If youโ€™ve been researching how to paint textured walls while preparing for interior house painting in Wellington, FL, youโ€™re not alone. Textured finishes can add character and hide imperfections, but painting them requires a little more patience and the right method. With the right prep work, tools, and painting approach, you can refresh your walls and keep their style intact.

A few years back, I helped a family repaint their dining room with a heavy knockdown texture. At first, the roller missed spots and left uneven coverage. Switching to a thicker nap roller, working in smaller sections, and slowing down made all the difference โ€” the finish became even, vibrant, and the texture popped beautifully.

Key Takeaways

  • Select the correct roller nap based on your wallโ€™s texture depth, considering whether you have light orange peel, medium knockdown, or another textured style.
  • Clean the surface thoroughly using a vacuum with a brush attachment or a light wash to help the paint bond well and last longer.
  • Apply painterโ€™s tape carefully for crisp, professional-looking edges, pressing it firmly into grooves to prevent paint from seeping underneath.
  • Prime textured walls to ensure better coverage, more vibrant color, and a smoother finish that hides previous tones.
  • Paint steadily and in sections to avoid uneven coverage, splatter, and missed spots, giving you a consistent result throughout the room.

Preparing Your Textured Walls

Dust and dirt easily cling to textured surfaces. Start by cleaning thoroughly with a vacuum and brush attachment or a soft-bristled brush. For greasy areas, use a mild soap and water mix.

how to paint textured walls

The roller choice matters. A 1/2-inch nap works well for light textures, while a 3/4-inch nap is better for heavier textures like orange peel or knockdown. Avoid foam rollers, which glide over raised surfaces without filling the grooves.

Remove outlet covers and switch plates, keeping screws together in labeled bags. For small holes or dents, apply spackle or joint compound with your finger and blend it into the texture.

Tools and Supplies Checklist

  • 9-inch roller frame
  • 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch nap roller cover
  • 2-inch angled brush
  • Paint tray with liners
  • Flat-head screwdriver
  • Shop vacuum with brush attachment
  • Interior primer
  • Interior latex paint
  • Painterโ€™s tape
  • Spackle or joint compound
  • Latex gloves

Having your tools ready before you start makes the job smoother and more efficient.

Step-by-Step: How to Paint Textured Walls

Taking your time through each of these steps will make a noticeable difference in your results, especially when working with walls that have unique textures.

Clean the Wall

Even if it looks clean, textured walls can trap dust deep in grooves and crevices. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment or a soft-bristled brush to dislodge dirt. For oily or sticky spots, gently wash with a mild soap solution and let dry completely before moving on.

Remove Covers and Fixtures

Turn off the power before removing outlet covers, switches, and any decorative hardware. Keep screws and plates organized in labeled bags so reassembly is quick and frustration-free.

Patch and Mask

Inspect for nail holes, cracks, or imperfections. Fill these with spackle or joint compound, smoothing with your finger to blend into the texture. Once patched, apply painterโ€™s tape along trim, windows, and doors, pressing into every groove so paint doesnโ€™t bleed under the tape.

Prime the Surface

Pour primer into a tray and load your roller evenly. Work in 4-foot sections, rolling slowly and applying steady pressure to ensure full coverage across textured areas. Primer helps create a consistent base that makes paint adhere better and look more even.

Cut In the Edges

Use an angled brush for edges, corners, and areas where a roller canโ€™t reach. Apply light, even strokes to avoid heavy buildup, blending these sections seamlessly with the rolled areas.

Apply the Paint

Switch to a fresh tray liner, pour in your chosen color, and roll in slightly overlapping passes. Maintain a consistent pace to prevent lap marks and keep coverage uniform.

Finish Edges and Remove Tape

Go over edges with a brush to catch any missed spots. Remove tape while the paint is still wet to reveal crisp lines and avoid peeling dried paint.

By following these expanded steps, youโ€™ll not only improve the look of your finished project but also extend the life of your new painting project.

Extra Tips for Better Results

Getting the best finish possible on textured walls isnโ€™t just about the main steps โ€” small details can make a huge difference in the end result. These tips help you fine-tune your approach so the texture stays intact while the paint looks even and clean.

  • Let the roller do the work and avoid pressing too hard. This allows the roller nap to glide naturally into grooves without flattening the texture.
  • Seal tape edges with a thin bead of paintable caulk for cleaner lines and a barrier against bleed-through.
  • Switch roller naps if coverage is inconsistent. Moving to a thicker nap can help reach deeper areas more effectively.
  • Skip sanding, as it can damage the raised design and make repairs obvious.
  • Dab paint into deep grooves with a small brush for complete, even coverage in areas the roller canโ€™t reach.

By applying these extra steps, youโ€™ll enhance both the appearance and durability of your painting project, creating results that could easily pass for the work of a professional house painter.

New Color Concepts โ€“ Your Local Textured Wall Experts

Careful preparation, quality products, and skilled application are the foundation of a great paint job. New Color Concepts provides consistent, high-quality results that enhance your textured walls.

Whether you need a single room repainted or your entire home refreshed, we proudly serve Wellington, Lake Worth Beach, and Boynton Beach, FL, and offer FREE estimates to help you plan.

Call 561-861-3357 today for your FREE estimate and let us make your textured walls look their best.