If you have been wondering how to paint textured walls while planning your interior house painting in Brookfield, WI, youโ€™re not alone. Textured finishes can hide imperfections and bring character, but they can also be tricky to paint well. With the right prep, tools, and techniques, you can make textured walls look fresh and flawless.

I once helped a family repaint their dining room, which had a heavy orange peel texture. The first pass was frustrating, with patchy coverage and roller marks. After switching to a thicker nap roller and slowing our strokes, the walls came out smooth, vibrant, and still showed the original texture beautifully. That experience reminded me that patience and preparation matter most.

Key Takeaways

  • Selecting the correct roller nap prevents uneven coverage and missed areas.

  • Thorough cleaning helps paint adhere and last longer.
  • Proper taping ensures sharp, professional edges.
  • Applying primer improves paint coverage and color consistency.
  • Steady, even application reduces splatter and keeps the finish smooth.

Prepping Your Space

Textured walls hold on to dust and debris. Start with a good cleaning using a shop vacuum with a brush attachment or a soft-bristled brush. For sticky spots, a mild soap solution works wonders.

When choosing your roller nap, remember: light textures often work with 1/2-inch nap, while heavier textures may need 3/4-inch. Avoid foam rollers because they skip over grooves instead of filling them.

how to paint textured walls

Remove outlet and switch covers, keeping screws in labeled bags. For small dents or nail holes, use your finger to apply spackle or joint compound, blending it into the texture for a seamless repair.

Tools and Supplies

  • 9-inch roller frame
  • 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch nap roller cover
  • 2-inch angled brush
  • Paint tray with liners
  • Flat-head screwdriver
  • Shop vacuum with brush attachment
  • Interior primer
  • Interior latex paint
  • Painterโ€™s tape
  • Spackle or joint compound
  • Latex gloves

Having everything ready before you start will make your work faster and less stressful.

How to Paint Textured Walls: Step-by-Step

Painting textured walls well means paying attention to each stage of the process. This section walks you through every step so you can protect the texture while getting even coverage and a professional finish.

Clean the Wall

Even if the surface looks fine, textured walls trap dust and dirt in small crevices. Start by vacuuming with a brush attachment or using a soft-bristled brush to remove debris. For areas with grease or fingerprints, lightly wash with a mild soap and water mixture, then let the wall dry completely before moving on.

Remove Covers and Fixtures

Turn off the power to outlets and switches for safety. Carefully remove all covers, switch plates, and any wall-mounted fixtures. Keep screws and hardware together in a labeled container so reinstalling them later is quick and hassle-free.

Patch and Mask

Inspect the wall for holes, dents, or cracks. Fill any imperfections with spackle or joint compound, using your finger to blend repairs into the surrounding texture. Apply painterโ€™s tape along trim, windows, and doors to shield them from splatters. Press the tape firmly so it follows the contours of the texture, creating a tight seal.

Prime the Surface

Pour primer into a lined paint tray. Work in manageable 4-foot sections, rolling slowly and evenly to fill the textured areas without creating heavy spots. Check each section for drips before moving to the next.

how to paint textured walls

Cut In the Edges

Switch to an angled brush to paint corners, along ceilings, and next to trim. Use light, smooth strokes to avoid leaving ridges of paint that can stand out after drying.

Apply the Paint

Replace the tray liner, pour in your chosen color, and load your roller. Paint in small overlapping sections, keeping the roller evenly loaded but not overloaded. Moving slowly allows the nap to work into the texture for complete coverage.

Finish Edges and Remove Tape

Once walls are painted, use your brush to fill in any missed spots at edges or corners. Remove painterโ€™s tape while the paint is still wet for the crispest lines, pulling it back on itself at a 45-degree angle to reduce peeling.

Extra Tips for Success

Before you wrap up your interior house painting in Brookfield, WI, keep these helpful pointers in mind to improve both your efficiency and the finished look.

  • Let the roller do the work without pressing too hard, allowing the nap to reach into textured areas naturally.
  • Seal tape edges with a thin bead of paintable caulk if needed to prevent paint bleed and get cleaner lines.
  • Adjust roller nap if coverage isnโ€™t consistent โ€” sometimes moving from a 1/2-inch to a 3/4-inch nap makes a big difference.
  • Donโ€™t sand textured walls, as sanding will flatten raised patterns and create an uneven look in painted sections.
  • Dab paint into deep grooves with a brush when necessary to keep the texture intact while achieving solid coverage.

By applying these techniques, you can avoid common mistakes and achieve results that impress guests and rival the work of a professional house painter.

Why Work with a Professional House Painter

Even if you know how to paint textured walls, it can be tiring and time-consuming. A professional house painter brings the right tools, skill, and efficiency to get perfect results. They also know which paints work best for walls with textured paint, especially in busy rooms.

how to paint textured walls

If youโ€™re already considering interior house painting, hiring a pro can save you time and give you a cleaner finish.

Colorwheel Painting: Your Local Textured Wall Specialists

Painting textured surfaces is about more than just rolling on color. The preparation, tools, and application all affect the outcome. Colorwheel Painting specializes in interior house painting that makes texture look its best.

Whether you want to refresh one wall or the whole house, our team delivers consistent, clean results with minimal mess. We proudly serve Brookfield, Waukesha, and Milwaukee, WI, and offer free estimates to help you plan your project.

Call 262-999-0507 today for your FREE estimate and give your textured walls the finish they deserve.