How to Repair an Uneven Wall Texture

An uneven wall texture may result in areas where the drywall has been patched carelessly and then painted over, or where paint chipped and instead of evening out the surface, a homeowner simply applied another layer of paint. Alternately, you may have a textured wall where in some parts, the texture seems out of character with the rest of the wall. Fortunately, you can repair the condition.

Smooth walls make for a restful living space.

Step 1

Patch any holes in your wall. If the holes are small, you can simply fill them in with spackling. Larger holes will require you to attach a wire mesh or drywall patch to your wall, using drywall mud or joint compound. Apply two coats of compound with a putty knife.

Step 2

Sand the area you’ve just patched up, or if not patching any holes, the area where your wall texture appears uneven; 150-grit sandpaper works well.

Step 3

Replicate the technique used on your walls, using the tools and techniques originally used. For instance, orange peel texture is created by applying diluted joint compound with a sprayer, while a toweled appearance is achieved by applying compound to the wall with a drywall knife.

Step 4

Work very slowly and in small areas at a time, so as to achieve the best result. Alternately, you can use a texture drywall repair kit, which is essentially a sticker that goes over your walls and matches your existing texture. However, ensure that the kit is a close match.

Step 5

Clean off any loose debris and dirt from your walls once the texture has dried fully. Use a damp sponge.

Step 6

Prime the area, using a paintbrush. While any primer may be used, one made specifically for laminates may provide more coverage. Once the primer has fully dried, apply a coat of paint in the same color as the surrounding wall area, using the brush. Choose a paint according to whether you want a sheen or flat finish. Regular indoor wall paint will work. Once that has dried, apply a second coat and allow to dry.