Get matched with top interior painters in Sumner, IA

Most handy homeowners can tackle removing texture from unpainted walls. Removing texture from painted walls is a bit trickier. Paint acts as a sealant, so you can’t soften the texture with water. Instead, you’ll have to add a layer of drywall compound known as a skim coat. This process is messy and takes some practice.

Technically, mineral spirits are a type of paint thinner, so they can be used for the same purposes. In most cases, pure mineral spirits are preferable to other paint thinners. Still, if necessary, you can successfully use paint thinners for most of the same applications, such as thinning or cleaning oil paints.

To fix bubbling paint, scrape away any loose or blistered areas using a putty knife. Lightly sand the surface to smooth out rough edges and create a level finish. Clean the area thoroughly to remove dust, dirt, and any residue. Once the surface is clean and dry, apply a quality primer suited to the material you're painting. Finally, repaint the area, making sure to work in proper temperature and humidity conditions to prevent new bubbles from forming.

In many cases, professionals can completely remove certain types of smoke damage from walls and ceilings, but it’s only possible if the damage is minor. For more extensive damage from major fires, you’ll likely need to replace the damaged materials entirely. Some items, like upholstered furniture, are much trickier to clean and might need to be replaced even if the smoke damage is minimal.