Painting over textured wallpaper offers a durable, customizable finish for any room. It allows you to achieve a specific look, from subtle patterns to bold designs, and provides the flexibility to repaint whenever you desire a change. This guide helps you select and apply the right material for a successful project.
Choosing the right paintable textured wallpaper
Not all textured wallpapers are designed to be painted. The key is to look for materials that are durable and have a surface that can accept paint without losing their texture or peeling. The most common and effective types are:
Vinyl wallpaper
Vinyl-backed textured wallpapers are a popular choice because they are durable, washable, and can be painted. The vinyl layer provides a stable base that won’t absorb too much paint, preventing the texture from becoming oversaturated and losing its definition. Look for options specifically labeled as ‘paintable vinyl wallpaper.’ These often come in a variety of textures, including faux finishes like grasscloth, wood grain, or even subtle fabric effects. The weight of the vinyl provides good coverage for minor wall imperfections.
A key consideration with vinyl is its breathability. While durable, some heavier vinyl wallpapers can trap moisture. Ensure your walls are properly prepped and consider using a primer that allows for some breathability if moisture is a concern in your area, such as in bathrooms or kitchens. Learn more about the benefits of textured vinyl wallpaper.
Embossed paper wallpaper
This type of wallpaper is made from paper pulp that is pressed or embossed to create a raised pattern. High-quality, heavy-gauge embossed papers are excellent candidates for painting. They offer a substantial feel and hold paint well. The depth of the embossing determines how pronounced the texture will be after painting. Thicker papers with deeper patterns will show more contrast when painted.
When choosing embossed paper, feel the weight and thickness. A flimsy paper will not hold up well to painting or to the wear and tear of daily life. Look for papers that feel substantial and have a clear, defined pattern. These can mimic plaster or stucco finishes, or offer geometric and floral designs.
Anaglypta and blown vinyl
Anaglypta is a type of highly durable, often paintable, wallpaper that is made from paper pulp, giving it a deep emboss. It’s known for its strength and ability to cover imperfections in walls. Blown vinyl wallpaper is similar, where a pattern is ‘blown’ onto the surface, creating a raised effect. Both are excellent options for painting and can create a classic, textured look. They are particularly good for older homes or for achieving a traditional aesthetic. These wallpapers are designed to be robust enough to handle multiple coats of paint.
What to avoid
Some wallpapers are not suitable for painting:
- Peel-and-stick wallpapers: Most peel-and-stick options have a smooth or very lightly textured surface. Applying paint can ruin the adhesive and the finish, often resulting in a patchy, unprofessional look. The material itself might also be too thin to accept paint evenly.
- Fabric-backed wallpapers: While some fabric-backed wallpapers might be paintable, the fabric texture can absorb paint unevenly, potentially obscuring the intended pattern or creating a ‘water-stained’ appearance.
- Very delicate or textured papers: Wallpapers with very fine, intricate textures or those made from delicate materials like silk or grasscloth (unless specifically designed to be painted, like some faux grasscloth) should be avoided. Painting can flatten these delicate textures. For faux grasscloth options, it’s best to explore faux grasscloth wallpaper if you’re considering that look.
Preparation is key
Proper preparation ensures your painted textured wallpaper looks professional and lasts longer. This involves several steps:
Wall preparation
Before applying any wallpaper, ensure your walls are clean, dry, and smooth. Fill any holes or cracks with spackle or joint compound and sand them smooth once dry. Remove any loose paint or old wallpaper. If you’re applying wallpaper over existing paint, lightly sand the surface to help the adhesive bond. For optimal results, apply a wallpaper primer to the bare wall. This seals the surface and ensures even adhesion.
Wallpaper installation
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully for hanging your chosen textured wallpaper. Most paintable wallpapers require a specific type of adhesive, often a heavy-duty vinyl paste. Ensure seams are butted together tightly and smoothed out to prevent lifting. Trim excess wallpaper at the ceiling, baseboard, and corners using a sharp utility knife and a straight edge.
Important installation tip: Use a smoothing tool (like a wallpaper brush or plastic smoother) to firmly press the wallpaper onto the wall, working from the center outwards. This removes air bubbles and ensures good adhesion, especially around textured areas. Pay close attention to seams; any gaps will be highly visible after painting.
Priming before painting
Once the wallpaper paste is completely dry (usually 24-48 hours), it’s time to prime. Use a high-quality interior latex primer. Apply it evenly with a roller and brush, ensuring you get into all the textured details. A primer seals the wallpaper surface, prevents the wallpaper from absorbing too much paint, and provides a uniform base for your topcoat. This step is crucial for achieving an even paint finish and for making the texture stand out.
Primer considerations: If you’re using a dark color for your topcoat, consider using a tinted primer. This can reduce the number of topcoats needed. For very deep textures, a thicker primer might be beneficial. Always test the primer on a small, inconspicuous area first.
Painting the textured wallpaper
With the primer dry, you’re ready to paint. Choose a good quality interior latex or acrylic paint. The sheen of the paint will affect how the texture appears. A satin or eggshell finish often provides a nice balance, highlighting the texture without excessive glare. High-gloss finishes can emphasize imperfections, while matte finishes might make the texture appear flatter.
Application technique
Apply paint using a high-quality roller with a nap suitable for textured surfaces (typically 3/8 inch to 1/2 inch). Start by rolling the main areas, then use a brush to carefully fill in the textured details and edges. Work in manageable sections.
Avoid overworking the paint: Apply thin, even coats rather than one thick coat. This helps maintain the definition of the texture. Allow each coat to dry completely according to the paint manufacturer’s instructions before applying the next. Two coats are usually sufficient, but deep textures might require a third.
Color choice: Lighter colors tend to make the texture appear more subtle, while darker colors can make the texture pop more due to increased contrast. Consider the overall mood you want to create in the room. For inspiration on creating specific looks, check out guides on beautiful textured wallpaper or the sophisticated appeal of elegant white textured wallpaper.
Maintaining your painted textured wallpaper
Painted textured wallpaper is generally durable and easy to maintain. Most vinyl and embossed papers can be cleaned gently with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid abrasive cleaners or excessive scrubbing, which can damage the paint or the wallpaper texture.
If the wallpaper gets damaged or you simply want a new look, you can usually repaint it. As long as the wallpaper is still securely adhered to the wall and in good condition, it can be primed and painted again. This makes it a versatile and long-lasting wall treatment option.
When to consider professional help
While painting over textured wallpaper is a manageable DIY project, consider professional help if:
- Your walls have significant damage or imperfections that require extensive repair.
- You are unfamiliar with wallpaper installation techniques and want to ensure a flawless finish.
- You are working with very high ceilings or complex architectural features.
- You want to achieve a highly specialized finish or are using premium materials.
A professional installer can ensure the wallpaper is applied correctly, minimizing the risk of errors that could be costly to fix after painting.