Yes, wallpaper can stick to plywood, but not directly out of the box. Plywood has a porous surface and often an uneven texture that will telegraph through most wallpapers. You need to prepare the surface thoroughly to create a smooth, stable substrate. Skipping these steps is a recipe for peeling edges, visible grain, and a generally unprofessional look.
Preparing plywood for wallpaper
The goal is to seal the plywood, fill any imperfections, and create a uniformly smooth surface. Start with cleaning. Remove any dust, grease, or debris. If the plywood has a sheen from a previous finish, lightly sand it to create a better bonding surface. Then, you’ll need to prime and possibly skim coat.
Priming the plywood
Apply at least two coats of a high-quality primer. A good oil-based or shellac-based primer is recommended for sealing the wood and preventing tannins from bleeding through. Water-based primers can also work, but ensure they are designed for wood and offer good sealing properties. Allow each coat to dry completely and lightly sand between coats if necessary for a smoother finish.
Skim coating for a flawless finish
For the smoothest possible surface, especially if you’re using lighter-weight or patterned wallpaper where imperfections will be obvious, consider skim coating. This involves applying a thin layer of joint compound (mud) over the entire plywood surface. Use a wide putty knife or a drywall trowel to spread it evenly. You’ll likely need two thin coats. Let each coat dry thoroughly. After the final coat is dry, sand the entire surface until it’s as smooth as glass. This is the most labor-intensive step, but it makes a huge difference in the final appearance.
Sanding and cleaning after skim coating
After sanding the skim coat, clean the surface meticulously to remove all dust. A damp cloth followed by a dry cloth is effective. Any remaining dust will prevent the wallpaper adhesive from bonding properly.
Choosing the right wallpaper for plywood
Once your plywood surface is perfectly prepped, you have a wider range of wallpaper options. However, some types are better suited than others.
Peel and stick wallpaper
This is often the easiest and most forgiving option, especially for DIYers. Peel and stick wallpaper adheres with a strong adhesive backing and can be repositioned during application. The self-adhesive nature means you don’t have to worry about separate paste, and the vinyl-based material often offers good durability. Ensure you’ve followed the preparation steps diligently, as a perfectly smooth surface is crucial for peel and stick to adhere well and avoid bubbles.
Traditional prepasted or unpasted wallpaper
These wallpapers require adhesive, either applied to the back of the paper (prepasted, which you activate with water) or applied to the wall (unpasted). Thicker vinyl or vinyl-coated wallpapers are generally more durable and can hide minor surface imperfections better than thinner papers. Be mindful of the weight; very heavy wallpapers might put extra stress on the adhesive if the plywood isn’t perfectly sealed and smooth.
Grasscloth and textured wallpapers
While beautiful, natural fiber wallpapers like grasscloth can be tricky. They are often less forgiving of surface imperfections. If you choose a textured wallpaper, the underlying plywood surface must be exceptionally smooth. Any bumps or grain lines will show through and detract from the texture. Ensure the adhesive is strong enough for the material’s weight and porosity.
Avoid very thin or delicate papers
Papers that are very thin, such as rice paper or delicate silks, are not ideal for plywood, even when prepped. They offer little forgiveness for any remaining texture or minor issues on the surface and can tear easily during application.
Application tips for wallpapering plywood
With your plywood prepped and wallpaper selected, follow standard wallpapering procedures, keeping in mind the substrate.
Measure and cut accurately
Measure your wall sections and cut your wallpaper panels, ensuring you allow for pattern repeat and an overlap at the ceiling and baseboard. Typically, you’ll want an extra 2-4 inches on the top and bottom for trimming.
Apply the wallpaper
For peel and stick, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, usually involving peeling back the backing and applying from top to bottom, smoothing as you go. For prepasted or unpasted, use the recommended adhesive and application technique. Use a smoothing tool (like a wallpaper brush or plastic smoother) to press the paper firmly onto the surface, working out any air bubbles towards the edges.
Trim the edges
Once the wallpaper is in place, use a sharp utility knife and a straight edge (like a metal ruler or a T-square) to carefully trim the excess paper at the ceiling, baseboard, and around any outlets or switches. Take your time with this step for a clean, professional finish.
Dealing with seams
Ensure seams are butted together tightly, especially with patterned wallpapers where misalignment is obvious. If using traditional wallpaper, you might use a seam roller very gently after application, but be cautious not to damage the paper or the underlying surface.
Common mistakes to avoid
Applying wallpaper to unprepared plywood is the biggest mistake. Here are others:
- Not cleaning the surface thoroughly before priming.
- Using the wrong type of primer – one that doesn’t seal well or allow for good adhesion.
- Skipping the skim coat when a perfectly smooth finish is desired.
- Sanding too aggressively after skim coating, which can expose the plywood grain again.
- Not allowing primer or skim coat to dry completely between applications.
- Using insufficient adhesive or applying it unevenly.
- Trying to apply wallpaper to glossy or slick surfaces without proper sanding and priming.
- Not using a sharp enough blade for trimming, leading to jagged edges.
When is plywood a good choice for wallpaper?
Plywood can be an excellent choice for creating feature walls, covering entire rooms, or for DIY projects where a unique surface is desired. It’s particularly useful for built-in shelves, accent walls in workshops, or even temporary installations where you might want to remove the wallpaper later (though removal from a sealed, painted plywood surface is generally easier than from drywall).
Remember, the success of wallpapering plywood hinges on thorough preparation. With the right approach, you can transform a utilitarian plywood surface into a beautiful, finished wall.