Popcorn on the ceiling, Spanish lace on the walls: Textured Wall Removal

In many homes designed in bygone decades, or even ones with remodels done in decades past, there are usually a few dated themes that flow through the décor.  Wallpaper and wallpaper borders have become a dated look, as have textured walls and ceilings.  Getting rid of the texture itself is a difficult and time consuming task, but can bring a home into the modern day very quickly.

As a professional painting company, we repair textured drywalls and remove wallpaper to minimize any damage to the drywall that may occur from the process. In addition to minimizing the damage, we also fix damaged drywall from accidents and botched repair jobs. It may be in your best interests to hire us to do your repair for you, lest more mistakes might happen and make the repair job more extensive. Updating your home to keep you comfortable and relaxed is very important.

Removing Texture

Some textures can be remedied with a little do-it-yourself know-how. Sometimes with a popcorn-textured wall (a less intense texturized look), it is possible to lessen the texture’s intensity with a few techniques like sanding and scraping.  An uneven sanding or scraping job can add to a list of repairs however, but is possible to get rid of textures in this fashion. We can determine the best mode of removal for your unique texturized space.

If the texture was made with a water based-paint, it is possible to spray the paint and see if it can be scraped off lightly with a drywall knife (not a spackle knife).  It will need to be wide to be able to keep the smooth texture consistent across the wall. The less water able to be used, the less potential damage there is to the drywall underneath the paint.  This is a risky way to remove texture, but if you would like to see how it works for you to test an area to check the look, it can be done.

Sanding is another technique to remove texture. There are sanding pads that can be attached to shop vacuums, but if you are truly serious about removing the texture, you’ll want to use a belt sander. Special precautions need to be made for the user’s safety to use a belt sander on wall surfaces. Covering or moving all furniture, protecting flooring, removing wall decorations, and wearing goggles and a wearing a nose/mouth respirator is important when sanding.  This technique uses the belt sander to sand evenly across the walls, removing the paint slowly but evenly, and restoring the wall to as close to drywall smoothness as possible.

Skimming the Texture

Another way to repair textured walls is to fill them in with a thin layer of drywall joint compound (also known as drywall mud).  The application of the joint compound essentially fills in the grooves and crevices created by the texture and creates a smooth surface to start with again. Skimming involved a bit of sanding after to keep the look totally smooth, but it can produce some of the best results without causing damage to the existing drywall.

Every Texturizing Job is Different

These are just a few common techniques used to remove texture from walls and ceilings.  Each texture is different, and may require a different approach to remove it and restore the wall to smoother surface, or to a desired texture.  Our professionals can help determine the best course of action for your home.