Can I wallpaper a textured wall?
Yes, you can wallpaper a textured wall, but it requires significant preparation. The texture must be smoothed, or a high-build primer applied, to prevent the wallpaper from showing imperfections and to ensure proper adhesion. Certain heavy vinyl or embossed wallpapers are more forgiving.
Wallpapering over a textured wall is possible, but it’s not as straightforward as applying it to a smooth surface. The texture itself—whether it’s popcorn ceilings, orange peel, knockdown, or even old, uneven drywall—will telegraph through most wallpapers, leaving you with a bumpy, unprofessional look. This is especially true for thinner, standard vinyl, or paper-backed wallpapers. The goal is to create a smooth, uniform surface for the wallpaper to adhere to and to lie flat against.
If you’re determined to wallpaper a textured wall without removing the texture, your primary options involve either smoothing the existing texture or using a primer specifically designed to fill and level minor imperfections. Removing the texture is the most reliable method for a professional finish, but it’s labor-intensive. If you choose to proceed without removal, understand that the texture will likely be visible to some degree, especially under certain lighting conditions or with certain wallpaper types.
Preparing textured walls for wallpaper
The success of wallpapering a textured wall depends almost entirely on the preparation. You cannot simply apply wallpaper over a rough surface and expect good results. You need to create a smooth, stable, and receptive surface.
**1. Clean the Surface:** Thoroughly clean the textured wall to remove any dirt, grease, or dust. Use a mild detergent and water, and ensure the wall is completely dry before proceeding. If the texture is peeling or loose, scrape away any flaking material.
**2. Repair Damage:** Inspect the wall for any cracks, holes, or significant imperfections. Fill these with spackling paste or joint compound, let them dry completely, and sand them smooth. Feather the edges of the patches so they blend seamlessly with the surrounding texture.
**3. Consider Texture Removal:** For the best possible finish, removing the texture is highly recommended. This can involve scraping off popcorn ceilings (often done wet), or using a skim coat of joint compound over other types of wall texture. This is a dusty and labor-intensive process but provides a smooth canvas.
**4. Apply a High-Build Primer/Sealer:** If texture removal isn’t feasible, your next best option is a high-build primer or a wall-leveling primer. These products are thicker than standard primers and are designed to fill in minor textures and imperfections. Apply one or two coats, allowing each to dry thoroughly. Sand lightly between coats if necessary, then wipe away dust. This step is crucial for creating a smoother surface and improving wallpaper adhesion. Some professionals recommend using a primer specifically designed for texturized surfaces or a plaster-like primer for a smoother base.
**5. Apply a Peel-and-Stick Primer (if applicable):** If you’re using peel-and-stick wallpaper, it’s still essential to ensure the underlying surface is as smooth as possible. While some peel-and-stick wallpapers are more forgiving than traditional options, a smooth surface is always best. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for priming; some may suggest a specific primer or even recommend against using one if the texture is very minor.
Best wallpaper types for textured walls
When wallpapering a textured wall, even after preparation, choosing the right type of wallpaper can make a difference in the final appearance. Thicker, more robust wallpapers tend to hide minor remaining imperfections better than thinner ones.
**Heavy Vinyl Wallpaper:** This is often the best choice for textured walls. Heavy vinyl is durable, washable, and its thickness can help mask slight unevenness in the wall surface. It’s less likely to tear during application and can provide a more substantial barrier against the underlying texture.
**Embossed Wallpaper:** Wallpaper with a raised pattern (embossed) can also be effective. The texture of the wallpaper itself can distract from or camouflage the wall’s underlying texture. Look for deep embossing that adds significant dimension.
**Grasscloth and Natural Fiber Papers:** While beautiful, these can be tricky. Their natural texture might complement some wall textures, but they are often delicate and can snag on rough surfaces. They are generally not the best choice for heavily textured walls unless the texture has been significantly smoothed.
**Avoid Thin or Delicate Papers:** Standard paper-backed wallpapers, delicate silks, or papers with very fine patterns are the least forgiving. They will easily show every bump, dip, and contour of the underlying texture, leading to a poor finish.
Can wallpaper hide wall texture?
Wallpaper can *help* hide wall texture, but it rarely hides it completely without proper preparation. The degree to which wallpaper can hide texture depends on several factors: the type of wallpaper, the severity of the texture, and the preparation steps taken. A thick, heavily embossed vinyl wallpaper applied over a wall that has been primed with a high-build primer will hide texture much better than a thin, matte paper applied directly to an orange-peel surface. Expecting wallpaper to act as a magic cover-up for significant texture issues will likely lead to disappointment. The best results come from smoothing the texture first or using multiple layers of specialized primer and a robust wallpaper.
Wallpapering Textured Walls: Situations and Conditions
| Situation | Works Best When | Condition for Success |
|---|---|---|
| Minor surface texture (e.g., light knockdown, slight orange peel) | Yes | Wall is thoroughly cleaned, repaired, and coated with a high-build primer. A heavy vinyl or embossed wallpaper is used. |
| Moderate texture (e.g., heavier orange peel, some imperfections) | Requires significant preparation | Texture is smoothed as much as possible, or multiple coats of high-build primer are applied. Heavy, patterned, or embossed wallpaper is essential. |
| Severe texture (e.g., popcorn ceilings, deep knockdown, major unevenness) | Generally Not Recommended | Texture is removed entirely, or a skim coat is applied before priming and wallpapering. Using specialized leveling compounds is critical. |
FAQ
Can I use wallpaper on textured walls?
Yes, you can apply wallpaper to textured walls, but it requires careful preparation. You must clean, repair, and prime the wall, ideally with a high-build primer to create a smoother surface. The texture will likely show through if you skip these steps, leading to an uneven appearance. Choosing a heavier vinyl or embossed wallpaper can also help mask minor imperfections better.
What is the best way to prepare a textured wall for wallpaper?
The best preparation involves smoothing the texture as much as possible, ideally by removing it or applying a skim coat of joint compound. If that’s not feasible, thoroughly clean and repair the wall, then apply at least one, preferably two, coats of a high-build primer. This primer will fill in minor textures and create a more uniform surface for the wallpaper to adhere to. Lightly sanding between primer coats can further improve smoothness.
Will wallpaper hide my textured walls?
Wallpaper can help mask minor textures, especially if you use a thick, patterned, or embossed vinyl wallpaper. However, it will not completely hide severe textures like popcorn ceilings or deep knockdown without significant preparation. The texture will likely show through, particularly under certain lighting conditions, unless the wall is properly smoothed or primed.
