Ever wondered how to paint textured walls without making a mess of the texture or ending up with uneven color? You’re not alone. If you’ve got an orange peel, knockdown texture, or even popcorn walls, getting a smooth and clean finish takes more than just a paint roller and good intentions.
In homes across Timonium, MD, textured walls are everywhere. They add character and hide flaws, but they also come with a painting challenge. The indents, grooves, and raised spots love to trap dust and reject paint—unless you prep and paint the right way.
If you’re searching for answers on how to paint textured walls, we’re breaking it down for you.
Key Takeaways:
- Textured walls trap dust and need extra prep before painting.
- Use a thick nap roller (1/2–3/4 inch) to reach grooves and bumps.
- Primer is a must for even color and better adhesion.
- Satin or eggshell finishes are best for cleaning and appearance.
- Avoid drips and missed spots by working in small sections and checking edges.
How to Paint Textured Walls?
Textured walls aren’t just bumpy drywall—they’re layered with patterns that require more effort to cover. Paint tends to settle unevenly on textured surfaces if you’re not using the right tools or techniques. And standard prep work? Not enough.
Whether you’re dealing with a knockdown texture in the living room or an old popcorn ceiling in the hallway, texture impacts how paint clings. These surfaces also love to hold onto dust, which ruins your finish before you even start.
Step 1: Prep Like It Matters (Because It Does)
Before picking up a brush or roller, focus on the prep. It’s not just about cleaning—it’s about setting the wall up for success.
- Vacuum the wall with a brush attachment to remove fine dust from grooves and crevices
- Use a sponge dampened with water to lightly wipe any stuck-on dirt
- Remove outlet and switch covers with a screwdriver and set them aside
- Use painter’s tape to protect baseboards, trim, windows, and anything else you don’t want covered in paint
Spotted dents, nail holes, or dings? Use putty or joint compound to fill them, and smooth the area with a putty knife. No need to sand, especially not on textured surfaces. Sanding will flatten the pattern and make it look worse.
Step 2: Pick the Right Primer (And Know Why It Matters)
Priming isn’t optional here. It makes a big difference in how well the paint sticks and how even the color looks once dry. Choose a high-quality latex or oil-based primer suited for interior textured surfaces. If your walls have old stains or dark paint, primer helps hide those too.
We talk more about when to prime in this blog on coats of primer, especially when it comes to tricky wall types like knockdown or popcorn.
Load up a 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch nap paint roller, depending on how raised the texture is. Thicker nap = better reach into the bumps. Prime the wall in 3 to 4-foot sections, checking for drips before moving on.
Cut in the edges using a good angled brush, especially around outlets, windows, and trim.
Step 3: Use the Right Paint Tools (Not All Rollers Are Equal)
Let’s get real—your old multipurpose roller won’t cut it here. You’ll need:
- A 9-inch roller frame
- A thick nap roller cover (1/2 inch for standard texture, 3/4 inch for heavy orange peel or knockdown texture)
- A high-quality paintbrush for the edges
Load your tray with interior paint and start with the roller. Go slow and apply steady pressure, letting the roller nap work into the texture without pushing too hard. Pressing harder won’t help—it just causes drips and roller marks.
Step 4: Choose the Right Paint Finish
Flat paint may seem safe, but it makes textured walls impossible to clean. On the flip side, glossy finishes will highlight every bump. A middle ground works best:
- Eggshell or satin finishes offer a balance between wipe-ability and softness
- For high-moisture areas like the kitchen or bathroom, satin is more durable
Need help picking finishes for different surfaces? We break that down in our paint sheen guide, which covers ceilings, cabinets, and more.
Step 5: Watch Out for Drips
Textured walls can be tricky when it comes to drip control. After you paint each section, stop and look—run the roller over any wet areas that are pooling. Drips settle fast and are tough to fix once dry.
You might also need to dab paint into low spots using your brush. This works great for deeper textures like stucco or older plaster walls.
Step 6: Repeat With Paint Like You Did With Primer
Once the primer is dry, you’re ready to paint. Just like before:
- Load the roller evenly
- Work in 3 to 4-foot sections
- Cut in edges with a brush
- Don’t forget to check for drips
If you need help figuring out how much paint to buy, our paint calculator is a helpful tool to estimate gallons based on wall square footage and texture.
And always use freshly stirred paint. Color separation happens even with brand new cans. Give it a mix, then pour.
Step 7: Clean Edges and Pull Tape
Before the paint fully dries, pull the painter’s tape slowly at an angle to avoid peeling the new finish. Wipe any edges that bled through. Once dry, reinstall your switch and outlet covers.
Bonus: What About Popcorn Ceilings?
Painting a popcorn ceiling follows the same steps—vacuum, prime, roll gently with a thick nap. The biggest challenge is avoiding saturation. Popcorn will crumble if it gets too wet.
Stick to a latex paint, avoid overloading the roller, and work in small patches. Light rolling, with touch-ups using a brush, gives the best coverage.
Things That Can Go Wrong (And How to Avoid Them)
A few of the most common issues we see when people paint textured walls in Timonium:
- Drips caused by overloading the roller
- Missed patches in low areas
- Uneven color due to skipping primer
- Smudged tape edges
- Over-sanding and ruining the texture
We cover more of this in our breakdown of painting mistakes that often lead to uneven results or wasted paint.
Final Thoughts: How to Paint Textured Walls the Right Way
If you’ve been wondering how to paint textured walls in your Timonium home, you now have a clear plan. From prepping with the right tools to using the right roller nap and picking a balanced finish, every detail matters.
And if you’d rather skip the hassle, working with professional painters in Timonium, MD means you get clean, even coverage without the mess, wasted paint, or guesswork.
Here’s how FR Contractors and Investors, Inc. makes it easy for homeowners in Timonium and nearby areas:
- We evaluate your wall texture and condition before painting
- We use proper primers and finishes for long-term durability
- We protect your space with clean prep and careful edge work
- We avoid common paint problems like drip trails and uneven patches
- We complete projects on time with attention to every detail
Serving Ruxton, Towson, Yorktown, Phoenix, MD and the surrounding areas, call us at 443-775-2994 for a FREE estimate and let us handle the hard part so you don’t have to think twice about it.
