Standard wallpapers are designed to be applied to smooth and absorbent surfaces. Wallpaper adhesives are also formulated for this purpose. But can you apply wallpaper to a textured wall? We explain the challenges you may face when wallpapering a textured wall and guide you through the correct method.
Can You Put Wallpaper on Textured Walls?
Wallpaper is one of the best ways to refresh a wall after painting. However, it can be challenging if you have textured walls. Since wallpaper is typically designed for smooth surfaces, applying it to textured walls can present some difficulties. However, with proper preparation, it is possible to apply wallpaper to textured surfaces. First, let’s discuss the issues you may face if you apply wallpaper directly to a textured wall.
What Happens if You Put Wallpaper on Textured Walls?
Applying wallpaper directly to a textured wall can lead to several issues. One common problem is bubbling and blistering, where air pockets form between the wallpaper and the wall, especially in warmer weather.
Poor adhesion is another challenge, as most wallpaper adhesives are designed for smooth surfaces and struggle to fill in the gaps of a textured wall. This can cause the wallpaper to peel over time.
Additionally, visible seams can be difficult to align, resulting in an uneven and unappealing finish. Glue overflow is another concern, as smoothing the wallpaper with a cloth or spatula may cause excess glue to seep out.
Moreover, because wallpaper does not adhere well to textured surfaces, it can shift during application, making it difficult to position correctly. Lastly, the raised bumps on a textured wall can lead to wallpaper tears, especially if you are using thinner wallpaper.
Which Wallpapers are Best for Textured Walls?
For textured walls, thicker wallpapers are generally a better choice. Thin papers can highlight imperfections and tear easily on rough surfaces. Thick, non-woven, or fabric-backed wallpapers are the best options for textured walls. However, regardless of the wallpaper type, we recommend smoothing the textured wall as much as possible for better results.
How to Put Wallpaper on Textured Walls?
For the wallpaper to adhere properly and achieve a flawless look, having a smooth surface is essential. Here are some methods to prepare your textured wall for wallpapering: “Related article: preparing walls for painting after wallpaper removal“
1-Skim Coating & Sanding
This is one of the most common ways to smooth rough surfaces. Apply a thin layer of plaster or joint compound to the wall and let it dry. Then, sand it with 150 or 180-grit sandpaper. Wipe away dust with a damp cloth before applying the wallpaper.
- Pros: Provides the smoothest, most professional result.
- Cons: Time-consuming and requires attention to detail.
2-Sanding
For mildly textured walls, sanding alone may be sufficient. Start with coarse sandpaper, then move to finer grits for a smoother finish. A sanding machine can speed up the process for larger areas.
- Pros: Simple and cost-effective for light textures.
- Cons: Won’t work for heavily textured walls.
3-Lining Paper
Lining paper is an easy way to prep a textured wall for wallpaper. Hang it horizontally to prevent the wallpaper seams from aligning with the lining paper seams. Once it’s applied, you can wallpaper directly over it.
- Pros: Fast, easy, and affordable.
- Cons: May not be as smooth as skim coating but is great for DIY projects.
4-Wall Panels
You can use wall-covering panels like wood or thin plasterboard to create a smooth surface. Attach the panels directly to the wall, fill in the seams, and then apply the wallpaper.
- Pros: Permanent and professional solution.
- Cons: More expensive and labor-intensive than other methods.
5-Hire a Professional
If you don’t want to do the work yourself, hire a professional plasterer to smooth your walls for you.
- Pros: Ensures a professional, flawless result.
- Cons: More costly than DIY methods.
Summary
Wallpapering textured walls can be challenging, as wallpaper is typically designed for smooth surfaces. Issues like bubbling, poor adhesion, visible seams, and tears can occur if applied directly to textured walls. To avoid these problems, it’s important to prepare the wall properly.
For textured walls, thicker wallpapers such as non-woven or fabric-backed types are ideal. Thin wallpapers may tear or highlight imperfections. To prepare, methods like skim coating, sanding, or using lining paper can help smooth the surface. Skim coating provides the smoothest result but is time-consuming, while sanding is quicker for light textures. Lining paper is an affordable DIY solution, and wall panels offer a more permanent but costly option. Alternatively, hiring a professional can ensure the best results.
Can you put vinyl wallpaper on textured walls?
Vinyl wallpaper tends to be thinner than standard wallpapers, meaning that the texture of the wall may show through. You can test a small piece of vinyl wallpaper on your textured wall to see how it adheres before committing to the entire project.
Can you put removable wallpaper on textured walls?
Thicker removable wallpapers can work on textured walls. However, it’s still a good idea to sand the wall beforehand to improve adhesion and ensure a smoother application.
Can you put wallpaper on slightly textured walls?
Yes, you can apply wallpaper to slightly textured walls, but thicker wallpaper will provide better results.
Can you put wallpaper on a textured ceiling?
Applying wallpaper to a textured ceiling is generally not recommended. It can lead to a waste of time and money. Before considering wallpaper for a textured ceiling, the surface needs to be smoothed or covered with a suitable material to ensure proper adhesion and a better finish.
How do you get wallpaper to stick to textured walls?
To make wallpaper stick to textured walls, smooth the surface using skim coating, sanding, or lining paper. Once the wall is prepared, use a strong adhesive and choose thicker, non-woven, or fabric-backed wallpaper for better adhesion.
What kind of wallpaper can I use on a textured wall?
For textured walls, it’s best to use thicker wallpapers, such as non-woven or fabric-backed types. These are more durable and can better adhere to uneven surfaces compared to thin paper.
Can you put peel and stick tile on textured walls?
Peel and stick wallpaper is usually thinner, which makes it less suitable for textured walls. Because it’s more flexible and lightweight, it can’t fill in the gaps or adhere properly to uneven surfaces, leading to issues like peeling, bubbling, or an uneven finish. For the best results on textured walls, we recommend using thicker wallpapers that can better conform to the surface and stay securely in place.
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