In the world of interior design and home renovation, trends are constantly evolving. However, there is one improvement that has established itself as the gold standard for any modern property: wall tiling. At Pintores Pro, with years of experience transforming flats, houses and villas all along the Costa del Sol, from Malaga to Sotogrande, we know that removing old-fashioned stippled walls and achieving perfectly smooth surfaces is the most cost-effective investment to enhance the value of a property.
Smooth walls are not just an aesthetic preference; they are the foundation on which a contemporary, stylish and bright home is built. In this article, we will explore why wall smoothing is essential, what the professional process is like and why in an area as light as ours, surface perfection makes all the difference.
why is wall smoothing so important today?
For decades, gotelé was the predominant technique in Spanish construction. Its main function was to hide imperfections in the walls and the lack of levelling in the walls. However, nowadays, this technique is associated with old-fashioned dwellings and stuffy environments. Smoothing walls offers multiple benefits that go beyond the purely visual.
Firstly, hygiene is a determining factor. Rough walls tend to accumulate much more dust and dirt in their reliefs, which can affect indoor air quality, especially in coastal areas where humidity can retain particles. A smooth surface is much easier to clean and keep spotless.
Secondly, luminosity. Mediterranean light is intense and unique. When this light hits a stippled wall, it creates thousands of small shadows that darken the room and make the colour appear dirty or uneven. On the contrary, a well smoothed wall reflects the light uniformly, visually enlarging the spaces and providing a sensation of freshness and spaciousness that is highly valued in villas on the Costa del Sol.
Finally, smoothing allows the application of decorative finishes that would otherwise be impossible. From designer wallpapers to paints with metallic or silky effects, all require a perfectly flat base to show off in all their splendour. According to the regulations and recommendations of the Spanish Confederation of Metal and Construction Business Organisations, substrate preparation is the most critical step in any decorative coating job.
The professional wall tiling process: Step by step
Many homeowners wonder if wall smoothing is a task they can do themselves. The reality is that achieving a "mirror" finish requires considerable technical skill, professional tools and the use of high quality materials suited to our region's climate.
At Pintores Pro we follow a rigorous process to ensure long-lasting results:
1. Preparation and protection
Before we begin, we meticulously protect floors, door frames, windows and skirting boards. Smoothing generates fine dust, so proper protection is critical to maintaining the integrity of the home.
2. Removing the relief or bonding bridge
Depending on whether the stippling is tempered or plastic, the method varies. If it is tempered, it can be dampened and scraped. If it is plastic, the most common method is to apply a bonding bridge and cover it with high adhesion putty. At this point, it is vital to assess the stability of the old paint to avoid future flaking.
3. Application of levelling coats
Smoothing walls is not achieved in a single pass. We apply several coats of special renovation fillers. Each coat must dry completely before the next coat is applied. On the Costa del Sol, the humidity levels must be taken into account, as they have a direct influence on the drying times and the shrinkage of the material.
4. Mechanical sanding with suction
Once the material has hardened, we proceed to sanding. At Pintores Pro we use orbital sanders connected to industrial vacuum systems. This not only guarantees a much finer and more uniform finish than manual sanding, but also reduces the presence of dust by 95%, facilitating the subsequent cleaning of the house or villa.
5. Priming and finishing
A smoothed wall is very absorbent. Therefore, we apply a coat of primer or fixative that seals the pore and ensures that the final paint adheres correctly and presents a homogeneous colour without stains or shadows.
Investment and revaluation on the Costa del Sol
Having your walls smoothed should not be seen as an expense, but as a strategic investment. If you are thinking of selling or renting your property in exclusive areas such as Marbella or Estepona, a property with smooth walls attracts a more demanding client profile and raises the market price.
Smooth walls give the impression that the property has been recently renovated and cared for. It is the perfect canvas for prospective buyers to project their own furniture and decorative style. In addition, the durability of professional wall smoothing by experts such as Pintores Pro ensures that the property will look impeccable for many years to come.
Tips for choosing the best professionals
When looking for wall-smoothing services, it is important not to be swayed by the lowest price alone. Poor smoothing can leave water, grooves or bubbles that will be very visible once the paint is applied, especially if indirect light bulbs or powerful LED lamps are used.
Make sure the company uses top of the line materials (such as controlled set pastes) and has modern machinery. At Pintores Pro we pride ourselves on our attention to detail and our ability to meet deadlines, which is essential when renovating holiday villas or permanent residences where time is of the essence.
If you live on the Costa del Sol and are ready to make the move to a more modern home, wall tiling is the change you need. Not only will you gain aesthetics and light, but you will enjoy a much healthier and easier to maintain environment. Trust in professionals so that your only concern is choosing the perfect colour for your new impeccable walls.
At Pintores Pro we are at your disposal to advise you on your renovation project. Our experience in smoothing walls in flats and large villas makes us leaders in the sector. Contact us and discover how we can transform your spaces with the maximum quality and cleanliness that your home deserves.