Ever walk into a room and feel like the walls are, well, a little too enthusiastic? Textured walls, once a popular trend, can now feel dated and even clash with modern aesthetics. Whether it’s popcorn, orange peel, or knockdown texture, these surfaces can trap dust, make cleaning difficult, and generally detract from a clean and contemporary look. But don’t despair! Removing textured walls is a common DIY project that, with the right tools and techniques, can dramatically transform the look and feel of your home.
The effort you put into smoothing out those textured walls can pay dividends in increased home value and a more inviting living space. A smooth, updated wall provides a blank canvas for fresh paint, stylish wallpaper, or simply a cleaner, more modern look. Plus, removing the texture eliminates those annoying dust collectors and makes cleaning a breeze. It’s an investment in both the beauty and functionality of your home, creating a space you’ll love for years to come.
What are the essential tools? What’s the quickest method? And how do I avoid making a huge mess?
Is it better to skim coat or remove textured walls entirely?
Whether it’s better to skim coat or remove textured walls entirely depends on several factors, including the type of texture, your budget, your DIY skills, and your desired final result. Skim coating is generally less messy and faster, but it’s only suitable for textures that aren’t too thick or unstable. Removing the texture entirely, while more labor-intensive and potentially messier, offers a fresh start and guarantees a perfectly smooth surface, especially beneficial if the existing texture is deeply embedded or you plan on applying delicate finishes like high-gloss paint.
Skim coating involves applying thin layers of joint compound over the existing textured surface to create a smooth, paintable finish. This is a good option for light to medium textures like orange peel or knockdown. However, if you have popcorn ceilings or a heavily applied, very deep texture, skim coating might require excessive layers of joint compound, which can be time-consuming and potentially lead to cracking over time. In such cases, removal becomes the more practical and lasting solution. Consider the potential for asbestos in older homes with popcorn ceilings. If asbestos is suspected, professional abatement is crucial before any removal or skim coating takes place. Also, think about the type of finish you want to achieve. If you desire a perfectly smooth, modern look, removing the texture provides the cleanest canvas. Skim coating, even when done expertly, might still show slight imperfections beneath the new layers, especially with certain lighting conditions or paint sheens. Ultimately, the “better” method is the one that best suits your specific circumstances and priorities. Carefully assess the existing texture, your budget, skill level, and desired aesthetic to make an informed decision. If unsure, consulting with a drywall professional can provide valuable insights and guidance.
How much does it typically cost to get rid of textured walls?
The cost to remove textured walls typically ranges from $1 to $3 per square foot, depending on the method used, the complexity of the texture, and the geographic location. This means a 10x12 room (120 square feet) could cost anywhere from $120 to $360 to have the texture removed by a professional.
Removing textured walls can be a labor-intensive process, and the final cost is influenced by several factors. If the texture contains asbestos (common in homes built before the late 1970s), professional asbestos abatement will be required *before* any other work can begin, significantly increasing the expense. The chosen removal method also impacts the price; skimming with joint compound is generally less expensive than sanding, but may require more labor and multiple coats. Additionally, intricate textures take longer to address, driving up labor costs. Geographic location plays a role, as labor rates vary across different regions. Hiring a professional drywall contractor will usually result in a higher initial cost compared to a DIY approach, but it guarantees a smoother, more professional finish and minimizes the risk of damage to the underlying drywall. Remember to factor in the cost of repainting the walls after the texture is removed, as this is a necessary final step to achieve a finished look.
Are there any health concerns related to removing textured walls?
Yes, the primary health concern related to removing textured walls, particularly those installed before the late 1980s, is the potential presence of asbestos. Asbestos was a common ingredient in drywall joint compound and texture coatings used to create popular textures like popcorn ceilings and stucco walls. Disturbing asbestos-containing materials can release dangerous fibers into the air, which, when inhaled, can lead to serious respiratory illnesses including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
Even if your home was built after the late 1980s, it’s still prudent to exercise caution. While asbestos use was significantly curtailed, it wasn’t entirely banned in all applications until later. Furthermore, some older products containing asbestos might have been used for renovations even after the initial restrictions. Lead-based paint is another, albeit less common, health hazard to consider, especially if the textured walls have been painted multiple times. Sanding or scraping lead-based paint releases lead dust, which is particularly harmful to children and pregnant women.
Before undertaking any removal project, it’s highly recommended to have the textured walls tested for asbestos by a qualified professional. If asbestos is present, professional abatement is crucial. Attempting to remove asbestos yourself without proper training and equipment is dangerous and, in many jurisdictions, illegal. If testing confirms the absence of asbestos, you should still wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as a respirator, gloves, and eye protection, to minimize exposure to dust and debris produced during the removal process. Proper ventilation is also essential.
What type of primer should I use after removing texture from walls?
After removing texture from walls, use a high-quality drywall primer. This type of primer is specifically formulated to seal the repaired drywall, create a uniform surface for paint, and improve paint adhesion. It also helps to conceal any lingering imperfections and prevents the paint from soaking unevenly into the patched areas.
After going through the process of removing texture – typically involving patching, sanding, and smoothing – the drywall surface is often left with varying degrees of porosity. Some areas might be relatively smooth and sealed, while others, particularly those that have been heavily patched with joint compound, will be more absorbent. A good drywall primer equalizes this porosity, preventing the topcoat of paint from looking uneven or blotchy. If you skip priming, you risk needing multiple coats of paint to achieve a uniform finish, and the paint may not adhere as well, potentially leading to peeling or blistering down the road. Consider using a primer that also offers stain-blocking properties if the original texture was applied over any stains (water stains, nicotine, etc.). While you may have removed the texture, the staining could still bleed through the new paint job. In this case, a stain-blocking primer like a solvent-based (oil-based or shellac-based) or a high-quality water-based stain-blocking primer would be a better choice. Always ensure adequate ventilation when using solvent-based primers and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. A properly primed wall will result in a smoother, more professional-looking paint job and contribute to the longevity of the finish.