How much will it cost to remove textured paint from your home in 2026?
The gotelé, that decoration technique that was all the rage in the 60's in Spain and that we have been using ever since, is now obsolete (although it has its fans and seems to be making a comeback!). Today, smooth walls are trendy, offering greater versatility and a more modern look. If you are considering renovating your home and removing stippled walls, it is essential to know how much it costs to remove stippled walls* in order to plan your budget.
Why remove the stippled ceiling?
Before we get into the details of how much it costs to remove stippled wallpaper, let's explore the reasons why painting the walls at home smooth is the best option:
- Modern aesthetics: Smooth walls offer a more modern and elegant look.
- Greater versatility: Smooth walls make it easier to apply wallpaper, vinyl and other decorative elements.
- Hygiene: Smooth walls retain less dust and allergens.
- Brightness: Smooth walls create fewer shadows, making the wall color more homogeneous.
- Home Value: Removing stippled wallpaper can increase the value of your property.
What is gotelé and why was it used?
Gotelé is a technique that consists of applying a thick paint on the walls, creating a rough texture with drops or lumps. It was used to hide imperfections, dampness or cracks in the walls, besides being an economical option at the time. However, with new construction techniques and the high quality materials available today, it is no longer necessary to resort to this method.
How much does it cost to remove the stippled ceiling?
The price to remove the stippled can vary depending on several factors, but the price to remove it, depending on the type of stippled and other factors, can range between 20 and 30 €/m²:
- Type of gotelé:
- Tempera gotelé: It is the most common and, generally, the most economical to remove.
- Plastic Gotelé: It is more resistant and difficult to remove, which increases the price.
- Drop size: The larger the drop, the more it will cost to remove. Removing thicker drips can be 30% more expensive.
- Condition of the walls: If the walls have cracks, dampness or other flaws, they will need to be repaired before smoothing and painting, which will increase the total cost. The final price may increase between 10% and 30%.
- Size of the house: Obviously, the larger the surface area, the higher the total price.
- Desired finish: It is not the same to remove the gotelé only and have a smooth effect, but with irregularities; than to remove it, smooth the wall and add a plaster-laminate finish on top to get a perfect finish. Depending on the finish, the price can vary a lot.
How much does it cost to remove the stippled ceiling per size of the dwelling?
To give you a clearer idea, here are some examples of approximate budgets:
Apartment between 60 - 80 m²: Between 1800 and 3000 €.
Apartment between 90 - 120 m²: Between 3300 and 4000 €.
These prices are approximate and may vary considerably depending on the factors mentioned above.
How do you remove the stippled ceiling?
There are two main techniques for the removal of stippled paint:
- To remove or scrape the gotelé: It is used mainly in gotelé to the tempera, applying products to facilitate the scraping.
- To cover the gotelé with putty or paste: It is used in plastic gotelé, since it is more difficult to scrape.
The most advisable thing to do is to turn to professionals in the sector to guarantee an optimal result.
Removing stippled wallpaper is a great way to modernize your home and increase its value. While the price may vary depending on several factors, knowing the average costs will help you plan your budget and make the best decision. Remember that the most important thing is to hire qualified professionals who will provide you with a detailed estimate and quality work.
At Studio by Clikalia we remove, smooth and paint the walls and ceilings of all our projects of integral reforms, unless you ask us to keep it or add it, of course. So, if you are thinking of renovating a house, you can count on us. We prepare a proposal and budget totally free and without obligation.
* A small note: The prices indicated in this post are approximate and may not coincide with those budgeted in a Studio by Clikalia reform. Keep in mind that, when budgeting, there are many variants that can influence the final price: geographical location, qualities and materials chosen, volume of the reform, availability and price of materials at the time of the reform, etc..
