Reparing Orange Peel Texture

Posted by Kristin Abraham Nov 17, 2007

If you've got damage to your wall or need to repair a hole you may also have to do some finish work to get the wall looking like it did before. If you've got an orange peel finish then this tip is for you. Orange peel is pretty easy to replicate because it comes in a spray can which can be found at any paint store and many hardware stores.

Read the instructions carefully on the can before you begin and make sure you've got proper ventillation and breathing protection. Before spraying you'll need to prepare your wall which will require some priming. You may also want to tape off the "good" areas so they don't get any extra spray that may make them thicker in texture and draw attention to the repair.

To get the effect you want follow the instructions, the closer and longer you hold the can in place the thicker the spray, if you only keep it in place for a short time you get a thiner coverage. Make sure you've got coverage that closely matches your original finish and then let the sprayed area dry completely.

Once the new orange peel is dry you'll need to prime it again thoroughly so that paint adheres properly. After the primer has dried you can apply the final coat of paint.

I previously wrote about creating a board before you try a painting technique or even a color in your home. If you're going to create a board you should also try to replicate the texture of your walls so you get an accurate representation of what the wall will actually look like. Orange peel spray works great on posterboard, but it can make the edges curl up so you may want to weigh them down.