When a wall has extensive cracks, peeling paint or water damage, it may be easier to cover the existing wall with ¼-inch drywall or remove the existing wall entirely and replace it.
Whatever technique you use to remove a textured surface from Drywall Contractor near me protect yourself from exposure to construction dust, lead and asbestos.
Removing textured wall surfaces is an exacting process that takes patience. Here’s how to tackle some common problems so your walls will be smooth and your work, profitable.
How to remove drywall texture by skim coating
Problem: Uneven surface.
Solution
To avoid creating an uneven wall when you’re removing the texture, don’t use a belt sander. It will dig up the texture. Instead, remove high peaks in the texture using a pole sander with 120 grit or a 5-inch floor scraper.
Problem: Bulgy looking patches.
Solution
Remove any loose material with a stiff brush, scrape high areas and wipe with a damp cloth. To apply the first coat of joint compound, start at the top and work across and down.
“The most important thing is not to use too much material,” says Ivan Solis, president of Chicago-based Solis Construction. “If you use too much joint compound, it will be difficult to achieve a smooth surface. You’ll have to do a lot of sanding.”
Don’t worry about ripples, just try to cover the texture and get an even coat on the wall. Hold the joint knife at a 30-degree angle and press it in. “Keep it tight and smooth,” says Solis, who recommends using a 10- or 12-inch joint knife.
Alternate the direction of the skimming strokes with each new coat of mud. If you apply the first coat horizontally, apply the second coat vertically. Return excess mud from the surface to the rim of the pan, keeping the blade of the knife clean.
When the first coat is dry, apply the second coat to fill in the ripples. Again, start at the top in the corner and work across and down. As you work, knife off any big chunks of the first coat, using your blade. If there are still low and high spots, you may need a third coat. When the coat is dry, finish with a final sanding.
