How to wallpaper textured walls
Wallpapering textured walls requires thorough preparation, including cleaning, filling, and potentially applying a primer or liner. Choose a thicker, pliable wallpaper and use plenty of adhesive. Apply carefully, smoothing out bubbles and wrinkles to achieve a seamless look.
Wallpapering over textured walls, like popcorn ceilings or rough plaster, presents unique challenges compared to smooth surfaces. The texture can show through lighter wallpapers, cause air bubbles, and make adhesion difficult. However, with careful preparation and the right materials, you can successfully apply wallpaper to these challenging surfaces.
The key to wallpapering textured walls lies in minimizing the texture’s impact. This can involve smoothing the wall first, using a primer, or selecting a wallpaper type that can better conform to the surface. Understanding these steps will help you avoid common pitfalls and achieve a professional-looking finish.
Choosing the Right Wallpaper for Textured Walls
Not all wallpapers are created equal for textured walls. Opt for thicker, more pliable materials that can better handle the unevenness. Vinyl, heavy-duty paper, or fabric-backed vinyl wallpapers are generally good choices. These materials are more forgiving and can help obscure minor imperfections in the underlying texture.
Avoid thin, delicate papers, especially those with a matte finish, as they are more likely to reveal the texture underneath and tear during application. A slight sheen or a textured pattern on the wallpaper itself can also help camouflage the wall’s inherent texture, making the final result appear smoother.
Preparing Textured Walls for Wallpaper
Proper preparation is paramount. Start by thoroughly cleaning the wall. Remove any dust, dirt, or grease. For popcorn ceilings or heavily textured walls, you might need to scrape off loose material first. Fill any significant cracks or holes with spackling compound and sand smooth once dry.
If the texture is very deep or uneven, consider applying a skim coat of joint compound or a smoothing compound. This will create a more uniform surface, making the wallpaper application significantly easier and the final look much better. Allow ample drying time and sand lightly to ensure a smooth finish.
Applying a primer is highly recommended. A good quality primer will seal the surface, prevent the wallpaper adhesive from soaking in too quickly, and provide a more uniform base for the wallpaper. For highly textured or uneven surfaces, a thick, stain-blocking primer can offer additional benefits.
Alternatively, you can use a wallpaper liner. A liner paper is a thick, unpatterned wallpaper specifically designed to be hung over imperfect surfaces. It creates a smooth, uniform canvas for your decorative wallpaper, effectively hiding the underlying texture. Hang the liner paper according to its manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring a smooth, bubble-free finish.
Tools and Materials Needed for Wallpapering Textured Walls
Gather all necessary tools before you begin. You’ll need a sharp utility knife or razor blade for trimming, a smoothing tool (like a plastic smoother or a wallpaper brush) to press out air bubbles, a seam roller for flattening seams, a measuring tape, a pencil, a stepladder, and a bucket for adhesive if using paste-the-paper wallpaper.
If you’re using pre-pasted wallpaper, you’ll need a water tray. For paste-the-wall options, you’ll need a separate adhesive. Ensure you have plenty of extra wallpaper just in case of mistakes or for future repairs. A level or plumb bob is crucial for ensuring your first strip is perfectly vertical.
Applying Wallpaper to Textured Walls
Begin by measuring your wall and cutting your first strip of wallpaper, adding a few extra inches for trimming at the ceiling and baseboard. If using paste-the-paper, apply the adhesive evenly to the back of the wallpaper, following the manufacturer’s instructions regarding booking time (allowing the paste to soak in).
Carefully align the first strip vertically using your level or plumb bob. Press the wallpaper onto the wall, starting from the center and working outwards towards the edges. Use your smoothing tool to push out any air bubbles or wrinkles. Work systematically, ensuring each section is well-adhered.
When applying subsequent strips, overlap them slightly (if recommended by the manufacturer) or butt them together precisely. Use a seam roller to gently press down the seams for a clean, unified look. Be particularly careful around textured areas to ensure the paper is pressed firmly into the depressions.
Trimming is a critical step. Use your sharp utility knife and a straight edge (like a metal ruler) to trim the excess wallpaper at the ceiling, baseboard, and around any obstacles. Change your blade frequently to ensure clean cuts.
Dealing with Bubbles and Seams on Textured Surfaces
Bubbles are a common issue, especially on textured walls. If you notice a small bubble after application, try to gently lift the wallpaper and reapply, smoothing it out. For stubborn bubbles, you can try carefully pricking them with a fine needle and then pressing the air out.
Seams can be challenging on textured surfaces. Ensure you’re using enough adhesive and that the wallpaper is pressed firmly into the texture. A seam roller can help flatten the seams, but use it gently to avoid damaging the wallpaper or the texture underneath. If your wallpaper has a pattern, pay close attention to pattern matching at the seams.
Common Mistakes When Wallpapering Textured Walls
| Step/Tool | Typical Mistake | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|---|
| Wall Preparation | Skipping cleaning or not filling imperfections | Thoroughly clean and repair all cracks, holes, and significant texture variations before applying primer or liner. |
| Wallpaper Choice | Using thin or delicate wallpaper | Select a thicker, pliable wallpaper like vinyl or heavy-duty paper that can better conform to the texture. |
| Adhesive Application | Using too little or too much adhesive | Follow manufacturer’s instructions. Use extra adhesive for textured walls to ensure good contact, but avoid excessive amounts that can seep through. |
| Smoothing | Not fully smoothing out bubbles and wrinkles | Use a wallpaper smoother or brush, working from the center outwards. Address bubbles immediately after application. |
FAQ
How to prep textured walls for wallpaper
Begin by cleaning the wall thoroughly and repairing any cracks or holes. For deep textures, consider applying a skim coat or a smoothing compound. A coat of high-quality primer or a wallpaper liner is essential to create a uniform surface and ensure proper adhesion for the final wallpaper.
How to apply wallpaper to textured walls
Apply your chosen wallpaper (preferably a thicker, pliable type) using the recommended adhesive, ensuring good coverage. Align the first strip carefully with a level. Press the wallpaper onto the wall firmly, working from the center out to eliminate air bubbles. Use a smoothing tool and a seam roller diligently.
How to smooth textured walls for wallpaper
The best way to smooth textured walls for wallpaper is by applying a skim coat of joint compound or a dedicated smoothing compound. After it dries, sand it lightly for a uniform finish. Alternatively, hanging a thick wallpaper liner will create a smooth surface over the existing texture.
How to put wallpaper on textured walls
First, prepare the wall by cleaning and smoothing it as much as possible, or use a liner. Cut your wallpaper to size, apply adhesive (if needed), and carefully position the first strip, ensuring it’s plumb. Press firmly, smoothing out all air bubbles and wrinkles, and pay close attention to seams.
How to prepare a textured wall for wallpaper
Clean the wall meticulously. Fill any holes or significant imperfections. For heavily textured surfaces, a layer of primer or a wallpaper liner is crucial. This step ensures a consistent surface that will accept the wallpaper evenly and prevent the texture from showing through.
How to wallpaper over textured walls
Choose a thick, forgiving wallpaper. Thoroughly clean and prep the wall, potentially using a primer or liner paper for a smoother base. Apply the wallpaper with ample adhesive, pressing it firmly into the texture and smoothing out all bubbles and wrinkles as you go. Use a seam roller for crisp edges.