How to paint textured walls is one of the most common challenges people run into when tackling interior house painting in Arvada, CO. Textured walls bring character, sure, but they also bring extra work. If you’ve ever tried rolling paint over knockdown or orange peel texture and ended up with streaks and missed spots, you’re not alone.

How to Paint Textured Walls

I remember working with a homeowner who had just moved into a house with heavy texture in almost every room. She’d started painting one accent wall on her own and quickly called it quits after the roller skipped over the grooves and the drips started running. We stepped in, showed her the right tools, and walked her through each step. That same wall went from patchy to polished in one afternoon.

Here’s how you can get similar results, without the mess or frustration.

Key Takeaways

  • Prepping correctly helps avoid drips and uneven paint across textured surfaces.
  • The right roller nap makes a huge difference in texture coverage.
  • Dust and grime cling to textured walls, so clean thoroughly first.
  • Precision edge work makes the finish look sharp and intentional.
  • Work in sections and check each one before moving on.

Must-Have Supplies Before Painting Textured Walls

Walls with textured paint need a little more than a basic brush and roller. You need to select the right paint roller! A thicker roller nap is key. A 1/2 inch nap works for mild texture, but go up to 3/4 inch for more dramatic surfaces.

Here’s what I bring to every textured wall project:

  • A 9-inch roller frame with a textured nap cover
  • A 2-inch angled brush for cutting in tight spots
  • High-quality primer and interior paint
  • Spackle, and either a putty knife or gloved finger
  • Vacuum with a brush attachment or dry microfiber cloth
  • Painter’s tape, tray liners, and drop cloths

Every professional house painter I know has their go-to setup ready before cracking the paint can. You should too.

How to Paint Textured Walls

Make Sure the Surface is Clean

Walls with textured paint don’t just hide flaws, they hold dust. That dust messes with paint adhesion and creates bumpy, uneven results. Vacuum the wall using a soft brush attachment or swipe it down with a clean cloth.

And while you’re at it, look for nail holes or dents. I always use my finger to apply spackle when working with texture. It molds into the grooves without flattening them out, which helps keep the wall looking consistent.

Tape Off and Prep Your Workspace

Always cut power before removing light switch and outlet covers. Bag the screws and plates so nothing disappears mid-project.

When taping, press firmly into textured edges and use painter’s tape around trim, ceilings, and doors. If you want extra clean lines, a thin line of caulk over the tape edge can help seal it. Just let it dry before painting.

Don’t forget to throw down a drop cloth and move furniture out of the way or cover it.

Roll on Primer Before Painting

Textured walls almost always need primer. It fills in some of the irregularities and gives the paint a better surface to stick to. Pour your primer into a tray and roll it on in 3 to 4-foot sections.

Keep your eye on the roller. If it starts to drip or miss spots, slow down and go over it again. Then, grab your angled brush and cut in along the edges, trim, and outlets. This is where patience pays off.

How to Paint Textured Walls

Apply Paint in Manageable Areas

Once the primer dries, you’re ready for paint. Use a clean roller and tray liner. Work in sections just like before, but don’t overload the roller or press too hard. The goal is even coverage without flattening the texture.

Some colors, especially darker ones, may need two coats. Always wait for the first coat to dry before adding another. And if you need to take a break, wrap the roller in plastic to keep it from drying out.

Detail Your Edges and Remove Tape

Even the best roller won’t reach every corner. That’s where your brush comes back in. Feather the edges carefully, especially where textured walls meet smoother surfaces.

As soon as the paint starts to dry but hasn’t hardened, pull the tape. You’ll get cleaner lines and avoid peeling or flaking paint.

Pro Painter Tips to Make the Process Smoother

After years of working on walls with textured paint, I’ve learned a few things that make a big difference:

  • Less is more when loading the roller. Too much paint causes splatter.
  • Don’t press into the texture. Let the nap do the work.
  • Clean in between coats. Dust can settle fast in textured grooves.
  • Use caulk to seal painter’s tape on uneven surfaces.
  • Dab, don’t drag, when filling deep texture with a brush.

These tips make life easier, whether you’re doing one room or the whole house.

What to Expect When You Paint Textured Walls

Still asking yourself how do you paint textured walls without it turning into a disaster? The short answer is: go slow, prep right, and let your tools do their job.

If you’re doing interior house painting on your own and feel stuck halfway through, don’t be afraid to pause. Sometimes calling a professional house painter is the best move.

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Let Foothills Painting Do the Heavy Lifting

If you’re planning interior house painting in Arvada, CO and want flawless results without the backache, Foothills Painting is here to help.

Our team has experience working with all kinds of surfaces, including tough textures. We show up on time, protect your home, and deliver results that hold up for years.

We serve homeowners in Arvada, Fort Collins, Broomfield and the surrounding Northern CO and Denver Metro Area, and we’re happy to walk you through your options.

The Best Time to Paint Is Now
(Before We’re Fully Booked)

Take advantage of PRIME SUMMER PRICING with 15% off all residential projects. Schedule your interior house painting while spots are still open.

Call us at 970-427-2866 for a FREE estimate and let’s get your walls looking better than ever.