Gotelé is a painting technique used to create a textured, bumpy finish on walls. This method became popular in the 1970s and 1980s, often employed to conceal imperfections. Gotelé is achieved by applying a mixture of paint and other materials to the wall, resulting in a rough and bumpy surface.
How to Remove Gotelé Easily and Quickly
Removing gotelé can be labor-intensive, but it is possible with patience and the right tools. Here’s a step-by-step method to remove gotelé and leave your wall smooth:
Materials Needed to Remove Gotelé
- Electric or manual sander
- Mask and safety goggles
- Spatulas of various sizes
- Paint stripper or water (depending on the type of gotelé)
- Roller and brush
- Fine-grit sandpaper
- Wall putty
- Primer
- Paint for the final finish
Steps to Remove Gotelé
1. Protect the Work Area
Cover furniture, the floor, and other objects with plastic sheets or tarps to protect them from dust and debris.
2. Identify the Type of Gotelé
Determine if the gotelé is water-based (temple) or plastic-based. Wet a small section of the wall with water. If it softens and can be easily scraped off, it’s temple. If not, it’s plastic paint.
3. Method for Temple Gotelé
- Moisten the Wall: Use a roller to apply water to the wall, softening the gotelé. Let the water sit for about 15-30 minutes.
- Scrape: Use a spatula to scrape off the gotelé. Be careful not to damage the underlying wall.
- Sand: After removing most of the gotelé, sand the surface to smooth it out.
4. Method for Plastic Paint Gotelé
- Apply Stripper: If the gotelé is water-resistant, apply a specific stripper for plastic paint according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Scrape: After applying the stripper and letting it act for the recommended time, use a spatula to scrape off the gotelé.
- Sand: Sand the surface to smooth it out, just as with the temple method.
5. Repair Imperfections
Apply wall putty to fill any holes or imperfections. Let the putty dry and sand it gently to level it with the rest of the wall.
6. Apply Primer
Once the wall is smooth and dust-free, apply a layer of primer to seal the surface and prepare it for the final paint.
7. Paint the Wall
Apply the paint of your choice using a roller for large surfaces and a brush for edges and details.
Additional Tips for Removing Gotelé
- Work in small sections to avoid feeling overwhelmed and to maintain control over the process.
- Always use protective equipment, such as masks and goggles, to avoid inhaling dust and chemicals.
- Consider hiring a professional if the task seems too arduous or if you prefer a perfect finish without complications.
Removing gotelé can be tedious, but the final result of a smooth, modern wall is often worth the effort. Alternatively, you can hire us by calling 655 56 59 89 or emailing info@pintores-alicante.es for a tailored quote.
How to Apply Gotelé for a Spectacular Finish
Applying gotelé for a spectacular finish requires patience, the right tools, and careful technique. Here’s a detailed method for effectively applying gotelé:
Materials Needed
- Gotelé paste (available as powder to mix with water or pre-prepared)
- Mixing bucket
- Paint mixer
- Gotelé roller or gotelé spray gun (depending on the chosen method)
- Spatula or trowel for smoothing
- Mask and safety goggles
- Masking tape and plastic sheets to protect surfaces
Steps to Apply Gotelé
1. Surface Preparation
- Clean the wall to ensure it is free of dust, grease, and dirt.
- Repair any imperfections with putty and sand for a smooth surface.
- Protect edges, sockets, and other surfaces with masking tape and plastic sheets.
2. Prepare the Gotelé Paste
- If using powdered paste, mix it with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use a paint mixer to ensure there are no lumps and achieve a homogeneous consistency.
- The paste should be thick but manageable. If it’s too runny, the granules won’t form correctly; if too thick, it will be difficult to apply.
3. Applying Gotelé
- Method with Gotelé Roller:
- Load the Roller: Dip the roller in the gotelé paste and remove excess.
- Apply the Paste: Use firm, even strokes to apply the paste on the wall in small sections, ensuring good coverage. Work from bottom to top to avoid splashes on treated areas.
- Create Texture: Gently roll over the fresh paste to create the characteristic gotelé texture. Adjust pressure and movements to suit your preferred texture.
- Method with Gotelé Spray Gun:
- Load the Gun: Fill the gun’s reservoir with gotelé paste.
- Apply the Paste: Spray the paste on the wall from a constant distance (usually 30-50 cm). Use circular, even movements for uniform coverage.
- Adjust Texture: Adjust the gun nozzle to vary the granule size as desired.
4. Adjustment and Smoothing
- Once applied, use a trowel or spatula to lightly smooth the surface if a more uniform finish is desired. Avoid over-smoothing if you want to maintain a textured finish.
5. Drying
- Allow the paste to dry completely. Drying time can vary based on the product and environmental conditions but generally takes 12-24 hours.
