also clean the air, making it fresh.

What is the best wall covering for damp walls?

Using damp proof membranes are a great way to damp proof walls as they are easy to install and also extremely flexible.

How do you fix badly damaged walls?

Repairing Damage to Textured Drywall
  1. Step 1: Prepare to Sand the Patch Area. Sand your patch area smooth. ...
  2. Step 2: Flick the Compound Mixture Onto the Wall. ...
  3. Step 3: Lightly Flatten the Flicked Particles. ...
  4. Step 4: Use Wall Texture Spray as an Alternative. ...
  5. Step 5: Allow the Compound to Dry.

How do you salvage a bad painting?

How to Save a Ruined Painting: Top Beginner & Intermediate Painting Rescue Tips
  1. Rework your Piece as a Mixed Media Item. ...
  2. Increase Color and Vibrancy. ...
  3. Simplify It. ...
  4. Add Texture. ...
  5. Big Brushes Fix Big Mistakes. ...
  6. Don't Be Too Hard on Yourself. ...
  7. Mess Around with Fluid Acrylics. ...
  8. Mess Around with Pastels.

Can I spackle over paint?

Now, the question arises: Can you really slather on a fresh layer of drywall mud over those colorfully painted walls? The answer, my friends, is a resounding yes—with a few caveats. It's all about the preparation, the type of paint, and the techniques used.

How to fix badly painted walls?

To remedy this:
  1. Start by sanding down the uneven areas until smooth. Patching may be necessary afterward, be careful as it may take off underlying paint. If severe enough, it may be easier to patch the whole area.
  2. Clean the dust off of the walls.
  3. Prime the area.
  4. Put a sufficient, uniform coat of paint on the wall.

What wallpaper hides wall imperfections?

When it comes to covering bad walls, paintable textured wallpaper is a great solution. This wallpaper features a textured (raised) design, which makes it highly effective at covering uneven surfaces and imperfections in your walls.

How to disguise a bad wall?

7 Creative Ideas for Covering Your Damaged Wall Without Paint
  1. Temporary Wallpaper – Easy Solution. ...
  2. Wall Tiles for Lasting Impression. ...
  3. Tile Decals – Redecorating Tiled Walls. ...
  4. Wall Decals – Let the Walls Speak. ...
  5. Tapestry & Curtains – Your Signature Theme. ...
  6. Art Accent Wall. ...
  7. Paintings & Sculptures.

What is the best paint to hide bad drywall?

Using Flat Finish Paint:

This also reduces the visibility of dents and dings and other drywall imperfections. Flat finishes also look bolder and classier than other glossier paints.

How to fix damp walls from inside?

How to repair a damp internal wall
  1. Locate the cause of your damp walls and fix this before continuing.
  2. Buy or hire a dehumidifier to completely dry out the room. ...
  3. Use a stain blocker to prevent future staining.
  4. Replaster your walls.
  5. Redecorate using paint, tiles or wallpaper.

What is the cheapest way to waterproof a wall?

Waterproofing Paint: Applying a waterproofing paint or sealant is one of the most affordable solutions. These products are designed to prevent minor seepage and are readily available at hardware stores. Ensure the wall is clean and dry before application.

Does homeowners insurance cover damp walls?

Most standard buildings and contents home insurance policies do not cover damage caused by damp and condensation.

What is the best way to hide wall imperfections?

Wall paints are the best solution if there are any little flaws over the surface of the wall. If there are flaws like spill marks or dust marks which are tough to remove, then painting can be the best way to cover them up.

How do you cover uneven paint on walls?

Sanding is probably the easiest way to do it. You could skim coat the walls but that'll take forever and isn't exactly easy. You could also use spackle or joint compound to skim over the imperfections then sand to blend it into the walls. They won't be perfectly flat but the imperfections won't be as noticeable.

How do you fix mismatched paint?

Dilute the paint by 5 to 10 percent with water for latex-based paint or mineral spirits for oil-based paint. Stored paints can lose moisture, making it more difficult for touch-ups to match the original coat.

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