Can you wallpaper knockdown textured walls?
Yes, you can wallpaper knockdown textured walls, but success hinges on rigorous surface preparation. This involves cleaning, potentially skim-coating, and using a high-quality primer. Choosing the right wallpaper type is also crucial for adhesion and achieving a smooth, durable finish that hides the underlying texture effectively.
You can wallpaper knockdown textured walls, but it’s not as straightforward as applying wallpaper to a smooth surface. Knockdown texture, often found in many US homes, features raised “splatter” or “stipple” effects with flattened peaks, creating an uneven surface. This texture can pose challenges for wallpaper adhesion and the final appearance.
The primary concerns with knockdown texture are its unevenness and porosity. The raised areas can telegraph through thinner wallpapers, creating an undesirable visual effect. The porous nature of the texture, especially if it’s plaster or joint compound, can absorb excess adhesive, leading to poor bonding and potential peeling. However, with careful preparation, the right materials, and realistic expectations, you can achieve a successful wallpaper installation over knockdown texture.
How to prepare knockdown textured walls for wallpaper
Proper surface preparation is the most critical step for wallpapering knockdown texture. Skipping this will almost guarantee a subpar result.
First, clean the walls thoroughly. Use a TSP substitute or a good degreaser to remove any grease, dirt, or grime. Rinse well and allow the walls to dry completely. Inspect the texture for any loose or flaking areas. Scrape away any brittle or loose material and repair with joint compound. Sand these repaired areas smooth once dry.
Next, you need to fill in the texture. This is the most labor-intensive part of the preparation. The goal is to create a smoother surface for the wallpaper to adhere to. You have two main options:
1. Skim coating: Apply one or more thin coats of joint compound (mud) over the entire textured surface. Feather the edges of the compound so it blends smoothly with the texture. This process requires sanding between coats to achieve a uniform, smooth finish. For a knockdown texture, you’re essentially filling in the low spots and flattening the high spots.
2. Using a heavy-duty primer/sealer: Some thick, high-build primers are designed to fill in minor imperfections and provide a uniform surface. While this won’t completely eliminate the texture, it can significantly reduce its visibility and provide a better base for the wallpaper. This is a less labor-intensive option but may not be sufficient for very heavy textures or if you desire a perfectly smooth finish.
After skim coating or priming, sand the walls lightly to ensure a smooth, even surface. Wipe away all dust with a damp cloth or a tack cloth. Any remaining dust will interfere with the wallpaper’s adhesion.
Consider applying a wallpaper-specific primer or a quality acrylic primer. This seals the surface, ensures even adhesive absorption, and makes future removal easier. For textured walls, a high-build primer is often recommended as it can further help to level the surface.
What types of wallpaper work best on knockdown texture?
The type of wallpaper you choose significantly impacts the final look and durability when covering knockdown texture.
Thicker, more durable wallpapers are generally better. Vinyl-backed or heavyweight paper wallpapers are excellent choices. Their thickness helps to bridge minor imperfections in the texture that might still be present even after preparation. The vinyl backing also provides a moisture barrier and adds durability.
Peel-and-stick (removable) wallpapers can also work, but you must ensure the wall surface is exceptionally well-prepared and primed. Because they rely on a strong adhesive backing, any irregularities in the texture can compromise their adhesion. Opt for higher-quality, thicker peel-and-stick options if you go this route.
Avoid very thin or delicate wallpapers, such as traditional paper or foil wallpapers. These materials are more likely to show the underlying texture through them, creating a bumpy or uneven appearance. They are also more prone to tearing during application on a textured surface.
Always order a sample and test it on an inconspicuous area of your wall before committing to a full roll. This allows you to see how the wallpaper interacts with the texture and the primer.
How to hang wallpaper on knockdown textured walls
Once your walls are properly prepped and primed, hanging the wallpaper follows standard procedures, but with a few considerations for the texture.
