Can you wallpaper over textured walls?
Yes, you can wallpaper over textured walls, but proper preparation is crucial. The texture must be minimized or smoothed out to prevent it from showing through the new wallpaper and ensure proper adhesion for a lasting finish. Severe textures often require removal or extensive skim coating.
Wallpapering over textured walls is possible, but it’s rarely a simple peel-and-stick job. The texture on your existing walls, whether it’s popcorn ceilings, plaster imperfections, or faux finishes, will almost always show through a new layer of wallpaper if you don’t address it first. This can lead to a bumpy, uneven appearance that detracts from the intended look of your new wallpaper. More importantly, the texture can interfere with the adhesive, preventing the new wallpaper from sticking properly. This can cause peeling, bubbling, and premature failure of your wallpaper project.
The success of wallpapering over texture hinges on two main factors: the type and severity of the texture, and the type of wallpaper you intend to use. Very light textures, like a subtle skip-trowel finish, might be manageable with a thicker, patterned wallpaper that can mask some imperfections. However, deep textures, such as heavy knockdown or popcorn ceilings, typically require significant prep work. Attempting to wallpaper directly over a heavy texture without preparation is a recipe for disappointment. The visual and structural issues will persist, and the wallpaper is unlikely to adhere well.
Preparing textured walls for wallpaper
The most reliable way to achieve a professional-looking wallpapered finish over a textured wall is to create a smooth surface. This usually involves several steps. First, assess the texture. If it’s a removable texture, like old popcorn ceiling material that can be scraped off, removing it entirely is the best option. Once removed, you’ll likely need to skim coat the walls with joint compound (mud) to fill any imperfections and create a uniform, smooth surface. Sand this smooth once dry.
For textures that are difficult or impossible to remove, such as deeply embossed paint finishes or severe plaster damage, the solution is to cover the texture with a smooth layer. This is commonly done using a process called ‘skim coating.’ It involves applying multiple thin layers of joint compound over the textured surface, feathering each layer out to create a smooth, continuous plane. After each layer dries, it needs to be sanded smooth. This process requires patience and can be messy, but it’s essential for a good result. The goal is to build up enough material to essentially bury the texture beneath a new, smooth surface.
Another effective method, particularly for less severe textures or when you want to ensure a perfectly flat surface, is to hang a layer of lining paper or a specific wallpaper primer designed for textured surfaces. Lining paper is a thick, often unpatterned paper that provides a smooth, stable base for your decorative wallpaper. It’s hung horizontally or vertically, much like regular wallpaper, covering the texture. Once the lining paper is dry and smooth, you can then apply your chosen decorative wallpaper over it. If you opt for a primer, ensure it’s a high-build formula designed to fill minor imperfections and create a suitable surface for wallpaper adhesion.
Choosing the right wallpaper for textured walls
If you decide to proceed with minimal or no surface preparation, the type of wallpaper you choose becomes critical. Thicker, textured, or heavily patterned wallpapers are your best bet. Materials like vinyl, grasscloth, or fabrics can sometimes hide minor imperfections better than thin, smooth papers. A busy pattern with a lot of detail can visually distract from slight undulations in the wall surface. Avoid thin, delicate papers, such as traditional paper or silk, as they will highlight every bump and dip in the texture.
Consider wallpapers with a raised print or a slight sheen. These can also help to camouflage minor surface irregularities. However, even with the most forgiving wallpaper, severe textures will likely still be visible. It’s always a gamble to rely solely on the wallpaper to hide significant texture. The long-term adhesion and appearance are always compromised compared to wallpapering over a properly prepared, smooth surface.
When to avoid wallpapering over texture
There are instances where attempting to wallpaper over a textured wall is simply not advisable. If the texture is extremely deep, uneven, or crumbly (like old plaster that’s starting to fail), you risk the wallpaper not adhering properly and potentially pulling off pieces of the old texture with it. This can create a much larger repair job down the line. Additionally, if the existing texture is a wallpaper itself, it requires specific preparation, often involving stripping the old paper first, as detailed in the FAQ section.
Also, consider the value and condition of your home. If you’re in a high-end property or a historic home where preserving original wall finishes is important, attempting to wallpaper over texture might be seen as a shortcut that compromises the integrity of the structure. In such cases, removing the texture or repairing the underlying surface to a smooth finish is the only appropriate method. Always weigh the effort of preparation against the desired outcome and the longevity of your project.
Wallpapering Over Wall Textures: Feasibility and Conditions
| Wall Texture Type | Can You Wallpaper Over It? | Condition for Success |
|---|---|---|
| Light Skip-Trowel or Slight Imperfections | Yes | Use a thicker, patterned, or vinyl wallpaper. Minimal additional prep may be needed. |
| Medium Knockdown or Orange Peel | Possible, but requires significant prep | Skim coating, hanging lining paper, or using a high-build primer is essential for a smooth finish and proper adhesion. |
| Heavy Knockdown or Popcorn Texture | Difficult, generally not recommended without prep | Complete removal of texture followed by skim coating is the best method. Wallpapering directly over is highly likely to fail. |
| Peeling or Damaged Texture | No | The texture must be stabilized, repaired, or removed entirely before wallpapering. |
| Existing Wallpaper | Depends on old wallpaper condition | Old wallpaper must be removed or securely adhered and covered with a specific primer before applying new wallpaper. |
FAQ
Can you wallpaper over textured wallpaper?
Wallpapering over existing textured wallpaper is generally not recommended unless the old wallpaper is completely smooth and adheres perfectly. Most textured wallpapers, like vinyl or embossed types, will show through new wallpaper and can prevent proper adhesion. It’s best to remove the old wallpaper entirely or at least ensure it’s firmly adhered and then apply a specialized primer or a layer of lining paper over it before applying your new decorative wallpaper.
What is skim coating for textured walls?
Skim coating is a drywall finishing technique where you apply thin layers of joint compound (mud) over an existing surface to create a smooth, uniform finish. For textured walls, this process involves multiple applications of mud, sanded between each layer, to effectively bury the texture beneath a new, flat surface. This creates an ideal substrate for painting or wallpapering.
Can you wallpaper over popcorn ceilings?
Wallpapering over popcorn ceilings is strongly discouraged without significant preparation. The texture is typically too deep and uneven to be covered effectively by wallpaper, leading to poor adhesion and a visually unappealing result. The best approach is to remove the popcorn texture entirely, then skim coat and sand the ceiling smooth before wallpapering.