How to paint textured walls is one of those things that sounds easier than it actually is, especially if you’re doing interior house painting in Buffalo, NY. The texture might add charm, but it also adds its own set of challenges. Whether you’re dealing with orange peel, knockdown, or anything in between, it takes a little planning and the right gear to get things looking clean and consistent.

How to Paint Textured Walls

I once worked with a homeowner who had just bought an older house with deeply textured living room walls. She’d attempted to paint them herself using a basic roller and leftover latex paint from her last project. It didn’t go well. The texture soaked up the paint in some spots and left it dripping in others. After she gave us a call, we talked her through the process, prepped everything properly, and gave those walls a finish she was proud of.

Here’s what you need to know if you’re about to take on the same task.

Key Takeaways

  • Prep work makes or breaks the paint job on textured walls.
  • Use a roller with a thick nap to avoid patchy coverage.
  • Clean textured walls before painting or primer may not stick.
  • Edge work matters more with irregular surfaces. Take your time.
  • Paint in sections and always double-check for hidden drips.

Gear That Makes a Difference

To get smooth results on walls with textured paint, you’ll need more than just a gallon of your favorite color. You need to choose the perfect paint roller. Foam rollers won’t do the trick here. You need a roller cover with a thicker nap – 1/2 inch works for light textures, while 3/4 inch is better for heavier ones.

Here’s what else should be on your checklist:

  • A 9-inch roller frame and matching nap roller cover
  • A 2-inch angled brush for corners and trim
  • High-quality interior paint and primer
  • Vacuum with a brush attachment or microfiber cloth for prep
  • Painter’s tape, drop cloths, and tray liners
  • Spackle and a putty knife or gloved finger

A professional house painter always starts with the right setup. It saves time and helps avoid uneven coverage later.

How to Paint Textured Walls Without Losing Your Patience

Clean Like You Mean It

Walls with textured paint tend to hold on to dust, cobwebs, and all the stuff you didn’t know was up there. Grab your vacuum or a duster and get into the grooves. If you’re painting over debris, it shows up in the finish.

Don’t skip this step. It’s quick, and your paint will stick better.

Also, look for small dents or nail holes. I like using my gloved finger to press spackle into uneven areas. It blends better with the texture than using a flat putty knife.

Remove the Covers and Tape Off Your Edges

Flip the breaker before touching outlets or switches. Take off the faceplates and stash the screws in a sandwich bag.

Now for the tape: press it down firmly around trim, ceiling lines, and any adjoining surfaces. For extra protection on very rough textures, run a slim bead of caulk along the tape to prevent bleeding.

Don’t forget to lay down a drop cloth over your flooring and cover nearby furniture.

Prime Before You Paint

Primer gives you a solid base to work from. Pour it into a lined tray and load your roller evenly. Work in 3 to 4-foot squares so you can keep control over coverage and quickly catch any drips.

With textured walls, the primer may disappear into the grooves. That’s normal. Just keep an eye out and re-roll any patchy spots.

Use your angled brush to cut in around outlets, ceiling edges, and baseboards. Be patient here—detail work really pays off when the final coat goes on.

How to Paint Textured Walls

Time for Paint: Use a Plan

Once your primer has dried, swap in a clean tray liner and fresh paint. Go section by section, just like you did with the primer.

Let the roller do the work. Don’t push too hard or you’ll flatten the texture and waste paint. For bold or darker colors, expect two coats.

Between coats, keep the roller wrapped in plastic wrap to keep it from drying out.

Cut In and Touch Up

Your roller won’t reach every nook, so grab that angled brush again. Feather out the edges where walls meet trim, ceiling, or awkward corners.

This part is slower, but it’s where clean lines happen. And while the paint is still slightly wet, remove the tape. That gives you crisp lines without pulling off paint.

Bonus Tips from a Professional House Painter

Here are a few real-world tricks that make interior house painting more manageable, especially on textured walls:

  • Don’t overload your roller. You’ll get splatters and waste paint.
  • Roll in light, even strokes to avoid flattening texture.
  • Use caulk to seal off textured edges before applying painter’s tape.
  • Always clean between coats. Textures hold more dust than smooth walls.
  • Dab paint into deep crevices instead of brushing across them.

These are the habits that separate a decent paint job from a professional-looking one. Even better? A professional house painter already knows them.

What to Expect When You Paint Textured Walls

If you’re wondering how do you paint textured walls and not lose your weekend to frustration, this is your answer. It’s all about prep, the right roller, smart taping, and steady technique.

Yes, walls with textured paint are trickier. But the right approach makes a big difference.

If you ever feel stuck or want someone else to take the lead, an interior house painter who knows their way around texture can save you time and headaches.

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Let Advantage Paint Services Do the Heavy Lifting

Painting textured walls takes experience and a steady hand. If you want your next interior house painting project to go smoothly, let the team at Advantage Paint Services help.

We work with homeowners across Buffalo, Amherst, Clarence, and the Surrounding New York Suburbs delivering reliable results that look great up close and across the room.

Call us today at 716-477-3966 for a FREE estimate and get your interior looking its best.