eleena,
priming over that river rock is not going to make your walls smooth as the remodeled part. You would either need to do some heavey sanding(depending on how thick it was applied) or hang more drywall or apply compound.
Sorry- I know you probably didn't want to hear those. :)

Thank you!

I suspected as much so I am not surprised. But which way is better?

My GC who remodeled the bathroom is already off to another job. I think we can sand ourselves but have no idea how to apply compound. Is it easy enough to DIY? Can a painter do it?

Sanding will smooth it for you.

Buy a pole sander or hand sander (manual) and use the drywall compound sanding screen in #150 grit.

Michael

Why not do the newly finished area in the same textured paint?

hope you have some pretty strong arms. I have used the river rock and oter comparison products and you are in for a mighty tedious job manually sanding even with a sanding screen.

I would suggest to wear proper dust mask and your safety glasses.

Eleena,
You DO NOT have to sand RL River Rock. Go to a Home Depot and buy the Gripper Primer. One to two coats (depending on previous application) will cover it and you will be ready to repaint with whatever you want!! There is no need whatsoever!!!! and to think, I almost didn't log in tonight. I work for the company (ICI) that manufactures this product. If you don't believe me, you may call 1-800-GLIDDEN and ask tech support if you would like.

Schreibdave, I looked into it and found out that River Rock paint is better done by a pro faux painter but I am not going to splurge on it because it does not work with the bathroom style anyway.

We have a little electric sander, so I am going to test all suggestions (except for using RL paint) to see which works the best on these walls and will report back to you.

Thank you all so much!

Hi Eleena!
If this were my wall(s), I'd try a heavier wallpaper scraping blade with a handle first.
* If that doesn't work, apply one coat of primer, & let dry.
* I'd hire someone experienced to re-skim the wall to be truthful!!
* It's too easy for a DIY-er to mess up a truly smooth skim-job. No offense, but it does take a practiced hand!
* After skim-coat is well dried, prime again & paint.
* I've seen a couple coats of primer on RR, and it's not smooth. Still looked fairly sandy to me anyway.

Hey ICIDave! I don't work @ HD, but our store sells a fair amount of RL. Seems like we have to call the ####6343 to order ~ monthly. Best selling bases here are the Eggshell Deeptone & Neutral...RL359201 & RL359301. This past Feb., we ordered in ~550 gallons. That was fun...arranging that load in the stockroom!

Later guys!
Faron

This product with the texture it leaves and using the Gripper, IMO will not cover and FILL IN intirely to give you the "SAME SMOOTH WALL" as your remodeled side. Gripper is a really good primer but the wall will still hold and maintain some depth of texture bumpiness to it and won't totally fill in give you the same look as your other side. JMHO

OK, now I am confused.

Forgive my very silly question but what does it mean to "re-skim"?

I don't mind hiring a professional but should it be done by a carpenter, a painter, or somebody else?

Thanks a bunch for taking your time!!!

eleena,

I think they forgot about your project and were endorsing their products. I'm sorry that happened. In the future, you have to sort out a sales pitch from practical solutions to your problem.

I've sanded it. But, then again, hard work doesn't scare me and I have strong arms. Very strong arms. *s*

Prior to painting it, I primed with one coat of Fresh Start Acrylic Primer. One gallon per 300 square feet. A much better product than ICI (from my professional experience) and then finished with two coats of Sherwin Williams Cashmere Low Lustre which is a smooth, creamy thick paint that will cover nicely.

Now, I don't work for either company, but in my professional opinion, they also make great products.

Please feel free to email me with other questions.

Michael

Dave,

It is a violation of this home site to endorse a product of or list numbers to a company that you receive compensation from.

Read the agreement.

ICI would not appreciate you breaking that code of conduct here at this Home Site.

Michael

Thanks, Michael!

I don't have strong arms, not at all, but I'll try to engage my DH, though he is a "let's hire a professional" kind of guy - never mind that I/we often do a much better job than some of the so called "pros" (especially, in the area we live now).