6. Final Painting
- Once dry, apply one or two coats of your chosen paint color for the final finish. Use a roller for large areas and a brush for details and edges.
Additional Tips
- Test in a Small Area: If it’s your first time applying gotelé, test in a small area to familiarize yourself with the technique.
- Paste Consistency: Ensure the paste consistency is correct for optimal results. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and adjust as necessary.
- Protective Equipment: Always wear goggles and a mask to protect yourself from dust and chemicals during preparation and application.
- Environment: Work in a well-ventilated area at a suitable temperature (not too cold or hot) for easier drying and application.
Applying gotelé can be challenging, but with patience and practice, you can achieve a spectacular finish that adds character and texture to your walls.
Frequently Asked Questions Before Starting with Gotelé
What’s the Best Roller for Painting Walls with Gotelé?
Choosing the right roller for painting walls with gotelé is crucial to ensure the paint covers the textured surface evenly. Here are some recommendations:
Characteristics of a Good Roller for Gotelé
- Long Pile: A roller with a long pile (18 mm or more) is ideal for textured surfaces. This type of roller can penetrate the gaps and irregularities of the gotelé, ensuring even coverage.
- Material:
- Microfiber: Excellent for textured surfaces as it holds paint well and distributes it evenly.
- Synthetic or Natural Wool: Also good options due to their capacity to hold a significant amount of paint and distribute it evenly on rough surfaces.
- Size:
- Large Rollers (9-12 inches): Ideal for covering large areas efficiently.
- Small Rollers (4-6 inches): Useful for smaller areas or specific details but may be less efficient for large textured surfaces.
Steps to Paint Walls with Gotelé
- Surface Preparation:
- Clean the wall to remove dust and dirt.
- Protect edges, sockets, and other objects with masking tape and plastic sheets.
- Choosing and Preparing the Paint:
- Use high-quality paint, preferably one with good coverage and suitable for textured surfaces.
- If necessary, dilute the paint according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to facilitate application on gotelé.
- Applying the Paint:
- First Coat: Load the roller with paint and remove excess on a roller tray. Apply the paint in “M” or “W” movements to ensure even coverage. Avoid pressing too hard to prevent the paint from accumulating on high areas and leaving low areas uncovered.
- Second Coat: Once the first coat is dry, apply a second coat using the same method to ensure complete and even coverage.
- Review and Touch-Up:
- After the paint dries, inspect the surface to ensure all areas are well-covered and touch up where necessary using a small roller or brush.
Recommended Products
- Popular Brands:
- Behr Premium Plus Ultra: Excellent coverage and durability.
- Benjamin Moore Regal Select: Great coverage and durable finish.
- Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint: High coverage and easy application.
How Much Does It Cost to Remove Gotelé from the Wall?
The cost of removing gotelé from a wall can vary significantly depending on several factors such as the size of the area, the type of gotelé (plastic-based or temple), the condition of the walls, the location, and whether you do it yourself or hire a professional. Here’s a general cost estimate:
Factors Affecting the Cost
- Surface Size: The larger the area, the higher the total cost. Professionals usually charge per square meter (m²).
- Type of Gotelé: Temple gotelé is easier and usually cheaper to remove than plastic paint gotelé.
- Wall Condition: If the walls are in poor condition or need additional repairs, the cost can increase.
- Location: Prices can vary depending on your region or city.
- Removal Method: DIY can reduce costs, but consider the materials and tools needed.
Cost Estimates
Hiring a Professional:
- Cost per Square Meter (m²): Prices can range from 10 to 25 euros per square meter depending on the factors mentioned.
- Total Cost: For a medium-sized apartment (70-100 m²), the total cost can vary between 700 and 2500 euros.
- Cost Breakdown:
- Labor: This is the most significant component of the total cost.
- Materials: Includes strippers, putty, primer, and paint.
- Tools: If the professional needs to use specialized tools, this can affect the price.
DIY Approach:
- Materials and Tools:
- Stripper or water (for temple gotelé): Between 10 and 30 euros.
- Electric sander and sandpaper: Renting a sander can cost between 20 and 50 euros per day. Buying one can cost between 50 and 150 euros.
- Spatulas and trowel: Between 10 and 30 euros.
- Wall putty: Between 10 and 30 euros.
- Primer and paint: Depending on quality and quantity, between 50 and 200 euros.
- Time and Effort: Consider the time required for the task. It’s laborious and may take several days to remove the gotelé and prepare the walls for painting.
Steps for Accurate Budgeting
- Measure the Area: Calculate the total surface area to be treated.
- Get Quotes: Contact several professionals for detailed quotes. Ensure all associated costs are included.
- Compare Options: Compare DIY costs with professional costs, considering the time and effort involved.
Removing gotelé can be a significant project, but the resulting smooth, modern walls are often worth the effort.
