Can you put wallpaper on plywood? Standard wallpaper is formulated for walls, but plywood and other wood surfaces can be wallpapered too — with the right prep. The exact steps depend on the plywood type (unfinished, veneered, or sealed), so this guide covers what to check, how to prepare the surface, and which wallpaper types work best for lasting results.
Can You Put Wallpaper on Plywood?
Yes, you can apply wallpaper to plywood, but the process depends on the type of plywood you’re working with. Plywood surfaces vary, and this affects how well the wallpaper will adhere.
If you’re dealing with unfinished or plain plywood, you can generally apply wallpaper just as you would on a regular wall. As long as the surface is smooth and clean, wallpaper adhesive will bond without major issues.
However, if you want to wallpaper veneer plywood, the standard method won’t work as effectively. Veneer plywood has a slick, finished surface that can prevent traditional wallpaper paste from bonding properly. That’s why proper surface preparation is essential before applying wallpaper.
Here are a few important things to keep in mind when working with veneer plywood:
Primer Is Necessary
You’ll need to apply a primer first to create a more absorbent surface. This helps the wallpaper adhesive stick correctly.
Adhesion Problems
Standard wallpaper glue often performs poorly on veneer plywood. Ready-to-use wallpaper adhesives designed for smooth or glossy surfaces will give you much better results.
Seams and Gaps
Plywood seams, gaps, or lines may show through the wallpaper. Make sure to fill these areas with a crack-resistant filler before you start.
Expansion and Contraction
Plywood expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity. Over time, this movement can cause bubbling, peeling, or lifting of the wallpaper.
Durability
Even when applied correctly, wallpaper on plywood may not last as long as it would on drywall. Without proper prep, the wallpaper can peel sooner or fail to adhere evenly.
Can You Put Peel and Stick Wallpaper over Plywood?
Yes, you can apply peel-and-stick wallpaper to plywood. In many cases, it’s actually one of the easiest wallpaper options to use on plywood because the adhesive backing grips well once the surface is prepared. Peel-and-stick wallpaper works best when the plywood is smooth, clean, and lightly sealed, since a glossy or sealed surface helps the wallpaper adhere more evenly and prevents bubbling or peeling later on.
How Do You Stick Wallpaper to Plywood?
To successfully apply wallpaper to plywood, proper surface preparation is essential. Start by checking the plywood for holes, dents, or rough spots. Fill any gaps with a water-based wood filler, then let it dry completely. Lightly sanding the filled areas afterward will help you achieve a smooth, even surface. It’s also a good idea to smooth out the seams where plywood panels meet so they don’t create visible lines under the wallpaper.
Once the surface is smooth, apply a primer or a wallpaper lining paper. Primer helps seal the porous plywood and prevents moisture from the adhesive from soaking into the wood, which improves adhesion and reduces the chances of bubbles or seam lines showing through.
When applying wallpaper adhesive, make sure to use a high-quality paste that’s compatible with the type of wallpaper you’re installing. If the paste feels too thin or weak, you can slightly increase its bonding strength by mixing in about 5% white glue. Apply the adhesive evenly across the entire surface with a brush or roller, ensuring full coverage so the wallpaper adheres without lifting or peeling.
After placing the wallpaper, press it firmly with a smoothing tool to remove air bubbles and ensure proper contact. Allow it to dry thoroughly before touching or trimming the edges.
If wallpapering plywood feels complicated or the surface has too much texture to hide, painting the plywood is a simpler alternative. Modern wood paints provide smooth, durable results and require far less surface correction than wallpaper. “Related article: Can you wallpaper over paneling?”
Can You Put Wallpaper on Wood Furniture?
Yes, you can apply wallpaper to wood furniture. It’s a simple way to give an old piece a fresh, updated look. However, wallpaper doesn’t adhere well to furniture with lots of grooves, carvings, or uneven details. In those cases, painting the piece is usually a more practical and longer-lasting option.
Can You Put Wallpaper on Wood Cabinets?
Yes, you can apply wallpaper to wood cabinets, and it works especially well when the surface is prepared correctly. Before installing standard wallpaper, prime the cabinet doors with either a glossy-surface primer or a primer designed to make the wood more absorbent. This helps the adhesive bond properly and prevents the wallpaper from peeling over time.
For the best results, choose small patterns or solid-colored wallpapers. These options hide minor imperfections and make seams less noticeable. Peel-and-stick wallpaper is also a great choice for wooden cabinets because it’s easier to apply, adjust, and remove without damaging the wood.
“If your cabinets are metal, you can check out the article: Can You Put Wallpaper on Metal? And if your goal is simply to refresh the color of your cabinets, you might also find these helpful: How to Change the Color of Cabinets Without Painting and How to Paint Metal Filing Cabinets.”
