Bought a wonderful house…one of those you fall in love with the architecture, walk into it and think, “Um…well…definitely has potential…”
Current problem is the walls are drywall with a very rough texturing on them. I think it’s a spray on that was smoothed with a trowel, and it looks a bit like a moonscape. Is there a way to smooth this out? My husband and I are looking for something we can do ourselves.
Replies
Technique is called "floating it out". Basically using drywall mud with a trowel to smooth the wall. Probably not for the beginner. drywaller can do it no problem..
Rats.
Good to know the terminology. I may have to save that project for later, when money's not so tight.
Kim
Get a sanding pole, available at HD, and some very coarse sand paper - 30 grit. Sand the walls. This will take of all the peaks and nibs on the wall. You are not trying to wear the wall surface done.
Sweep the wall. Sounds crazy but the craters on the wall will have retained some of the sanding debris.
Prime the wall using an alkyd/ oil based primer. Allow to dry for 24 hrs.
Next, using a hawk and 10" knife, skim the wall to fill in all the low spots. Skim with ready mix joint compound. I prefer the light weight type but many prefer the regular. The first pass should be light. You are only filling in. The knife should scrape the wall. If you apply it t thick it won't dry well and may pull away from the wall. You will need a 4" knife to scoop the compound out of the 5 gal. bucket.
Skim a total of 3 times - at least. The 2nd and 3rd passes should be done using a 12" knife. Again, don't lay it on thick. You are skimming a wall, not frosting a cake. Do not sand between coats. Just scrape with the 10" knife. You should just be taking off the "burrs."
Hope this helps.
F
Tried it on a small wall in the bathroom...it's a lot of work, but the finish is nice. Thank you for your help!
MF