The walls in my apartment all look like this. They are concrete with many small voids. I've talked to a few people and they seem to all say that I have to plaster the whole wall (verspachteln) or use a Rollputz.

I don't mind the texture of the small voids in the walls but the coloring is very uneven and most of the walls just don't look very nice.

I'm confident I can do all of the "spot" repairs and make the walls generally flat as they're already in fine condition and straight. I'm not confident in being able to plaster all of the walls but I'm willing to try – I'm relatively handy and I have the time to try.

My question is basically this: what are my options to simply make these walls look nicer? Maybe I'm missing another good solution other than plaster or Rollputz.

If I go the Rollputz route, how big of a void can I simply roll over (or how many coats) to achieve a mostly fine surface (I don't mind a bit of texture but the big, popcorn-y type finish would bother me)?

If I plaster the walls myself what are some good resources to make sure I'm buying the right products and following the right procedure?

Stichwörter auf Deutsch werden auch geschätzt

Thanks in advance.

EDIT: The landlord has told me I can do whatever I like with the walls. As well it's more than just slight discolorations; there is overspray from someone painting doors against the walls, cracks filled with spackle etc.

I also like the industrial look which is why I will leave some of the walls bare, but most of them are downright ugly.

EDIT2: If anyone has advice on how to clean the walls up a bit – remove paint etc I'm open to that too.

by AntiCrueltyFree

10 comments

  1. Whatever you choose to do (the decision depends on your skills): do not skip primer! ( Grundierung )

  2. You really check with your landlord if this is the intended look. If it is “Sichtbeton” you shouldn’t paint it since the pair is very hard to remove completely.

  4. Definitely ask the landlord if this is ‘Sichtbeton’ or if this is intentional, as those walls are expensive, and plastering or painting over it is very hard, if not impossible, to remove.

    Personally, I would leave it as it is because I like the look. The slight discoloration and small holes are normal characteristics of exposed concrete and give it more texture and character.

  5. Walls like this are a hugely desirable feature. Please don’t permanently ruin them for future tenants.

    Also, why on earth did you move into a place with exposed concrete when it doesn’t appeal to you? Leave these spaces for people who actually want and appreciate them.

  6. Putz and paint it grey again if you like the look. I hate the internet

  8. r/Handwerker

    Anleitungen wie man Beton streicht findet man online zahlreich. Wie sehen denn die „schlimmen“ Wände aus?

  9. Put up Raufasertapete. Then paint that in a color of your liking.

  10. As a German it’s my duty to ask how: How about Raufasertapete?

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