How to Smooth Walls and Properly Remove Popcorn Texture<\/h2>\n
Removing popcorn texture (gotel\u00e9)<\/strong> remains one of the most requested renovations in Barcelona. Although it was the standard finish for thousands of homes for decades, today most homeowners look for completely smooth walls to achieve more modern, bright, and easy-to-maintain spaces.<\/p>\n However, smoothing a wall is not just about applying putty over the texture<\/strong>. The result will depend on the type of existing paint, the condition of the surface, and the method used during preparation. Choosing an incorrect procedure can cause peeling, cracking, or detachment just a few months after finishing the job.<\/p>\n At A. Barcelona Reformas<\/strong>, we have been carrying out wall smoothing work since 2003<\/strong>. During these years, we have removed thousands of square meters of popcorn texture in all types of homes: newly built apartments, historic estates (fincas regias), buildings from the 60s and 70s, homes with distemper paint<\/a> <\/span>and walls that had been repainted numerous times.<\/p>\n In this guide, we explain how to remove popcorn texture step by step<\/strong>, which method is most suitable for each case, and what the most common mistakes are to achieve a completely smooth, resistant, and durable finish.<\/p>\n If, besides removing the texture, you are thinking about a complete renovation of your home in Barcelona<\/a><\/span>, you can learn how we work and request a no-obligation quote.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Before starting any work, it is important to know what type of texture the home has<\/strong>. Not all walls can be treated the same way, and using an incorrect procedure can cause the new coating to eventually detach over time.<\/p>\n In our experience, most problems arise precisely for this reason. Many people start covering the texture directly with putty without first checking what type of paint it is applied on.<\/p>\n This is common in homes built several decades ago. Distemper paint has low resistance to moisture and usually releases a white powder when rubbed with your hand.<\/p>\n In these cases, it is usually necessary to remove or properly consolidate the surface before starting to smooth. If this preparation is not done, the new putty may lose adhesion.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n This is the most frequent case in current renovations. The texture has already been painted one or more times with plastic (latex\/acrylic) paint, forming a much more resistant surface.<\/p>\n Although it is more stable, it also needs proper preparation to achieve correct adhesion of the smoothing material.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Professional Tip:<\/strong> before deciding on the work method, we always check the condition of the surface. A correct diagnosis prevents subsequent detachment and ensures that the finish remains perfect for many years.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n After hundreds of renovations, we have verified that a good finish does not depend solely on the quality of the putty. Most of the success lies in the prior preparation of the surface. A poorly prepared wall may look perfect when the work is finished and start to show cracks or detachment just a few months later.<\/p>\n For that reason, we always follow the same procedure, adapting it only to the condition of each home.<\/p>\n Before starting, we check if the existing paint shows a lack of adhesion, hollow areas, moisture, cracks, or traces of distemper paint. This review determines the most appropriate work method.<\/p>\n We fully protect the home, remove small imperfections, and leave the surface ready to receive the smoothing treatment.<\/p>\n Before applying the first layer of plaster, we use a layer of vinyl latex<\/a><\/span> with a paint roller, which significantly improves adhesion to the existing surface. This step helps consolidate the surface and increases the durability of the final finish, especially on old walls or those with different layers of paint. We do not just look for the wall to be smooth the day we finish the work. Our goal is for it to remain just as stable ten or fifteen years later. That is why we spend so much time properly preparing the surface before applying any coating.<\/p>\n Once the latex is dry, we apply a layer of “Yeso Mecafino banda azul<\/a><\/span>” (2-3 millimeters) from bottom to top using a trowel. If we need to apply a second layer because the popcorn texture is very thick, we apply it. Afterwards, we sand slightly with medium-grit sandpaper. It doesn’t need to look perfect by any means. Once dry, we apply a layer of “Extraplas Amarillo 24h capa fina en polvo<\/a><\/span>” (1 millimeter). Next, we sand with a fine grit. We use this material because it is much easier to sand over than a finish with “Yeso Mecafino” or another product. It might sound minor, but sanding a wall with this product takes only 5 minutes. We apply several coats of renovation putty until the popcorn texture is completely eliminated. Between layers, we let the material dry and fix any small imperfections that may appear.<\/p>\n During the sanding phase, we use grazing light to detect even the smallest irregularity. It is a slow stage, but essential for achieving completely smooth walls. To make the job easier, you can use special wall and ceiling sanders<\/a><\/span> with built-in dust extraction. You will save many hours.<\/p>\n As a final finish, we apply an appropriate primer and then two coats of premium quality plastic paint, resulting in an even, resistant surface that is built to last for many years.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n ⚠ An important detail:<\/strong> many companies remove popcorn texture by applying putty directly onto the wall. We prefer to prepare the surface beforehand with a suitable binder when surface conditions require it, as good adhesion is essential to avoid problems over the years.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n This is one of the questions our clients ask us the most, and the answer is simple: it depends on the type of wall<\/strong>. There is no single valid method for every home.<\/p>\n On many occasions, it is perfectly possible to smooth a wall by applying a renovation system over the existing texture. However, when the surface shows adhesion problems, degraded distemper paint, or damaged areas, it is highly recommended to clean and repair the surface before proceeding.<\/p>\n At our company, we do not always apply the same procedure. First, we analyze the actual condition of the wall<\/strong>, and based on that diagnosis, we choose the most appropriate solution to guarantee a resistant and durable finish.<\/p>\n Professional Tip:<\/strong> trying to save time by applying putty over a poorly prepared surface usually ends up being much more expensive. Correct surface preparation is a significant part of the overall job’s success.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n This is one of the most frequent questions, but there is no single price. The cost of removing popcorn texture depends mainly on the condition of the walls, the type of existing paint, and the amount of preparation work required before smoothing.<\/p>\n Two homes with the same square meters can have very different budgets if one features distemper paint, numerous repairs, or several old layers of paint, while the other has a surface in good condition.<\/p>\n At our company, we always prefer to carry out a preliminary site visit before drawing up the quote. This allows us to check the actual condition of the walls and offer a tailored price, avoiding unforeseen expenses during the execution of the works.<\/p>\nThe First Step: Identify the Type of Popcorn Texture<\/h2>\n
1. Popcorn Texture over Distemper Paint<\/h3>\n
2. Popcorn Texture Painted with Plastic Paint<\/h3>\n
How We Smooth a Wall with Popcorn Texture<\/h2>\n
1. Surface Inspection<\/h3>\n
2. Surface Preparation<\/h3>\n
3. Application of Bonding Primer<\/h3>\n
4. Wall Smoothing and Sanding<\/h3>\n
5. Inspection<\/h3>\n
6. Priming and Painting<\/h3>\n
Is it better to remove popcorn texture or cover it with putty?<\/h2>\n
When can the popcorn texture be kept?<\/h3>\n
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When should the existing coating be removed?<\/h3>\n
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![\"Recuperaci\u00f3n](\"https:\/\/reformasbarcelona.info\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Reforma-Integral-piso-Gran-Vi\u0301a-Corts-Catalanes-Barcelona-5.jpg\")
<\/a><\/h2>\nHow much does it cost to remove popcorn texture and smooth walls?<\/h2>\n
The Factors That Influence the Price Most<\/h3>\n
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