What are the Best Tips for Painting Textured Walls?

There are many tips to keep in mind when painting textured walls. Homeowners should make sure they have the right type of paint and equipment. It can also be a good idea to prime the surface before applying interior paint. Going over the wall in a diagonal or criss-cross pattern can help hide brush marks and make sure paint completely penetrates all the grooves. It may be necessary to add a second coat to areas that were missed when the first coat was applied.

Priming textured walls can be a good idea if they are discolored or yellowed. Doing this ensures the paint will stick to the surface easier. It can also help seal up small cracks, which can keep the wall from absorbing a great deal of paint. Adding primer is necessary whenever dark walls are being painted a lighter color.

Semigloss paint is generally preferred over a flat type for painting textured walls. This is because the consistency of the paint tends to penetrate the grooves of the wall better. Flat paint also tends to soak into the surface, which in turn requires more product to be used.

Most people prefer to paint textured walls with a paintbrush rather than a roller. It is easier to get into tight spots with a paintbrush, so it typically gives more even coverage. The best brush typically has coarse, thick fibers. Individuals who decide to use a paint roller should make sure to buy one that has a nap designed for rough surfaces.

Even with the best paintbrush it can be difficult to completely cover textured walls. For this reason, it can be a good idea to paint the wall diagonally in an "x" pattern. Painters can do this with either a paint roller or a paintbrush. This method of painting textured walls ensures that even if some areas are missed on the first pass, they should be covered on the second stroke. Covering walls in this manner also helps disguise brush strokes or uneven paint roller lines.

Painting textured walls can be a messy endeavor. People who decide to paint with a roller may want to use one with a splatter guard. This device partially covers the roller but also allows it to turn freely so paint does not spray onto the floor or furniture. It is a good idea to have plenty of drop cloths on hand as well as damp sponges for wiping up spills as they occur.