What Is The Easiest Way To Remove Gotelé?
Tuesday 16 Sep 2025

The easiest way to remove gotelé (a textured wall finish common in Spain and Latin America) is by applying a special smoothing compound directly over the existing texture, letting it dry, and then sanding the surface to achieve a flat finish. This method avoids the more labor-intensive and dusty process of scraping or sanding off the texture.
Before applying the compound, it’s important to make sure the wall surface is clean and free of dust or grease so the product adheres properly. For Latino migrants in Texas who are improving or remodeling their homes, it’s also a good idea to review your homeowners insurance coverage, as some policies may include protection against accidental damage caused during DIY or renovation projects. To find the best option, you can compare home insurance plans here.
Is It Better To Remove Or Cover Gotelé?
Removing gotelé provides a smoother, more modern finish, but it is a labor-intensive process that creates a lot of dust. Covering gotelé with a smoothing compound or special wall product is faster and cleaner, but may not be as durable as completely removing the texture.
If you want a high-quality result and are willing to invest more time and resources, removing the texture is the best option. If you prefer a quicker and less disruptive solution, covering gotelé may be more practical.
What To Do After Removing Gotelé?
Once you’ve removed gotelé, follow these steps to ensure a smooth finish that is ready for paint or wallpaper:
- Clean all dust and residue from the wall surface with a damp cloth or a vacuum cleaner with a fine dust filter.
- Use plaster or filler to patch holes, cracks, or imperfections. Allow to dry completely.
- Once the filler is dry, sand the wall lightly with fine-grain sandpaper to smooth the surface.
- Clean again to remove sanding dust so paint or coating adheres correctly.
- Apply a wall primer to seal the surface and improve paint adhesion.
- After the primer dries, you can paint or apply wallpaper according to manufacturer instructions.
What Are The Advantages Of Gotelé?
Although smooth, modern walls are more popular today, gotelé still offers several benefits:
- Hides imperfections – The texture helps mask small cracks, dents, or uneven walls.
- Durability – Textured surfaces are more resistant to small bumps or scratches.
- Low maintenance – Marks and minor damage are less noticeable compared to flat walls.
- Aesthetics – Some people appreciate the unique, warm look of textured walls.
- Sound insulation – The texture can slightly improve acoustic absorption compared to smooth walls.
What Types Of Gotelé Exist?
Gotelé is classified by the material used and the size of the texture:
- Tempera Gotelé – The traditional type, made with water-based paint. It’s less resistant to moisture and wear but easier to remove.
- Plastic or Acrylic Gotelé – Made with acrylic paint, which makes it more water-resistant and durable, but harder to eliminate.
Texture sizes:
- Fine – Small, subtle grains, easier to cover or paint over.
- Medium – A balance between coverage of imperfections and maintenance.
- Coarse – Larger grains, best for hiding major wall flaws but harder to repaint or maintain.
Whether you decide to remove or keep gotelé, make sure your home has proper protection against unexpected damage. A good homeowners insurance policy can cover accidents during remodeling or home improvements. To protect your investment and your family, compare home insurance in Texas today.