When you move into a new home or decide to redecorate your current living space, you may find yourself facing the challenge of removing the textured finish on the walls. Textured walls were popular in the past for hiding wall imperfections or for adding a rustic aesthetic touch to interiors. However, smooth and sleek walls are in vogue now, and you might be looking for ways to remove the texture and update your space. Here are three ways to remove texture from walls:

1. Sanding

Sanding is one of the most efficient ways to remove texture from walls. Start by covering any furniture and floors with plastic sheets for protection, and wear a mask, goggles, and gloves as precautions. Use an electric sander with medium-grit sandpaper (80-120 grit) or sanding sponge, which can easily be wrapped around a block of wood if needed.

Apply steady pressure while sanding the surface evenly, being careful not to create dents or gouges in the drywall. Sanding helps to smooth out high spots and reduces the prominence of the texture. Depending on the thickness of texture and desired results, you may need additional passes with finer-grit sandpaper (120-220 grit) to achieve a perfectly smooth finish.

2. Skim Coating

Skim coating involves applying a thin layer of joint compound or plaster over the textured surface to create an even, uniform finish. Wipe down the walls with a damp cloth to ensure it is clean and free of any dust before application.

Using a wide trowel or drywall knife, spread a thin layer of joint compound evenly across the wall’s surface while holding the trowel at approximately 30 degrees angle. Make sure to cover all peaks and valleys in texture effectively, followed by feathering out edges to ensure proper blending with adjacent areas.

Allow this new layer of joint compound to dry completely before proceeding to the sanding step. Lightly sand the skim-coated surface with fine-grit sandpaper (180-220 grit) to remove any imperfections and achieve a smooth and flat finish. Repeat this process if necessary, until the desired level of smoothness is attained.

3. Removal and Replacement

If the textured walls are heavily damaged, or both removal methods above seem too challenging, the third option is to replace the textured drywall altogether. Although this requires more time and money, it ensures that you get a fresh start with pristine walls.

To remove existing drywall sheets, turn off power to electrical outlets, eliminate any molding or trim, and then use a utility knife to score along edges where each sheet meets wall studs. Use a pry bar or hammer to carefully remove drywall panels piece by piece, making sure not to damage adjacent walls or ceiling. Dispose of old drywall material according to your local waste disposal regulations.

Finish by installing new drywall sheets onto wall studs, covering seams with joint tape and applying joint compound. Sand seams for a smooth finish before priming and painting your new sleek walls.

Each of these methods has its unique benefits and drawbacks, allowing you to choose the best approach for your situation. Always take safety precautions and prepare yourself for a time-consuming process when undertaking any of these texture removal techniques. With diligence and patience, you can achieve stunning, modern walls that bring new life into your living space.