Follow the wallpaper manufacturer’s instructions for pasting and hanging. Ensure you use enough adhesive, especially around the edges and raised areas of the texture. Gently press the wallpaper into the texture using a smoother or a clean roller, ensuring good contact without pushing air bubbles out from underneath.
When smoothing the paper, work from the center outwards. Pay extra attention to the raised parts of the knockdown texture. You may need to apply slightly more pressure or use a soft brush to gently coax the paper into conforming to the surface without stretching or tearing it.
For patterned wallpapers, matching the pattern can be slightly more challenging due to the uneven surface. Take your time and ensure a precise overlap or butt joint.
If you encounter difficulty getting the wallpaper to lay flat in the valleys of the texture, a small amount of extra paste in those areas might help, but be careful not to over-saturate the paper.
Allow the wallpaper to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Check for any loose edges or areas that didn’t adhere properly and address them with a wallpaper adhesive touch-up.
Can you remove wallpaper from knockdown textured walls?
Removing wallpaper from knockdown textured walls can be more challenging than from smooth walls. The texture itself can create areas where adhesive might cling more tenaciously.
If the wallpaper was applied correctly over a properly primed and sealed surface, removal should be manageable. Start by scoring the wallpaper with a scoring tool to allow the water or stripper solution to penetrate.
Use a wallpaper steamer or a solution of hot water and a wallpaper remover (or fabric softener, as a common DIY alternative). Apply the solution generously and allow it to soak in. Work in small sections.
When peeling, be patient. If the wallpaper is not coming off easily, reapply the solution and let it sit longer. Avoid aggressive pulling, which can damage the texture or the drywall underneath.
After removing the bulk of the wallpaper, you’ll likely have residual adhesive. Use a sponge with warm water and a mild soap or a dedicated adhesive remover to clean the walls. Rinse thoroughly and let the walls dry.
Inspect the walls for any damage to the texture or drywall. Minor touch-ups with joint compound and sanding may be necessary before you can re-wallpaper or repaint.
If the wallpaper was applied directly over unprimed or poorly prepared knockdown texture, removal could be very difficult and may result in significant damage to the wall surface.
Wallpapering Knockdown Texture: Best Practices
| Situation | Condition for Success |
|---|---|
| Applying standard vinyl wallpaper | Thorough skim coating or high-build primer to create a smoother, less porous surface; use of a heavy-duty wallpaper adhesive. |
| Applying peel-and-stick wallpaper | Extremely smooth, perfectly prepped surface; use of thicker, high-quality peel-and-stick products; may not be suitable for heavily textured walls. |
| Applying thin or delicate wallpaper | Generally not recommended; requires extensive skim coating to achieve a perfectly smooth, non-porous surface, which negates the texture. |
| Removing wallpaper | Proper surface preparation and priming before initial wallpapering; use of wallpaper steamer or appropriate remover; patience to avoid damaging texture. |
FAQ
Will the knockdown texture show through the wallpaper?
Yes, it’s possible, especially with thinner wallpapers. Proper preparation, including skim coating or using a high-build primer, is crucial to minimize the visibility of the texture. Thicker, vinyl-backed wallpapers also offer better coverage.
How much extra adhesive do I need for knockdown texture?
You’ll likely need more adhesive than for a smooth wall, particularly in the recessed areas of the texture. Ensure you apply a generous, even coat of adhesive to both the wallpaper and the wall, following the manufacturer’s recommendations, and press firmly to ensure good contact.
Can I just put wallpaper over knockdown texture without prep?
It is strongly advised against. Without proper preparation, the wallpaper is unlikely to adhere well, the texture will likely show through, and removal will be extremely difficult, potentially damaging the wall surface.
What’s the difference between knockdown and orange peel texture for wallpapering?
Both are textured surfaces that require preparation. Knockdown has flattened peaks and valleys, while orange peel is a more uniform, bumpy pattern. Knockdown can be more challenging due to its varying heights, often requiring more extensive filling or priming than orange peel.