I just bought my first home, and I'm facing a dilemma with the walls. They're painted poorly, and the paint is super thick. I'm worried that if I just add another coat, it won't solve the problem. Has anyone dealt with something like this? Is there a way to strip the paint before I put a new layer? The walls have a knockdown texture, so I'm unsure how to proceed.
3 Answers
Honestly, stripping paint from a textured wall is tough without losing texture. I’d recommend just repainting over it instead. It’s quicker and might be less of a hassle, especially if the texture's all messed up.
Removing paint from knockdown textured walls can be tricky. Most folks I know just scrape the paint down and then re-texture the wall. If it’s really bad, some even opt to rip out the drywall and start fresh. But if you want to avoid that, just keep in mind that using a sander and a shop vac with some patience could help a bit! Everyone's got their own methods, so do what feels right for you!
True. Also, if you go this route, prepare for some mess!
If the paint is water-based, consider using sugar soap mixed with water and a large sponge. You might be able to lift a lot of it off just like that. After it’s flat, you can paint it white first and then apply whatever color you want on top. Just don’t forget to let everything dry first before the new coat!
That’s a great tip! Also, keep an eye on the texture after cleaning; it can change a bit.
Definitely give that a shot if it's water-based paint!

Yeah, patience is key! Just make sure to protect everything and take your time with it.