Can You Sand Texture a Painted Wall? Tips for a Smooth and Even Finish

If you’ve ever tried to update a room with a fresh coat of paint, only to realize that the textured walls are making the job twice as hard, you’re not alone. Textured walls, while stylish in some settings, can become a hassle when it’s time to renovate or redecorate. Whether you’re aiming for a sleek modern look or simply want a smooth surface to work with, you might be wondering: Can you sand texture a painted wall?

The answer is yes, but it’s not as straightforward as sanding down wood or drywall. It requires careful preparation, the right tools, and a bit of patience. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process, offer tips on getting the best results, and discuss alternative methods if sanding isn’t the right choice for your project.

Why Would You Sand Texture on a Painted Wall?

Textured walls were all the rage in the 80s and 90s, but trends have shifted toward smooth, clean lines. You might want to sand down a textured wall if:

You prefer a smooth, modern finish.
You’re prepping the surface for wallpaper or decals.
The existing texture is outdated or damaged.
The wall has uneven patches after multiple paint jobs.
You want a uniform base for a new texture or decorative finish.

Sanding is one way to remove texture, but it’s labor-intensive and not always the best choice. Depending on the type of texture and how thick the paint is, sanding can take a long time and create a lot of dust. Let’s explore when it works best and how to do it right.

Types of Wall Textures You Can Sand

Not all textures are created equal, and some are much easier to sand than others. Here are the most common types and how sanding works for each:

1. Orange Peel Texture

Description: Light, bumpy surface resembling the skin of an orange.
Sanding Difficulty: Moderate. The thin layer of texture can be sanded with coarse grit.
Recommended Grit: 80-120 for initial sanding, then 220 for smoothing.

2. Knockdown Texture

Description: Flat-topped, splattered texture commonly seen in modern homes.
Sanding Difficulty: Moderate to hard. It’s thicker and more uneven.
Recommended Grit: 60-100 to break down the texture.

3. Popcorn Ceiling Texture

Description: Thick, lumpy texture often found on ceilings.
Sanding Difficulty: Difficult. Removing with a scraper is more efficient.
Alternative: Soften with water and scrape rather than sanding.

4. Heavy Stucco or Swirl Texture

Description: Deep grooves or thick patterns.
Sanding Difficulty: Very hard. Typically requires power sanding or re-skimming.
Alternative: Use a skim coat instead of sanding.

5. Spray-On Texture

Description: Applied with a texture gun, often light but varied.
Sanding Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Recommended Grit: Start with 100, then move to 220.

Can You Sand Over Painted Walls?

Yes, you can sand a textured wall even if it has been painted. However, the type of paint affects the process:

Latex Paint: Softer and easier to sand. Use medium grit.
Oil-Based Paint: Hard and resistant, requiring coarser grit.
Gloss or Semi-Gloss: Slippery surface—lightly scuff with 100-150 grit before full sanding.

Sanding painted walls can create a lot of dust, so take precautions to protect yourself and your workspace.

Tools You’ll Need for Sanding a Textured Wall

Gather the following tools and supplies to make the job easier and safer:

Orbital Sander or Hand Sander: Speeds up the process significantly.
Sandpaper (60-220 grit): Start coarse, finish fine.
Dust Mask and Safety Goggles: Essential for respiratory and eye protection.
Plastic Drop Cloths: To protect floors and furniture.
Vacuum or Shop Vac: To clean up dust frequently.
Putty Knife: For scraping stubborn areas.
Primer and Paint: To refinish the wall afterward.

How to Sand Texture on a Painted Wall: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare the Area

Move furniture out or cover it with plastic sheeting.
Tape plastic drop cloths along baseboards and doorways.
Wear a dust mask and goggles for protection.

Step 2: Test a Small Patch

Choose an inconspicuous area and lightly sand it with medium-grit paper.
If the paint peels or the texture doesn’t budge, reconsider your approach.

Step 3: Start Sanding

Use a power sander for large areas and a hand sander for corners.
Apply even pressure and move in circular motions.
Focus on knocking down the high points rather than removing all texture.
Frequently vacuum dust to keep the area clean.

Step 4: Smooth the Surface

Once the majority of the texture is reduced, switch to finer grit (180-220) to smooth out the wall.
Wipe the surface with a damp cloth to remove dust and check for rough spots.

Step 5: Clean Up

Vacuum the walls, floors, and any nearby surfaces.
Wipe down the wall again with a damp cloth to remove residual dust.

Step 6: Prime and Paint

Apply a high-quality primer to seal the sanded surface.
Once dry, paint the wall with your chosen color, using a roller for an even finish.

Alternatives to Sanding

If sanding sounds too labor-intensive, consider these alternatives:

Skim Coating: Apply a thin layer of joint compound over the texture and smooth it out.
Wallpaper Over Texture: Thick, textured wallpaper can mask light textures.
Cover with Paneling: Install wood or vinyl paneling for a quick aesthetic upgrade.
Remove and Replace Drywall: Ideal for severely textured walls, though more costly.

Tips for Success

Ventilation is Key: Always work in a well-ventilated area to minimize dust inhalation.
Take Breaks: Sanding can be tiring, so pace yourself to avoid mistakes.
Inspect Frequently: Run your hand over the surface to feel for uneven areas.
Finish Properly: Always prime the wall before painting to ensure good adhesion.

When to Call a Professional

If your textured wall is extremely uneven, heavily painted, or covers a large area, it might be best to hire a professional. They have the right tools (like industrial sanders) and experience to make the job faster and cleaner.

Final Thoughts

Yes, you can sand texture on a painted wall—but it’s not always the easiest or best option. It takes time, effort, and the right approach to achieve a smooth, even finish. For light textures like orange peel, sanding can be relatively straightforward. For heavier textures, you may be better off with skim coating or even drywall replacement.

By carefully evaluating your wall’s condition and choosing the appropriate method, you can turn a rough, dated surface into a sleek, modern wall ready for a fresh coat of paint. Whether you go the DIY route or call in the pros, a little planning goes a long way in achieving the look you want.