How do I fix bathroom walls?

The wall requires a thorough sanding again. There is an electric sander on the market which has a bag attached to catch the dust. Works well, I am told. After sanding you must prime with a good primer and then put on your final coat. Your primer, Zinsser Bullseye 1-2-3 can be tinted the same color as your final coat. If you cannot afford the electric sander, then use the pole sander with the proper grit paper.

Ruth, try using a sander to even out the texture of the walls. Use a face mask and goggles and shower cap for your hair. It may take a while but it is so worth it. Once you’re through sanding, vacuum up all residual dust. Wipe with damp cloth. It’s tedious but worth it. Do you need to fill any “holes” in. Do that next. Let dry. Lightly sand over repairs. Now you can paint. Be sure and get a paint for the bathroom. It will be so pretty when you finish. Paint color samples are available. Texture is also available to mix in your paint. We live in such a wonderful world to have so many paints and textures available to DIY’ers! Good luck!!!!

Hi Ruth! the cheapest, easiest method, is to patch, sand and repaint. It is labor intensive, but, very satisfying. I have used the wallpaper you mentioned, but, I'm not sure it would hold up in a bathroom.

Here is another option. You can take joint compound and a flat scraper and put a texture on the wall. After is dries use a wet sponge and wipe it down real good to remove and any sharp edges. Prime and paint. I did the with my bathroom when I couldn't

get all the wall paper off and in my attemp to do it I gouged the wall up. I decided to just remove any paper that would come off easy and used this process to finish the walls. It came out great.

Even textured wall paper may not hide all the defects. Easiest solution would be to sand and smooth the walls . Patch any dents, claw marks with no shrink drywall patching compound.

Be careful with an electric sander on your wall. If you accidentally sand through the drywall paper layer you can ruin it, especially since this is in your bathroom and is probably green board.

I personally would use a sanding square. Fill in the scratches with the pre-mixed spackle that you find in tubs at any hardware store. When you use a metal putty knife there should be very little sanding to do.

Good luck!

Shiplap might be the perfect solution here. Rather than try to smooth out the wall, just cover it up and gain some character and charm in the process. :)