Textured walls are common in many Calgary homes, adding character and dimension to interior spaces. However, they can present unique challenges when it's time to paint. Our Calgary painters mastered the techniques for achieving flawless results on textured surfaces. In this guide, we'll share our professional approach to painting textured walls.

Understanding Different Wall Textures

Before diving into painting techniques, it's important to identify what type of texture you're working with:

1. Knockdown Texture

This popular texture in Calgary homes features a stucco-like appearance that's been "knocked down" to create a flattened, mottled surface. It's challenging to paint due to its varying depths and shadows.

2. Orange Peel

Resembling the skin of an orange, this subtle texture provides slight dimension without dramatic shadows. It's one of the more forgiving textures to paint but still requires proper technique.

3. Popcorn Texture

Though more common on ceilings, some older Calgary homes have popcorn-textured walls. These highly dimensional surfaces require special attention and often more paint than smooth walls.

4. Skip Trowel

This Mediterranean-inspired finish creates a rustic, elegant look with a trowel-applied texture. The varying depths create shadows that can make painting challenging.

Essential Supplies for Painting Textured Walls

Success begins with having the right tools. Here's what the professionals use:

Paint Selection

• High-quality acrylic paint: We recommend premium paints with good coverage capabilities
• Paint finish: Eggshell or satin finishes work best on textured walls, balancing durability with the ability to hide imperfections
• Primer: A high-build primer specifically designed for textured surfaces

Application Tools

• Thick-nap roller covers: 3/4" to 1-1/4" nap depending on the texture depth
• Extension pole: For reaching high areas without straining
• High-quality angled brush: For cutting in corners and edges
• Paint sprayer: For very heavy textures (optional but effective)
• Painter's tape: For protecting trim and adjacent surfaces
• Drop cloths: Textured walls can create more splatter than smooth walls

Step-by-Step Guide to Painting Textured Walls

Follow these professional techniques for the best results:

1. Thorough Preparation

Proper prep work is even more critical with textured surfaces:

• Clean walls thoroughly with a damp cloth to remove dust that collects in texture crevices
• For kitchen walls or areas with grease buildup, use a degreasing cleaner
• Allow walls to dry completely before proceeding
• Repair any damaged areas with texture-matching compound
• Apply painter's tape to trim, switches, and outlets
• Cover furniture and floors with drop cloths

2. Prime with Purpose

Priming is rarely optional with textured walls:

• Use a high-build primer designed for textured surfaces
• Apply primer with the same thick-nap roller you'll use for paint
• Work the primer into all the crevices and angles of the texture
• Allow primer to dry completely according to manufacturer instructions

3. Perfect Your Cutting-In Technique

Cutting in (painting the edges and corners) requires extra attention with texture:

• Use a high-quality angled brush with a comfortable grip
• Work in sections of 3-4 feet at a time
• Apply more pressure than you would on smooth walls to work paint into texture crevices
• Create a slightly wider cut-in area (2-3 inches) to ensure roller application blends seamlessly

4. Master the Rolling Technique

The key to even coverage on textured walls:

• Load your thick-nap roller generously but avoid dripping
• Begin with a "W" or "M" pattern in a 3x3 foot section
• Fill in the pattern with overlapping vertical strokes
• Apply slightly more pressure than you would on smooth walls
• Roll from ceiling to floor for final strokes to maintain a consistent texture appearance
• Work in smaller sections than you would with smooth walls

5. Apply Multiple Coats Correctly

Textured walls almost always require multiple coats:

• Allow the first coat to dry completely (usually 4+ hours in Calgary's climate)
• Assess coverage carefully in good lighting before starting the second coat
• Apply the second coat using the same techniques as the first
• For deep textures or dramatic color changes, a third coat may be necessary

Professional Tips for Specific Textures

Different textures require slightly different approaches:

For Knockdown Texture

Use a roller with a 3/4" to 1" nap and roll in multiple directions to ensure paint reaches all surfaces of the texture. Consider slightly thinning your paint (per manufacturer guidelines) for better flow into crevices.

For Orange Peel

A 1/2" to 3/4" nap roller usually works well. Maintain a wet edge by working in smaller sections to prevent lap marks, which can be more noticeable on this type of texture.

For Popcorn Texture

Consider using a paint sprayer for the most even coverage. If rolling, use a 1-1/4" nap roller and apply with minimal pressure to avoid dislodging texture. Plan for approximately 25% more paint than you would use on smooth walls.

For Skip Trowel

Use a 3/4" nap roller and roll in multiple directions to ensure complete coverage of the varying depths. Pay extra attention to shadows created by the texture when checking for missed spots.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced DIYers can struggle with textured walls. Avoid these pitfalls:

• Using the wrong nap length: Too short won't reach into crevices; too long can create excessive texture
• Skipping primer: This almost always leads to uneven coverage and more coats
• Rolling too quickly: Textured walls require a slower, more deliberate application
• Using low-quality paint: Cheaper paints lack the viscosity and coverage needed for textured surfaces
• Insufficient lighting during painting: Good lighting is essential to spot missed areas in the texture

When to Call the Professionals

While many homeowners can successfully paint textured walls, certain situations call for professional help:

• Very high ceilings or walls that require scaffolding
• Heavily damaged textured surfaces that need repair before painting
• Dramatic color changes that may require specialized primers and techniques
• Time constraints that don't allow for the learning curve of textured wall painting

Transform Your Textured Walls with Professional Results

Painting textured walls requires patience, the right tools, and proper technique. By following these professional guidelines, you can achieve beautiful results that enhance your Calgary home.

If you'd prefer to leave it to the experts, Premier Painters Calgary specializes in painting textured surfaces with flawless results. Contact us today at (587) 715-2727 or email info@premierpainterscalgary.ca for a consultation and quote.