Painting Over Textured Walls? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

If you’ve ever looked at your bumpy, uneven walls and wondered how on earth you’re supposed to paint them, you’re not alone. Many homeowners struggle with painting over textured walls, especially when they want a clean, fresh look without hiring professional help. While interior house painters can make it look easy, you can absolutely do it yourself — if you know the right steps, tools, and tricks.

Whether your walls are lightly textured or full-on stucco, this guide breaks down exactly how to get the job done like a pro.

• Painting over textured walls takes more prep work than painting smooth walls.
• Choosing the right tools (like thick-nap rollers) makes a big difference.
• Priming is essential for adhesion and even coverage.
• Applying paint in the right technique (and multiple coats) ensures a pro-level finish.
• Patience and planning are key — rushing leads to patchy results.

Textured walls, whether knockdown, orange peel, or heavy stucco, aren’t smooth surfaces — and that changes everything. The texture makes it harder for paint to reach into every crevice. Plus, shadows and ridges can highlight uneven coverage. If you try to paint textured walls the same way you’d paint flat drywall, you’ll end up frustrated.

Let’s break down how to do it right.

Painting over textured walls starts with having the proper gear. You don’t want to find yourself halfway through with the wrong roller or poor-quality paint.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Thick-nap rollers (¾-inch or higher)
• Angled paintbrushes
• High-quality interior latex paint
• Primer (especially for stained or raw surfaces)
• Painter’s tape
• Drop cloths
• Spackle and putty knife (for patching holes)
• Sanding sponge (for smoothing patches)

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure which roller to buy, ask at your local paint store — they’ll recommend a roller thickness based on your wall’s texture.

Prep work isn’t glamorous, but it’s 80% of the job. Interior house painters know this: the cleaner and smoother the prep, the better the result.

Here’s how to prep textured walls:

1. Clean the walls. Use mild soap and water to remove dirt, dust, and grease. Let dry.
2. Patch any damage. Use spackle to fill nail holes or dings. Sand when dry.
3. Tape off areas. Use painter’s tape around trim, baseboards, and outlets.
4. Protect your space. Lay down drop cloths to catch drips and splatter.

If your walls have a glossy finish, do a light sanding to help the paint stick.

Priming isn’t optional on textured walls — it’s essential. It helps paint grip better and ensures that color doesn’t look blotchy.

Use a high-quality primer suited for textured surfaces. Apply it with a thick-nap roller to reach all the nooks and crannies. Let it dry completely before painting.

When should you definitely use primer?

• If you’re painting over a dark color
• If your walls have stains or marks
• If the surface feels chalky or uneven

The type of paint you choose matters more than you think. Flat finishes can hide imperfections, but they’re harder to clean. Semi-gloss or satin finishes are easier to wipe down but might highlight texture.

For most homeowners painting textured walls, eggshell or satin finishes are a good middle ground — they offer durability without being too shiny.

Also, invest in quality paint. Cheap paint can make the job twice as hard, requiring extra coats and uneven coverage.

When it’s time to paint, work methodically. Don’t just slap on paint and hope for the best.

1. Cut in edges first with an angled brush.
2. Use a thick-nap roller to roll paint onto the wall.
3. Apply in overlapping sections (a W-pattern works well).
4. Work in small areas to avoid roller lines.
5. Let the first coat dry fully, then apply a second coat.

Depending on how deep the texture is, you may even need a third coat for solid, even coverage.

Once the final coat dries, check for missed spots or thin areas. Use a small brush to touch up where needed.

Remove painter’s tape slowly, and clean up any drips right away. Store leftover paint for future touch-ups.

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, painting over textured walls can be overwhelming — especially if you have tall ceilings, intricate trim, or heavy stucco. That’s when hiring interior house painters can save you time, stress, and even money in the long run.

Professionals already have the gear, the technique, and the experience to get flawless results, fast. If you’re looking for a guaranteed finish without the trial and error, a pro might be worth the call.

Painting over textured walls isn’t impossible. With the right tools, prep, and patience, you can totally transform your space and get results that rival the pros.

But if the thought of doing it all yourself makes your head spin, don’t worry — there’s help. Reach out to CYR Painting Service at 207-410-4544 for a quote from trusted interior house painters who can make your vision come to life.