How can I improve my kitchen walls without completely redoing them, considering the existing textured paint and damaged areas?
Hey there, I could really use some advice on sprucing up my kitchen walls. It seems like there’s some textured paint on top of the original plaster walls, almost like it was done with a chunky foam roller. I’m only planning to stay in this house for another three years, so I’m hoping to avoid the hassle of drywalling the entire kitchen if possible. My goal is to make it look presentable, especially once I repaint the cabinets for potential buyers. The walls are mostly in good condition, except for the area above the stove where the upper cabinets hang. There are cracks, bowing, and even a missing chunk in the upper corner. I’m thinking of using drywall screws to secure the plaster back onto the lathe boards to even out the surface. As for the missing chunk, I’m not sure if filler will hold up. Ideally, I’d like to keep the textured wall pattern to minimize the work. The kitchen also has a built-in hutch that will complicate adding something like beadboard due to the corners. Any suggestions or tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a bunch!
This adorable peel and stick wallpaper is the perfect solution! It’s easy to remove, refreshes the room, and hides any imperfections. Maybe consider shiplap paneling?
I’ve been thinking about that, but the bow and cracks are still an issue. It’s also a challenge to align it with the built-in hutch.
Hey , you could place some shims behind the paneling in the low areas to even it out. However, with wallpaper, it’s a bit trickier.
I’m not entirely certain, but it appears to be a botched plastering job. Alternatively, it could have been purposely done to create a “cottage” aesthetic. If you wish to make it smoother, it will require multiple rounds of skim coating.
After filling any holes with all-purpose drywall mud, allow it to dry for a day before applying a skim coat to flatten it out. Personally, I prefer stomping and knocking down the texture using a crow’s foot stomping brush.
When skimming the walls with ready mix plaster, you might find that it takes 2 or 3 coats to achieve a smooth finish.
It seems like they were aiming for a deliberate rustic or Spanish plaster appearance. Maybe they were inspired by Doug from the ‘Trading Spaces’ TV show, who was known for his love of Venetian Plaster on walls. It could be simpler to touch up small spots, repaint, and consider it done.
You have the option to remove the high points, apply a skim coat, and fill in the low points. Like others mentioned, it’s a step-by-step process.