How to Get Rid of Textured Walls: A Comprehensive Guide

Ever walk into a room and feel instantly transported back to the 1970s, thanks to those heavily textured walls? You’re not alone. While textured walls, like popcorn or orange peel finishes, were once a popular way to hide imperfections and add visual interest, they can now make a space feel dated, dark, and even smaller. Removing or smoothing textured walls is a common home improvement project that can dramatically modernize your interior and increase your home’s value.

Updating your walls is more than just an aesthetic improvement; it’s about creating a living space that reflects your personal style and preferences. Smooth walls offer a cleaner, more contemporary look that’s easier to decorate and maintain. Furthermore, removing textured surfaces can improve air quality by eliminating dust and allergens that often accumulate in the crevices. This guide will walk you through the process of safely and effectively removing or smoothing textured walls, allowing you to transform your home into a space you truly love.

What tools will I need, and is it safe to do myself?

Is it better to skim coat or remove textured walls entirely?

Whether it’s better to skim coat or remove textured walls entirely depends largely on the type of texture, your budget, your DIY skills, and your desired final result. Skim coating is generally less labor-intensive and less messy, making it a good option if the texture is relatively subtle and well-adhered. Removal, on the other hand, is necessary for heavily textured walls or walls where the existing texture is peeling or damaged, offering a smoother, more pristine surface for painting or wallpapering.

Skim coating involves applying thin layers of joint compound over the existing texture to create a smooth surface. This method is cost-effective and quicker than complete removal, especially if you’re comfortable with drywall work. However, skim coating adds thickness to the wall, which could impact trim work and outlet placement. It’s also crucial to properly prepare the surface by cleaning and priming it to ensure the joint compound adheres correctly. If the existing texture isn’t properly bonded to the wall, skim coating over it might eventually lead to the new surface peeling or cracking. Removing the texture completely, usually by scraping or sanding, is a more extensive project. It creates significantly more dust and requires careful surface preparation before priming and painting. The advantage is a perfectly smooth wall, ideal for high-end finishes or if you simply dislike the added depth that skim coating creates. Keep in mind that this approach might also reveal underlying wall damage that needs patching, adding to the overall time and cost of the project. Ultimately, assessing the condition and type of texture present is the best way to determine the most suitable route for achieving smooth, modern walls.

What’s the best way to test textured walls for asbestos before removal?

The best way to test textured walls for asbestos before removal is to hire a certified and accredited asbestos inspector to collect samples and have them analyzed by a qualified laboratory. This ensures proper sampling techniques are used to avoid fiber release and guarantees accurate results, protecting your health and complying with regulations.

Accredited asbestos inspectors are trained in identifying suspect asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), like many textured wall finishes from before the 1980s. They follow specific protocols for collecting samples in a way that minimizes the release of asbestos fibers into the air. These protocols often involve wetting the area to reduce dust and using specialized tools to carefully extract a small sample of the textured material and any underlying layers of paint or plaster. The samples are then sent to a laboratory accredited by organizations like the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP). These labs use polarized light microscopy (PLM) or transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to identify and quantify the presence of asbestos fibers in the material. A certified lab report will clearly state whether asbestos is present and, if so, the type and percentage. This information is crucial for determining the appropriate abatement procedures. Attempting to collect samples yourself is strongly discouraged. Disturbing asbestos-containing materials can release harmful fibers into the air, posing a significant health risk. Incorrect sampling techniques may also lead to inaccurate results, providing a false sense of security or unnecessary removal costs. Always prioritize safety and accuracy by relying on qualified professionals for asbestos testing.

How much does it typically cost to get rid of textured walls professionally?

The cost to professionally remove textured walls typically ranges from $1 to $4 per square foot, encompassing labor and materials. This translates to an average cost of $300 to $1,200 for a standard 12x10 foot room. However, this price can fluctuate based on several factors, including the texture type, the size of the area, the complexity of the job, and your geographic location.

The primary drivers of cost variance are the texture itself and the method required for removal. For instance, lightly textured walls that can be easily skim coated will fall on the lower end of the price range. However, heavily textured walls, especially those containing asbestos (which requires specialized handling and disposal), will significantly increase the cost. Popcorn ceilings are notoriously messy and often require more extensive preparation and cleanup, contributing to higher labor costs. The condition of the drywall beneath the texture is also crucial. If the drywall is damaged or requires significant repair after the texture is removed, this will add to the overall expense. Finally, consider that professional drywallers or painters may offer different pricing structures. Some charge by the hour, while others provide a fixed quote for the entire project. Obtaining multiple quotes from reputable contractors in your area is highly recommended to ensure you receive the best price and service. Remember to clarify what the quote includes – is it just the texture removal, or does it include drywall repair, priming, and painting? Understanding these details upfront will prevent unexpected costs and ensure a smooth renovation process.

What tools are essential for DIY textured wall removal?

Removing textured walls yourself requires a strategic arsenal of tools to ensure efficiency and minimize damage. Key essentials include a pump sprayer, wide drywall knife (6-inch and 12-inch), mud pan, drywall sanding sponge or sanding pole, drop cloths, painter’s tape, utility knife, and personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses and a dust mask.

