How to paint textured walls is something that throws a lot of people off, especially during interior house painting in Binghamton, NY. What seems like a straightforward project can quickly turn messy if you’re not prepared. Textured surfaces don’t behave like flat ones. They soak up paint unevenly, hide dust in weird places, and can leave streaks behind if you rush it.

I once worked with a couple who had just moved into an older home with heavily textured hallway walls. They tried to do the painting themselves but quickly ran into trouble. Their roller left behind skips and globs, and the tape peeled the paint right off when they were done. We came in, explained what went wrong, and helped them get it back on track. It was all in the prep and technique.

If you want smooth results without the stress, here’s how to get started.

Key Takeaways

  • Prep is everything when painting textured walls to avoid streaks and frustration.
  • Use a thicker nap roller to fill in grooves effectively.
  • Clean thoroughly before painting to improve how the paint sticks.
  • Pay attention to the edges for clean and professional results.
  • Break the project into sections to stay in control.

What You’ll Need to Paint Textured Walls?

Painting walls with textured paint means thinking ahead. You can’t just grab whatever roller you have in the garage and expect a good outcome. You need to choose the correct paint roller for the job! You’ll need a nap that’s thick enough to push paint into the texture without pressing too hard.

Here’s the full list of gear I always keep ready:

  • 9-inch roller frame with a 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch nap roller
  • 2-inch angled brush for detail work
  • Interior primer and high-quality wall paint
  • Shop vac with brush attachment or a clean microfiber cloth
  • Painter’s tape, liners, and drop cloths
  • Spackle and a gloved finger or small putty knife

Every professional house painter I’ve worked with agrees—the right tools save you time and paint.

How to Paint Textured Walls

Prep the Surface Like a Pro

Walls with textured paint trap more than just visual interest—they trap dust, too. Before you even think about opening a paint can, grab a vacuum or a microfiber cloth and give every inch a once-over. Dust in the grooves will ruin your finish.

If you see holes or divots, patch them. I prefer using my finger with spackle to match the surface texture more naturally. It blends better than using a metal knife and doesn’t flatten the pattern.

Tape It Right and Protect Your Space

Before taping, cut the power and remove all switch and outlet covers. Bag the screws and keep everything together so you’re not searching for parts later.

Next, carefully apply painter’s tape around trim, baseboards, ceiling edges, and outlets. Press the tape firmly into place, especially on rougher surfaces. You can even run a thin bead of clear caulk along the edge if you’re worried about paint seeping through.

And don’t skip covering your floors and furniture with drop cloths. Splatter happens.

Start With a Solid Primer Coat

Primer does a few things that make your life easier. It smooths out the inconsistencies and gives your final color something solid to hold onto. Load your roller fully and roll in sections, checking for missed spots or drips as you go.

Cut in around the edges with your angled brush once the main areas are covered. This detail work takes a little time but makes a huge difference in the final look.

Bathroom Painting in Endicott, NY

Roll On the Paint in Controlled Sections

When your primer is dry, it’s time for paint. Pour your color into a clean tray liner, grab your roller, and go back to those 3 to 4-foot sections. Let the roller do the work—don’t press down.

Some colors will need two coats, especially if you’re going from light to dark or vice versa. Be patient. Rushing this part is what leads to uneven coverage.

Brush the Edges and Pull the Tape

The roller won’t hit every nook. Go back in with your angled brush to finish corners, baseboards, and anywhere the roller can’t reach.

As soon as the paint is still slightly wet, peel the tape away slowly. Waiting too long can cause the tape to take paint with it.

Extra Tips from a Professional House Painter

Working with textured surfaces has taught me a few tricks that make all the difference:

  • Keep roller pressure light. Let the texture soak the paint, don’t force it in.
  • Use the right roller nap. The wrong one will skip over grooves.
  • Use caulk to seal off textured tape lines. This creates a crisp edge.
  • Dab with a brush in deep spots instead of brushing over them.
  • Clean before every coat. Yes, even in between coats if needed.

These techniques have saved more than a few painting projects.

What to Expect From Painting Walls With Texture

So how do you paint textured walls without all the headaches? You clean more, prep longer, and choose better tools. That’s the honest answer. Take your time and double-check your work as you go.

How to Paint Textured Walls

If you get halfway in and feel like you’re fighting the wall, a professional house painter can take it from there. It’s not about giving up—it’s about getting the result you wanted in the first place.

Let Brushes Over Broome Help You Out

Planning interior house painting in Binghamton, NY? Let Brushes Over Broome take the stress off your shoulders. We’ve worked on textured walls of every kind and know exactly how to get the finish you want.

Our team handles projects across Binghamton, Vestal, Johnson City, and the surrounding New York Suburbs, and we show up on time, clean up after ourselves, and leave behind paint jobs you’ll actually want to show off.

Call us now for a FREE estimate!