How to paint textured walls is usually the first thing homeowners ask about when starting interior house painting in Saint Charles, IL. While textured finishes can add depth and personality to a space, they also bring a few painting challenges. Uneven surfaces make paint coverage unpredictable, especially if you’re not using the right tools or steps.

Not long ago, I worked with someone who had tried painting their textured hallway with a basic roller. After two full coats, they were still staring at patchy coverage. Once we switched the roller nap and showed them how to work in tighter sections, everything changed. They couldn’t believe the difference. The project went faster, cleaner, and looked far more professional.

If you’re wondering how to paint textured walls without running into the same frustration, here’s how to do it right.

Key Takeaways

  • Clean and prep the surface to avoid buildup under the paint.
  • Use a thick roller nap that can get into every crevice of texture.
  • Detail your trim and corners slowly. It makes a big difference.
  • Move in smaller zones and monitor each one for hidden drips.
  • Choose the right primer and let coats dry fully before adding more.

Get Your Tools Ready Before You Start

Walls with textured paint demand more than a simple roller and brush. You’ll need tools that can handle grooves and ridges, particularly in choosing the right paint roller. A standard foam roller isn’t going to cut it. Go for a 1/2-inch nap for light texture, or a 3/4-inch nap for heavy patterns like knockdown.

Here’s what I’d recommend you have nearby:

  • 9-inch roller frame and textured nap roller cover
  • 2-inch angled brush for edges and trim
  • Interior-grade primer and quality paint
  • Painter’s tape, drop cloths, and tray liners
  • Spackle for minor wall imperfections
  • Vacuum with a brush attachment or microfiber towel

A professional house painter won’t start without these basics, and neither should you.

How to Paint Textured Walls Without the Stress

Wipe Down the Walls Before You Begin

Walls with textured paint love to trap dust and pet hair. A quick vacuum or wipe-down with a lint-free cloth helps avoid a gritty finish. It might feel unnecessary, but once the paint goes on, anything under it becomes permanent.

Look for popped nails or small holes while cleaning. Personally, I like using a gloved finger for spackle—it smooths into the texture better than a putty knife.

Prep Your Trim, Outlets, and Floor Area

Always shut off power before removing outlet covers or light switch plates. Toss the screws and covers in labeled bags so you’re not scrambling later.

Tape off your baseboards, windows, and ceiling lines. Make sure the tape sticks well to textured walls. For sharp edges, run a light bead of caulk over the tape’s edge.

Drop cloths are a must. Even if you’re careful, texture throws more splatter than smooth walls.

Roll on Primer First

Priming helps seal the surface and prevents uneven absorption. Load the roller with primer and roll in 3-foot sections. This lets you focus on clean coverage without missing spots.

I’ve learned to tilt my head or shine a light across the wall while working. Drips are easy to miss in deep texture. Use your angled brush for corners, switches, and detailed trim work.

Apply Paint in Sections

With the primer dry, roll on your color in manageable areas. Work slowly, letting the roller nap follow the shape of the texture.

A past client thought pressing harder would help. Instead, the pressure flattened the design and made things worse. Let the nap do the lifting and keep your passes light but steady.

Expect to apply two coats for full coverage—especially with darker shades.

Cut In the Details with Precision

Your roller won’t reach every corner. That’s where the angled brush comes in. Be patient when working around baseboards, windows, and doors.

Pull painter’s tape before the paint dries fully. This reduces peeling and helps keep your lines neat.

Additional Tips from a Professional House Painter

Here are a few small tweaks that make a big difference:

  • Don’t overload your roller. It leads to splatter and waste.
  • Apply thinner coats and reapply instead of pushing too much paint at once.
  • Step back occasionally to check for shadows or missed spots.
  • Use caulk under tape for clean edges on textured walls.
  • Lightly dab paint into deeper grooves using a brush.

The more careful your process, the better your final result will look.

Painting walls with textured paint takes more planning and patience, but it’s doable. Prep your space, pick the right tools, and slow down a bit.

If you’re halfway through and wishing you hadn’t started, that’s also okay. Calling a professional house painter can be the best move to get the job done fast and clean.

Let A&A Painting, Inc Your Next Project

If you’re starting interior house painting in Saint Charles, IL and your walls are textured, A&A Painting, Inc is ready to help.

We’ve painted interiors across Saint Charles, Geneva, Batavia, and the surrounding Illinois suburbs, working with everything from light texture to full knockdown walls. Whether it’s a one-room refresh or full interior, we’ve got the experience and team to get it done right.

Call A&A Painting, Inc at 630-874-0072 for a FREE estimate and let’s give those textured walls the fresh start they deserve.