How to Remove a Textured Wall Finish

Tired of your old textured wall finish? If it's time to give your outdated walls a new look, consider scraping off the old texture so that you can apply fresh coats of paint to a clean and flat wall surface. Removing texture may seem daunting, but it's really an easy process. Just give yourself enough time and you'll be done before you know it. Here is how.

Paint remover or stripper
Paintbrush
Scraper
Trashcan with liner
Steel wool
Gloves
Dust mask
Drop cloth
Damp rag

Instructions

- 1
  Prepare all the materials you will need: drop cloth, gloves, dust mask scraper, steel wool and trash can with liner.
- 2
  Remove or cover furniture in the vicinity of the project, because paint material will scatter no matter how careful you are.
- 3
  Apply paint stripper with a paintbrush, following manufacturer's instructions, to loosen the textured paint from the wall surface.
- 4
  Determine how much pressure is required to scrape the textured paint off the wall. Especially if your walls are drywall, pushing the scraper in too hard or at the wrong angle can scratch or gouge the drywall.
- 5
  Using the scraper and with the right amount of pressure, scrape as much of the textured paint from the wall. Work through small areas at a time.
- 6
  Use the steel wool to scrub off any remaining texture and smoothen the bare surface. Fine sandpaper is an alternative to steel wool.
- 7
  Use a damp rag to wipe off dust and loose paint from the wall. Rinse the rag frequently to refresh.
- 8
  Let the bare wall dry out completely before applying spackle, primer or new paint.

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