Hi CIV- (I'm not sure I can follow the previous "hugely helpful", i.e. totally worthless post...but here goes!) Obviously, you're the victim of "moron repairs" people! You'll probably have to sand their repairs down a little more...closer to flush. * Usually, people get too much spackle on the repair spots. * When sanding seems more even, remove all dust. * Get a Spray-texture can at your paint store. There's a dial on the back side of the outlet so you can control the droplet size---shake well/often!! * Usually use can about 2'-3' away from wall. Do a couple quick practice-sprays on cardboard. Move can in quick/random little spiral motions when actually spraying. This prevents texture from forming "emphasis-lines" that may appear if you just moved your pattern left-to-right. * If I was doing a vertical crack, I'll often have slight overspray TWO FEET away from the actual crack. This de-emphasizes the actual line. * Since repairs may be extensive, I'd prime the whole wall AFTER your texture-repairs are completely dried. * I'm pretty good at it! I cannot find my repair areas in my lower bath I painted last December '09. Faron

My thoughts on the order of attack are: 1. Use putty knife to get in behind it to the plaster in a small inconspicuous area just to get a better grip on what I'm working with. 2. Water/Fabric Softener out of a pump sprayer. If it soaks in, let it sit for a while and see if it comes off with a putty knife or scraper. 3. Try this product from Amazon (link at bottom) - EcoSolve Home Strip X-Tex Textured Coatings Remover 4. I'm going to be renting a steamer for all of the wallpaper in the home and will maybe give that a go as well. 5. If none of the above works, I will try to sand. If this works, I will likely rent a power sander/vacuum combo. 6. If all else fails, I will skim coat with joint compound. Does this sound reasonable? Here is a link that might be useful: EcoSolve Home Strip X-Tex Textured Coatings Remover

I live in Portland,Oregon where texture is the norm on newer housing stock. A friend of mine, who is also from the Mid-West and a professional painter, hates texture. He has methodically gone through his whole house skim coating the walls with drywall compound compound. His wife thinks he is nuts! I personally don't mind the appearance of textured walls, but they are a pain in the rear to patch and touch up well, much harder than flat wall. Also, if you are a fan of wall coverings or faux finishes, they are also a hindrance.

If you try using the spray can texture, find a piece of scrap lumber or drywall and experiment on that first. Its not really hard to get it even, but it definitely takes some practice if you don't want it to look like a cheap DIY job. If you hire a professional painter they have a large nozzle and reservoir that connects to a compressor, and they can texture walls very quickly. Then they paint over it with standard paint. Bruce