For the “soak and scrape” method, the pump sprayer is crucial for evenly saturating the texture with water, loosening it for easier removal. The drywall knives are your primary weapons for scraping the softened texture off the wall; the 6-inch knife is good for detailed areas, while the 12-inch knife covers larger surfaces faster. The mud pan keeps your knife clean and collects fallen debris. A drywall sanding sponge or pole sander smooths out any remaining imperfections after scraping, preparing the wall for priming and painting. Drop cloths and painter’s tape protect your floors, furniture, and trim from water damage and falling texture. A utility knife is helpful for scoring around trim and outlets before you begin scraping to prevent the texture from tearing away paint or damaging adjacent surfaces. Most importantly, never skip on personal protective equipment. Safety glasses safeguard your eyes from falling debris, and a dust mask (ideally an N95 respirator) prevents you from inhaling potentially harmful dust particles, especially if the texture contains asbestos (get it tested before starting any work if you’re unsure!).

Can I get rid of textured walls without creating excessive dust?

Yes, you can minimize dust when removing textured walls, but completely eliminating it is unlikely. The key is to use methods that involve wetting the texture before scraping, or covering the walls with a new layer rather than removing the old one. These techniques significantly reduce the amount of dust released into the air compared to dry scraping or sanding.

Minimizing dust during textured wall removal hinges on dampening the existing texture. The most common method is spraying the wall with water using a garden sprayer. Allow the water to soak in for 15-20 minutes, softening the texture and making it easier to scrape off. Repeat the spraying and soaking process as needed, especially if the texture is thick or has been painted. A wide, flexible taping knife is best for scraping, and catching the debris as it falls will further reduce dust spread. Remember that some textures, particularly those containing lead or asbestos (common in older homes), require professional assessment and remediation before any removal attempts. Another approach to reduce dust is to avoid removing the texture altogether. Instead, you can skim coat the walls with joint compound. This involves applying thin layers of mud to create a smooth surface over the existing texture. Sanding is still required between coats, but the amount of sanding, and therefore dust, is significantly reduced compared to removing the original texture. You can also cover the textured walls with drywall, creating a new, smooth surface.

How do I repair the drywall after removing a textured wall?

Repairing drywall after removing texture typically involves skimming the wall with joint compound (also known as mud) to create a smooth surface. This usually requires multiple thin coats, sanding between each coat, and then priming and painting for a seamless finish. The goal is to fill in any imperfections left by the texture removal process and create a uniform, paintable surface.

After removing the texture, inspect the wall for any significant damage like gouges, holes, or paper tears. Address these areas first by patching holes with drywall patches or filling them with joint compound. For larger areas of damage, you might need to cut out the damaged section and replace it with a new piece of drywall. Once all repairs are made, apply a thin layer of joint compound to the entire wall using a wide drywall knife (e.g., 10-12 inches). This “skim coat” will fill in any remaining texture and imperfections. Let the compound dry completely (usually overnight), then sand it smooth with a sanding pole or block and medium-grit sandpaper. Repeat the process of applying thin coats, drying, and sanding until the wall is perfectly smooth to the touch and visually uniform. Remember to use a dust mask and eye protection during sanding, as drywall dust can be irritating. Once you’re satisfied with the smoothness of the wall, prime it with a drywall primer to seal the surface and ensure proper paint adhesion. After the primer is dry, you can paint the wall with your desired color and finish. Consider using a high-quality paint for better coverage and durability. It’s also wise to inspect your work under different lighting conditions to spot any imperfections you may have missed during sanding.

Is there a way to minimize damage when removing textured walls?

Yes, minimizing damage when removing textured walls is possible, primarily by thoroughly saturating the texture with water (or a specialized removal solution) to soften it before scraping, using wide, flexible scraping tools, and working slowly and deliberately to avoid gouging the drywall underneath. Careful preparation, patience, and proper technique are key to achieving a smooth surface without extensive repairs.

Removing textured walls, particularly those with thick or heavily adhered textures like popcorn or orange peel, always carries a risk of damaging the underlying drywall. The goal is to soften the texture enough that it releases easily from the wallboard without tearing the paper facing. Multiple applications of water, applied with a garden sprayer or sponge, are usually required, allowing sufficient soak time between each application. Avoid over-saturating to the point where the drywall itself becomes weak and prone to damage. Test a small, inconspicuous area first to gauge how readily the texture releases. After saturation, use a wide, flexible taping knife or a specialized texture scraper to gently remove the softened material. Apply even pressure and avoid angling the tool too sharply, as this increases the likelihood of gouging the drywall. Work in small sections, re-saturating as needed. If you encounter resistance, don’t force it; apply more water and wait longer. Once the bulk of the texture is removed, you’ll likely be left with residual adhesive or texture fragments. These can be sanded smooth using a fine-grit sanding sponge, but again, be careful not to sand through the drywall paper. Finally, be prepared for some level of repair. Even with careful removal, minor imperfections and gouges are common. These can be easily addressed with drywall compound, applied in thin coats and sanded smooth. Consider priming the repaired areas before painting to ensure a uniform finish.

And there you have it! Hopefully, you now feel armed with the knowledge and confidence to tackle those textured walls. It might take a little elbow grease, but we know you can do it. Thanks for reading, and be sure to check back soon for more helpful home improvement tips and tricks!