How to Repair Orange-Peel Texture on Walls

Orange-peel texture on walls is a common problem that can make your walls look bumpy and uneven. It occurs when the paint or texture finish shrinks as it dries, creating a dimpled surface that resembles the peel of an orange. Repairing orange-peel texture requires some patching, sanding, and repainting, but it’s a relatively easy DIY project. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to repair orange-peel texture on walls.

Assessing the Damage

The first step is to assess the extent of the orange-peel texture on your walls.

Examine the walls closely under good lighting conditions. The bumpy texture will be clearly visible.
Determine how widespread the problem is – whether it affects just one portion of a wall or the entire room. This will help plan the repair work.
Also check if the paint is flaking or peeling off along with the texture. More extensive prep may be needed in such cases.
Identify the type of texture finish – whether it’s a light spatter texture, heavy knockdown finish, or some other technique. Matching the existing texture will be important later.

Preparing the Surface

Proper surface prep is crucial for good results. Here are the steps:

Cleaning

Clean the walls thoroughly with a TSP substitute cleaner and rinse off dust and grease. This allows the patching compound and paint to adhere well.
For smoother results, sand the walls lightly with 120-150 grit sandpaper to rough up the surface. This gives the new texture and paint something to grip.

Patching and Repairing Flaws

Fill dents, cracks, nail holes, or other flaws in the walls with lightweight spackle or joint compound using a putty knife.
Let it dry completely and then sand smooth. This provides an even base for the new texture.
If the paint is severely flaking or peeling, strip all the paint chemically or mechanically. Scrape off any loose paint edges.
Spot prime any unpainted surfaces with appropriate primer before applying new texture.

Masking and Protection

Protect floors, baseboards, windows, trim, and any adjacent surfaces with plastic sheets and painter’s tape.
Mask off repair areas for targeted touch up, or mask entire walls to retexture large areas. This keeps overspray off surfaces.
Remove outlet covers, lighting fixtures, and any wall-mounted objects to give yourself complete access.

Matching the Texture

Matching the surrounding texture finish is important for seamless repairs:

If possible, take a sample of the texture to a home improvement store. The staff can help identify products to recreate the same finish.
For heavy splatter or knockdown textures, note the size and distribution of the bumps. The new application must match the pattern.
Fine-mist textures in a light orange-peel style are easier to match with basic wall texture sprays.
Mark the edges of repair areas to serve as a guide for feathering out the new texture.

Applying New Texture

Once proper prep is done, apply matching texture to the repair areas:

For small patches under 3 square feet, you can spray texture directly from a can or tub. Follow product instructions for best results.
For larger areas, use a hopper gun or compressor-powered sprayer loaded with premixed texture. Test spray on cardboard to adjust the technique.
Apply several light coats, allowing each layer to partially dry. Build up the texture evenly to match the surrounding finish.
Immediately after spraying, knock down any heavy splatter textures with a drywall knife to flatten bumps. Wipe gently in a circular motion.
Feather out texture around patch edges to transition smoothly into the original surface.
Let the texture application dry completely, for at least 8-12 hours, before sanding or painting.

Tips for Texture Matching

Adjust nozzle, pressure, distance, and layering technique when spraying to match the surrounding texture profile.
For do-it-yourself texture matching, experiment with thinned drywall mud, painters caulk, or spackle.
Practice spray technique on cardboard or spare drywall to get the look and feel right before applying to walls.
Light mist coats work better than heavy layers for orange-peel textures. Build up the texture gradually.

Sanding and Prep for Paint

Lightly sand the textured repair areas once they are completely dry:

Use 120-150 grit sandpaper, moving in different directions to knock off any high points. Work evenly across repairs and feather out edges.
Avoid over-sanding, which can scrape off too much texture. The aim is to simply smooth everything flush.
Wipe or vacuum up all dust after sanding. Spot prime if needed on unpainted patches showing through.
Inspect closely and address any remaining flaws, bumps, or uneven texture. Make refinements before painting.
Allow any touch-ups of texture or primer to dry before painting. Read product instructions.

Painting and Finishing

The final step is to repaint repaired areas for a uniform appearance:

Use high quality latex wall paint that matches the existing color. Paint specialty stores can color-match based on a sample.
When painting repaired patches, extend the paint slightly onto the surrounding wall area and feather out edges.
Use an angled trim brush for cutting-in along edges and corners for best control. Roll larger areas with a short nap roller.
Allow sufficient drying time between coats as specified by the paint product. Lightly sand and wipe clean between coats for best results.
Apply at least 2 paint coats over repairs for proper coverage and uniform sheen. Blend into original wall paint smoothly.
Remove all masking once paint is fully dry. Reinstall wall fixtures, outlet covers, etc.

