How to Repaint Textured Drywall

Remove all the plate covers on outlets and switches by using a screwdriver to unscrew the screws holding them on the wall.

Tape along any trim by running painter's tape on top of the trim where it meets the wall. This will help prevent you from accidentally painting the trim. If you are painting the walls a different color from the ceiling, run the tape along the edges of the ceiling as well.

Assemble the paint roller and extension. First, place the roller cover on the roller, and then screw the paint stick extension into the end of the handle on the paint roller. Extension sticks come in a variety of sizes, and you should get one that will allow you to reach the top of the wall or ceiling while standing on the floor. Using an extension stick is optional, but it will make the job go much more quickly, since you won't have to be getting up and down off a ladder to paint the high areas.

Open the can of paint by sticking the tip of the screwdriver in the groove of the lid and prying up on it. If it has been more than a few days since you bought the paint and had it mixed at the store, you'll need to use the wood mixing sticks that came with the paint to hand-mix it.

Dip a paintbrush into the paint can and start in one corner of the room. You'll need to paint all corners and along any trim of the wall with the paintbrush since the roller won't be able to reach right up to the edge. You should apply a thin coat of paint to eliminate drips, which will dry on the wall and give you an unprofessional finish.

Pour the paint into a roller pan and then roll the roller in it until the roller cover is loaded with paint.

Start painting the wall, working your way from left to right. To apply the paint, make a "W" or "M" on the wall or ceiling in 4-foot sections, then roll back and forth over that area until the paint has been smoothed out. Work from one side of the wall or ceiling to the other so you can keep a wet edge of paint, which will give an even appearance. The wall can appear to have stripes on it if you allow the paint to dry as you work.

Allow the paint to dry according to the manufacturer's specifications, then apply another coat of paint. Most of the time, you'll need two coats, but this can vary, depending on the specific paint.