Can you put wallpaper on a textured wall?
Yes, you can put wallpaper on a textured wall, but it requires careful preparation. Minor textures might be covered with the right wallpaper and primer, while severe textures often need smoothing first for a professional look. Heavy-duty vinyl wallpapers offer the best chance of success over slight textures.
Applying wallpaper to a textured wall is possible, but it’s not as straightforward as applying it to a smooth surface. The texture of the wall can significantly impact how well the wallpaper adheres, how it looks, and how easy it is to install. Severe textures, like popcorn ceilings or deeply grooved plaster, will almost always require smoothing before wallpapering. However, milder textures, such as light orange peel or knockdown finishes, can sometimes be wallpapered over with the right approach and materials.
The primary challenges with textured walls are adhesion and appearance. The texture creates high and low points, making it difficult for the wallpaper adhesive to make consistent contact with the wall. This can lead to bubbles, peeling edges, and seams that don’t lie flat. Visually, the texture can show through thinner wallpapers, distorting the pattern and making the wall look uneven and unprofessional. For a seamless, professional finish, smoothing the texture is often the best route.
Preparing textured walls for wallpaper
The most crucial step before wallpapering a textured wall is preparation. If the texture is minor, you might get away with just a high-quality primer. However, for most textured surfaces, you’ll need to smooth them out. This can involve applying a skim coat of joint compound (mud) to fill in the texture, followed by sanding until smooth. For very heavy textures, you might need multiple coats. After sanding, wipe down the walls thoroughly with a damp cloth to remove all dust, then allow them to dry completely.
Once the walls are smooth and clean, apply a high-quality wallpaper primer. This primer will seal the surface, provide a uniform base for the adhesive, and help prevent the wallpaper from sticking too permanently to the underlying compound, making future removal easier. Look for a primer specifically recommended for wallpaper applications. Ensure you follow the primer manufacturer’s instructions for application and drying times. Skipping these prep steps is the most common reason for wallpaper failure on textured surfaces.
Which wallpapers work best on textured walls?
If you decide to attempt wallpapering over a minor texture without fully smoothing it, certain types of wallpaper will perform better than others. Heavy, vinyl-backed wallpapers are generally the most forgiving. Their thickness can help mask minor imperfections in the wall texture, and their durability means they are less likely to tear during installation. Peel-and-stick wallpapers can also be an option, as their adhesive is often strong, but the texture may still show through, and repositioning can be difficult.
Avoid thin, delicate wallpapers like traditional paper or grasscloth. These materials are too thin to hide wall texture effectively and are prone to tearing. They will also be more susceptible to showing the texture underneath, making the final result look unprofessional. Always purchase extra wallpaper to account for any mistakes or the need to pattern-match, especially when working with a less-than-perfect surface.
When to avoid wallpapering over texture
There are situations where attempting to wallpaper over a textured wall is simply not advisable. If the texture is very deep or uneven, such as heavy plaster imperfections, simulated wood grain, or significant drywall damage, it’s almost impossible to achieve a good result without smoothing. The wallpaper will highlight the unevenness, and the seams will be difficult to align properly. Trying to force wallpaper over severe texture will likely lead to frustration and a poor finish.
Also, consider the age and condition of the existing texture. If the texture is peeling or unstable, wallpapering over it will only exacerbate the problem, leading to the wallpaper detaching along with the loose texture. In such cases, the only solution is to remove the loose texture, repair the underlying wall, and then proceed with priming and wallpapering. If you’re unsure whether your wall texture can be covered, it’s always best to consult with a professional wallpaper installer.
Wallpapering Success on Different Textures
| Texture Type | Works Best With | Condition for Success |
|---|---|---|
| Light Orange Peel | Heavy Vinyl, Peel-and-Stick | Thorough cleaning and a high-quality primer are essential. May require multiple pieces to align pattern over bumps. |
| Knockdown Texture | Heavy Vinyl | Smoothing the high points is recommended. Use a strong adhesive and ensure good contact. May still show subtle pattern distortion. |
| Popcorn Ceiling Texture | N/A (Requires Smoothing) | This texture is too severe. Must be scraped and smoothed before wallpapering. |
| Deep Grooves/Imperfections | N/A (Requires Smoothing) | Cannot be covered. Requires filling, sanding, and priming before wallpaper can be applied. |
FAQ
Can you wallpaper textured walls?
Yes, you can wallpaper textured walls, but success is not guaranteed and depends heavily on the texture’s severity and the wallpaper type. Minor textures might be covered with heavy-duty vinyl wallpaper and proper preparation, including priming. Severe textures will require smoothing before wallpaper can be applied.
Can I put wallpaper on a textured wall?
You can put wallpaper on a textured wall, but you must prepare the surface correctly. For light textures, priming is crucial. For heavier textures, smoothing the wall with joint compound and sanding it smooth is the best approach for a professional finish. Always use a high-quality wallpaper adhesive and consider thicker, more forgiving wallpaper types.
Can you put wallpaper over a textured wall?
Putting wallpaper over a textured wall is feasible for mild textures if you use the right materials and techniques. Heavy vinyl wallpapers are recommended due to their thickness and ability to hide minor imperfections. Always ensure the wall is clean, primed, and that you use a strong adhesive to promote adhesion across the textured surface.
Can you put wallpaper on knockdown textured walls?
Yes, you can put wallpaper on knockdown textured walls, but it’s not always ideal. Knockdown texture has raised areas that can be difficult to cover. While heavy vinyl wallpaper might conceal it somewhat, smoothing the texture first is highly recommended for the best, most professional-looking results. Proper priming is also essential.