Troubleshooting Common Texture Problems

Uneven Bumpy Texture

Cause: Non-uniform application, drips, improper technique
Fix: Sand down high points, re-spray adding thin coats

Peeling or Flaking Texture

Cause: Poor surface prep, contamination, lack of adhesion
Fix: Remove all loose texture, clean and prime surface before respraying

Mismatched Texture

Cause: Wrong application tools or technique
Fix: Experiment on cardboard samples to match existing texture

Scarred Smoothed Patches

Cause: Over-sanding repairs
Fix: Re-spray texture before painting for seamless finish

Visible Edges After Painting

Cause: Paint not feathered out evenly over repairs
Fix: Blend overlap of new and old paint using wet brushes

Achieving a Professional Orange Peel Texture Finish

Follow these tips for best results when applying orange peel texture from scratch:

Prime walls with quality high-build primer to create a uniform base.
Use air-powered sprayers or hoppers to apply a fine, mottled texture coat. Hold nozzle 12-18 inches from the surface.
Test spray technique on cardboard or drywall samples first to match the desired orange peel profile.
Mist on multiple thin passes rather than one thick layer. Let each coat tack up partially before the next.
Keep the spray head moving at all times. Move arm in a circular motion to prevent heaviness or drips in texture.
Backroll immediately with a lightly dampened roller to create subtle peaks and valleys. Work in wide “W” and “M” patterns.
Use proper lighting to identify any touch ups needed. Make refinements before painting.
Apply high quality eggshell or satin paint finish. Allow proper drying between coats.

FAQs About Repairing Orange Peel Texture

What causes orange peel texture on walls?

Orange peel texture happens when the paint or wall texture shrinks and contracts as it dries. This makes it pull tightly against the wall surface, resulting in a bumpy finish. Quick drying, poor application technique, and improper mixing can all contribute to this effect.

Should I completely strip walls with orange peel?

You usually don’t need to strip all the paint to fix orange peel texture. Just thoroughly clean and scuff sand the surface before applying patching compound, texture, and paint. However, if the existing paint is very badly peeling and flaking, full stripping may be required.

Is orange peel texture considered a flaw?

Light orange peel texture showing minimal dimpling is generally acceptable. However, heavy pronounced bumps and valleys are considered a defect and should be repaired for a proper finish. The extent of the bumpiness determines whether it needs fixing.

What’s the best way to match existing orange peel texture?

Start by taking a close look at the size and distribution of the bumps in the original texture. Testing spray application on scrap drywall can help identify the right nozzle, pressure, and technique to match the profile. Building up light misted layers is key for orange peel.

Should I use a paint sprayer to apply new orange peel texture?

Yes, air-powered paint sprayers or hoppers provide the best results. They allow you to mist on thin coats of material to create a uniform fine texture. Practice first on cardboard to match the characteristics of the surrounding finish.

How long does it take orange peel texture paint to dry?

Allow new texture finish coats to dry at least 8-12 hours before sanding or painting. Drying time depends on temperature, humidity, and thickness applied. Test if fully cured by pressing your knuckle into an inconspicuous spot. If it still feels cool and damp, additional drying is needed.

Should I use a primer before orange peel texture?

Priming with a high quality painter’s primer provides an ideal base coat for good adhesion. It allows the texture to grip the wall and prevents excessive absorption into the drywall mud. Make sure to use primer compatible with the material used for the texture.

What grit sandpaper should be used to smooth orange peel?

Lightly sand textured repairs with 120-150 grit sandpaper once fully cured. This will smooth out any high points and irregularities. Be careful not to over-sand which can scar the finish. Wipe or vacuum away all dust before painting.

How do the pros get such a smooth orange peel?

Professional painters use airless spray equipment that allows very fine atomization of the coating. Keeping the nozzle moving and laying down multiple thin passes creates a superior orange peel effect. They may also backroll immediately after spraying to refine the texture.

Conclusion

Orange peel wall texture is a common and natural effect that occurs during drying of paint and textured finishes. By following the proper steps of preparing the surface, matching the surrounding texture, applying new texture, sanding smooth, and painting, you can effectively minimize the bumpy appearance for smooth walls. Pay close attention to matching the characteristics of the original finish and feather out all repairs for invisible touch-ups. With some practice and the right tools, orange peel texture can be repaired by any determined DIYer. Just take your time and work in small manageable sections for professional looking results.