How to cover bad textured walls?

Author: Chelsie Donnelly II  |  Last update: Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Four ways to get rid of unwanted textured walls:
  1. Apply a skim coat. ...
  2. Replace the textured drywall with new drywall. ...
  3. Cover the walls with another material, such as wood. ...
  4. Live with it.

How do you hide bad wall texture?

Glazing: Apply a glaze over the base coat to add depth and texture, which can help disguise imperfections. Wall Art or Décor: Hang artwork, mirrors, or other decorative elements to cover up problem areas. Wall Panels or Wainscoting: Consider adding decorative wall panels or wainscoting to hide larger mistakes.

Is there a primer that smooths walls?

Smooth Finish: No one wants bumpy, patchy walls. PVA drywall primer smooths out inconsistencies in texture, making the final result look silky smooth.

Can textured walls be smoothed?

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.

How do you modernize textured walls?

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.

Renovation Tip for Covering Bad Walls

Is there a paint that smooths walls?

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).

Can I paint over textured walls?

A fresh coat of paint can totally transform a textured wall, adding new life and elegance to the entire room. And it doesn't need to be a difficult process. If you have the right supplies, good quality paint, and the proper technique, painting or spraying textured walls can be quick, easy, and even fun.

What is the best primer for wall imperfections?

To hide imperfections, such as cracks and dents, the Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus Interior/Exterior Water-Based Primer works well. To promote adhesion and durability on surfaces, such as metal or tile, the Rust-Oleum Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus Primer is an excellent choice.

How do you fix walls that are not smooth?

How to Fix Uneven Walls
  1. Cover it With Paint. If your freshly painted wall is slightly uneven, painting over the low areas might be all you need to smooth things out. ...
  2. Sand Down the High Spots. ...
  3. Plaster Over the Low Spots. ...
  4. Apply Elastomeric Wall Coating. ...
  5. Replace or Add Drywall. ...
  6. Learn More About Wall Installation and Repair.

How do you go over textured walls?

Skim coating is a technique used to create a smooth surface on textured walls. It involves applying multiple thin layers of joint compound or drywall mud to fill in the texture, followed by sanding and priming to achieve a flat finish.

How to cover rough interior walls?

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.

Can I sand textured walls?

The trick to removing textured paint on walls is to use the proper grit of sandpaper. If the grit is too fine, you'll have little luck sanding away the textured coat. Using sandpaper that's too rough means you could damage the wall and leave uneven spots. For drywall, use 120- to 150-grit sandpaper.

How do you fix overly textured walls?

If the texture is too deep for complete removal, you can level the walls with drywall compound. After the initial coat has dried, apply a second coat to ensure proper leveling of the surface. Once the second coat has dried completely, use 120 to 150 grit sandpaper to achieve a smooth, flat surface.

What is the best paint to cover up imperfections?

Flat paint, with its velvety, matte appearance, is the best choice for hiding any wall imperfections due to its lack of shine and reflective properties.

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.

When not to use primer on walls?

If your walls are in a good condition and you're using a similar paint to the existing paint, you may not need primer. Always check the instructions on your chosen paint for guidance on using primer.

Does undercoat cover imperfections?

An undercoat is used after a primer. It is used to fill any minor imperfections to create a smooth, even-coloured surface ready for the application of the topcoat.

What paint finish hides wall imperfections?

Imperfections: If you're looking to cover or hide imperfections, flat or eggshell finishes are best. Durability: Areas with high traffic or exposure to moisture require more durable finishes, such as semi-gloss or satin.

What paint hides textured walls?

The best option is a latex- or oil-based paint with a low-maintenance sheen that has a satin or semi-gloss sheen rather than a flat matte finish and is reflective enough to draw attention to the finer features of the wall texture. The least glossy texture is flat, which is often referred to as matte.

How to repair textured walls?

Repairing Textured Drywall

Use pre-mixed drywall mud to repair small holes and a drywall patch to fix larger holes. Sand the dried mud and paint the area with a wall primer. Allow it to dry for 24 hours.

How to prime textured walls?

Using a high-quality primer will help the paint adhere and create a smooth surface for the paint to go on. When priming textured surfaces, use a ¾' to 1' roller to ensure you can reach into the textured crevices.

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.

How to smooth textured walls without sanding?

You have two options for this: you can roll the mud on in small sections and then smooth it out with your drywall knife, or you can simply use your drywall knife to apply the mud as you go. I have used both methods, and both have their merits.

How to cover imperfect walls?

The more gloss in a paint finish, the more it will highlight imperfections. On the other hand, matte chalkboard paint gives a great non-glossy texture for hiding blemishes, and writing a fun message on it will further camouflage any dings or dents. Chalkboard paint isn't only for homes with children, either.

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