Use a sanding sponge with 100-grit sandpaper. Or, to speed up the work, use a pole sander. Wipe down the walls with a damp cloth when you're done and allow to dry before proceeding with your next step. Patches are porous, so the primer readies them for paint.
Repair Imperfections: Fill any holes, cracks, or dents with spackle or joint compound. Use a putty knife to smooth it out, then let it dry. Sand the Surface: Once repairs are dry, sand the areas you filled and any rough patches on the wall using fine-grit sandpaper (220 grit). This creates a smooth base.
Smooth Finish: No one wants bumpy, patchy walls. PVA drywall primer smooths out inconsistencies in texture, making the final result look silky smooth.
Best Paint Choices for 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.
After lots of research I determined that a simple skim coat would do the trick to smooth the wall texture enough to add the paper. Adding the skim coat to smooth the wall texture was super inexpensive and a very simple process.
Polycell Polyfilla SmoothOver for Damaged & Textured Walls is the easy way to create a perfect foundation for a great finish. Its special self-levelling formula fills between ridges and bumps and covers cracks and large areas of damage giving a smooth finish that's ready to paint.
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.
Use a Cloth. Using a cloth will remove all impurities sticking to the surface, which prevent it being smooth. It is vital you wait until the paint or any layer you have already applied dries first. Dampen the cloth with some warm water and wipe over a specific area using a heavy amount of pressure.
If your plaster is in relatively good condition, and it is just a few bumps and hairline cracks which are causing issues, sanding first is a good option to try. It will work with minor imperfections and give your entire wall a good smooth surface ready for painting. You will need: Drywall sander.
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 Much Does It Cost to Skim Coat Walls per Square Foot? It costs $1.10 to $1.30 per square foot to skim coat drywall. This cost doesn't include the price of drywall or drywall installation. More complex spaces, such as a ceiling or intricate hallway, tend to be on the higher end of the cost range.
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.
Original Kilz Primer allowed more seep through when put in two coats to two different walls in the same area, whereas Zinsser provided superior coverage.
Matte. This flat finish is great for hiding surface imperfections, while its angular shine helps make walls smooth and washable. Use this sheen for: Living rooms.
Use sandpaper or a sanding block to dull any uneven surfaces, wipe away dust with a damp cloth and let dry thoroughly. Smoothing walls before painting is necessary for surfaces previously painted with a gloss or high-gloss paint. For previously painted water-based paint, sand with a fine-grit sandpaper.
Plastering Trowels
The most essential tool for any plasterer is a trowel. You'll use this tool to apply the plaster to the wall or ceiling, and a good trowel should be comfortable to hold and have a flat, smooth surface.
Polycell Polyfilla SmoothOver for Damaged & Textured Walls is the easy way to create a perfect foundation for a great finish. Its special self-leveling formula fills between ridges and bumps and covers cracks and large areas of damage giving a smooth finish that's ready to paint.
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.