How to Get Wallpaper to Stick to Textured Walls

How to get wallpaper to stick to textured walls

To get wallpaper to stick to textured walls, you must thoroughly clean and prime the surface. Use a high-quality, heavy-duty wallpaper paste and consider a primer specifically designed for difficult surfaces or texturing. Embossing the texture with a smoothing tool can also help ensure adhesion.

Applying wallpaper to a textured wall requires more effort than a smooth surface, but it’s entirely achievable. The key lies in proper surface preparation and choosing the right adhesive. Skipping these steps almost guarantees a peeling, bubbled mess.

First, assess your wall’s texture. Is it a light stucco finish, a heavily embossed vinyl texture, or popcorn ceiling material applied to the walls? The severity of the texture dictates the level of prep needed. For most common textures like orange peel or knockdown, you can proceed with the following steps. Heavily textured or uneven surfaces might benefit from skim coating or even covering with a thin layer of drywall before wallpapering, but this guide focuses on textures that can be worked with directly.

Clean the textured wall thoroughly

Before you even think about primer or paste, the wall must be meticulously clean. Textured surfaces trap dust, grease, and grime more effectively than smooth walls. Use a mild detergent mixed with warm water. A soft sponge or cloth will work for lighter textures. For deeper textures, a soft-bristled brush might be necessary to get into the nooks and crannies. Wipe the walls down, then rinse with clean water and a separate sponge. Allow the walls to dry completely, which could take 24 hours or more depending on humidity and air circulation.

Repair any damage

Inspect the wall for any holes, cracks, or loose material. Fill small holes and cracks with spackling compound. For larger imperfections or areas where the texture is peeling away, you might need a patching compound. Sand the repaired areas smooth once dry, then wipe away all dust with a tack cloth or a slightly damp sponge. Ensuring a solid, stable surface is crucial; wallpaper won’t adhere well to crumbling or compromised texture.

Apply a high-quality primer

This is arguably the most critical step for textured walls. A good primer seals the surface, provides a uniform base, and gives the wallpaper paste something substantial to grip. You need a primer that acts as a ‘high-hiding’ or ‘barrier’ coating. Look for primers specifically formulated for problematic surfaces, glossy finishes, or for use under wallpaper. A water-based acrylic primer is usually a good choice.

Apply the primer evenly with a roller, using extension poles to reach all areas. Use a brush to get primer into the deeper parts of the texture. You’ll likely need two coats for adequate coverage and sealing, especially on highly textured or porous surfaces. Allow each coat to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The goal is to create a smooth, consolidated surface that minimizes the texture’s impact on the wallpaper’s adhesion.

Choose the right wallpaper paste

Standard wallpaper paste might not be strong enough for textured walls. Opt for a heavy-duty or ‘extra-strength’ wallpaper adhesive. Clay-based pastes are often recommended for difficult surfaces as they offer superior tack and adhesion. For some types of wallpaper, like vinyl or heavyweight paper, you might need a paste specifically designed for them. Always check the wallpaper manufacturer’s recommendations regarding adhesive type.

Some modern wallpapers come with pre-applied adhesive (peel-and-stick). While convenient, these are often less forgiving on textured surfaces. If you’re using peel-and-stick wallpaper, ensure your primer creates an exceptionally smooth and sealed surface, and be prepared to apply extra adhesive in certain spots if needed, using a product compatible with the wallpaper backing.

Consider smoothing the texture

For particularly stubborn textures, you can use a smoothing tool to gently press down the raised areas before applying paste. This isn’t about flattening the texture entirely, but about reducing the peaks and valleys. A putty knife or a specialized wallpaper smoothing tool can be used carefully. Be gentle to avoid damaging the primer or the texture itself. This step helps create a more uniform surface for the wallpaper to lie flat against.

Hanging the wallpaper

When hanging the wallpaper, work in smaller sections than you might on a smooth wall. Apply the paste evenly, ensuring you get it into the texture’s crevices. Immediately after applying a panel, use a wallpaper smoothing tool or a clean, damp sponge to press the paper firmly into the texture. Start from the center of the panel and work outwards, pushing air bubbles and excess paste towards the edges. Pay special attention to seams; ensure they are well-adhered and avoid stretching the paper, which can cause it to pull away later.

Allow the wallpaper to cure according to the paste manufacturer’s instructions. Some pastes require a longer drying time on textured surfaces. Resist the urge to touch or reposition the paper once it’s in place and smoothed, as this can disrupt the adhesion process.

When to consider alternative solutions

If your wall texture is extremely deep, uneven, or crumbly, wallpapering directly might not be the best solution. In such cases, consider skim coating the wall with joint compound to create a smooth surface, or installing a layer of thin drywall (like 1/4-inch) over the existing texture. These methods provide a superior base for wallpaper and will yield more professional, long-lasting results. Another option is to embrace the texture with paint or a material like wood paneling, which can be more forgiving.

Common Mistakes When Wallpapering Textured Walls

FAQ

How to make wallpaper stick to textured walls?

Successfully adhering wallpaper to textured walls requires meticulous preparation. Thoroughly clean and dry the wall, then apply at least two coats of a high-quality, barrier primer. Use a heavy-duty wallpaper paste specifically designed for difficult surfaces and ensure you press the wallpaper firmly into the texture using a smoothing tool.

Can I put wallpaper over orange peel texture?

Yes, you can often put wallpaper over orange peel texture with the right approach. The key is thorough cleaning, applying a good quality primer to seal the surface, and using a strong adhesive. You may also need to use a smoothing tool to ensure the paper conforms to the subtle peaks and valleys of the texture.

What kind of primer should I use for textured walls?

For textured walls, you need a primer that seals and provides a strong base for adhesion. Look for high-hiding, barrier, or ‘problem surface’ primers. Water-based acrylic formulas are generally effective. Avoid standard flat primers, as they may not offer enough grip or sealing for the texture.