How to Roller-Paint on Textured Walls

Painting a textured wall requires a roller with a deep nap.

Textured walls, like stucco, present a problem for rollers. If you want to save time by using the roller-paint technique on a rough wall, follow a few ground rules. Get a roller sleeve with a very thick nap. A minimum 3/4 inch nap for texture should be used, but 1 inch is preferred, and thicker may be appropriate, if the texture if very deep. The thick nap has the longer fibers to reach into the gaps in the texture and cover the wall well.

Things You'll Need

• Thick-napped roller sleeve
• Large roller tray
• Roller handle
• Drop cloths

Instructions

1. Put drop cloths on or over anything in the area that you need to protect. There will be significant spray no matter what precautions you take.

2. Don't overfill the roller tray. Around 1/3 full is fine. Also, with a bigger than usual tray, it is easier to prepare the roller.

3. Roll the roller into and out of the paint in the tray. Use the dry area to take off excess paint and even the load.

4. Apply the paint, starting at the top of the wall on one side. Either side is fine, depending on whether you prefer to work from the left or right. Roll slowly to reduce spray and improve coverage. Do about a 3-foot square at a time, depending on how the paint is taking and covering.

5. Repeat when done if another coat is desired for more coverage. You may also touch up small imperfections in the coverage with a brush.

References

• This Old House: Secrets of a Perfect Paint Job
• Paint and Roller Supplies: Selecting the Right Paint Roller