How to Paint Over Textured Paint

Painting over textured paint can be difficult, especially when the paint is rough and peaky, like the top of an iced cake. To properly paint over this type of surface, you will need twice as much paint as normal, and you will need the proper tools to get into the wall's peaks and troughs. No matter what type of textured paint surface you want to cover, follow the guide below to make the process easier.

Preparing

Many textured-paint surfaces are magnets for dust and cobwebs. Dust and clean the wall that you intend to paint with a dry, clean cloth. For extra-dusty walls, use a vacuum-cleaner attachment.

Taping and Covering

Next, tape off the areas that you don’t want to get paint on, like door or window frames. Cover the floor with drop cloths to protect it from splatters and drips.

Priming

Warning: When using primer or paint, follow all directions as provided by the manufacturer. Wear the appropriate safety gear, like long sleeves and gloves. Always wear a mask to avoid inhaling paint fumes, and open windows and doors to allow for maximum ventilation.

Even if the wall already has a coat of paint on it, it’s still important to prime the surface of your textured wall. Using a deep-pile roller, cover the wall with primer. The deep pile on the roller will help you get into the peaks and troughs easier than if you were to use a thin-pile roller. Use the classic “M” or “W” shape when painting the wall to get into all of the nooks and crannies.

Priming Light Textures

Keep in mind that if your wall has a lighter “sand” texture, tiny threads of the roller material can get stuck onto the paint. Before the paint dries, remove any pieces of the roller that get stuck.

Painting

Once the primer is completely dry, you can paint your textured wall. Use a deep-pile paint roller, just as you did when you primed the wall. Load the roller liberally with paint, and use the “W” or “M” method again to coat the walls evenly.

Touching-Up Missed Spots

If you’re painting the textured wall the same color as it was before, you should view the wall from different angles or with different lighting to make sure you didn’t miss any spots. If you’re painting the wall a new color, it will be easier to tell if there are any areas that you missed. Once the paint is dry, use a smaller paintbrush and the same paint to touch up any missed areas. If you're unhappy with the look or feel of textured paint, remember that removing your textured paint is also an option.