Wallpaper Over Textured Walls: Tips for a Flawless Finish

Wondering if you can give your textured walls a facelift with wallpaper? You're not alone. Many homeowners face the challenge of transforming rooms with less-than-smooth surfaces. While it's true that the flatter the wall, the easier the wallpaper application, don't let a bit of texture dash your decor dreams.

You'll be pleased to know that wallpapering over textured walls is indeed possible. The key to success lies in choosing the right wallpaper and adhesive to ensure a lasting, attractive finish. Whether you're aiming for a subtle refresh or a bold statement, the right approach can make all the difference. Keep reading to discover how to master the art of wallpapering on textured surfaces.

Can You Wallpaper Over Textured Walls?

When faced with the task of wallpapering over textured walls, you’re touching on a common predicament in the world of home decor. Yes, you can wallpaper over textured walls, and it’s a fantastic way to revamp your space without the extensive process of completely smoothing out the walls.

Your success hinges on the wall's texture itself; finer textures allow for better adhesion and a more seamless appearance. For coarser textures, you might want to consider either smoothing the surface or opting for wallpapers that specifically cater to hiding or complementing the wall's texture.

• Vinyl wallpapers: These are inherently thicker, thus better at concealing wall irregularities.
• Textile wallpapers: With their fabric backing, they also offer good coverage but remember – the heavier the wallpaper, the more capable it is of disguising texture.
• Embossed wallpapers: These may mimic the wall's texture and create an intentional design feature.

Moreover, the choice of adhesive plays a crucial role in ensuring that the wallpaper sticks properly and stays in place. A stronger adhesive might be required to counter the uneven surface. Prepping the wall with a suitable primer can improve the wallpaper's grip and longevity.

Don't forget about the necessary tools, like a smoothing brush or roller, to help the wallpaper conform to the textured surface. With careful preparation and smart material choices, wallpapering over textured walls becomes a doable project that could yield striking results.

Preparing Textured Walls for Wallpaper

As you dive into the project of wallpapering over textured walls, it's essential to follow the right steps for preparation. This will ensure a smooth application and a beautiful result that won't betray the textured surfaces beneath.

Evaluating the Texture

Before you begin, take a good look at your walls. The texture's depth and type influence your approach:

• Orange peel texture, while light, might still show through thin wallpaper.
• Aggressive textures such as knockdown or slap brush require more attention as they may interfere with wallpaper adhesion and appearance.

Test a sample of the wallpaper on a cleaned section of your textured wall. This helps determine not only if the wallpaper sticks properly but also if the texture is visible through it. Make note of how pronounced the texture appears after applying the sample.

Cleaning the Walls

Properly cleaning your walls is a non-negotiable step. Dust, grease, or other residues can prevent wallpaper from adhering correctly. Here's a systematic approach:

• Remove dust and debris with a vacuum or a microfiber cloth.
• Wash the walls with a solution of TSP (Trisodium Phosphate) or a mild detergent that won't leave residue.
• Rinse with clean water and allow the walls to dry completely.

A clean surface ensures that nothing comes between the wallpaper adhesive and the wall. This sets the stage for successful wallpaper application without the risk of peeling or bubbling.

Smoothing the Texture

To achieve the smoothest possible surface:

• Start by sanding down prominent textures with fine-grit sandpaper. Careful not to overdo it, as excessive sanding can damage the wall.
• Should the texture be too pronounced for sanding alone, consider skim coating with joint compound. Apply the compound evenly, filling in the nooks and crannies of the texture.
• Use a wallpaper liner for less pronounced textures. This acts as a buffer layer to hide minor imperfections and create a smoother base for your wallpaper.

The texture should be sufficiently smoothed, so it's undetectable through the wallpaper. Be patient with this process; a rushed job will be evident once you hang your wallpaper. With careful preparation, you can transform your textured walls into the perfect canvas for your chosen wallpaper design.

Choosing the Right Wallpaper

When you're looking to wallpaper over textured walls, selecting the right type is key to a smooth finish. Peel-and-stick wallpapers are a popular choice as some brands specifically cater to textured surfaces with more durable and heavy-duty adhesives. Traditional vinyl or non-woven wallpapers are also suitable alternatives as they tend to be thicker and can mask the underlying texture effectively. Here's what you need to look out for:

• Durability: Wallpapers designed for textured walls are more robust to effectively hide and adhere to the uneven surface.
• Adhesive quality: Look for wallpapers with high-grade adhesive to reduce the risk of peeling.
• Thickness: Thicker wallpaper materials help to smooth out the visual effect of the texture beneath.

Remember, sampling is a must. Trying out a wallpaper sample on your textured wall before making a purchase ensures that the wallpaper's features match your expectations and that you are satisfied with the design in your unique space.

Applying Wallpaper on Textured Walls

Decorating your home can bring new life to your spaces, and applying wallpaper is a fantastic way to add depth, texture, and personality to any room. However, if you're dealing with textured walls, the process might require a few additional steps. Let's delve into the best way to achieve a flawless wallpaper finish over those tricky surfaces.

• Priming: Before anything, ensure that your walls are sized or prime-sealed. This step is crucial as it preps your walls for better adhesion and prevents damage during wallpaper removal.
• Horizontal Application: Unlike traditional wallpaper, you hang lining paper horizontally. This strategy helps to avoid the matching of seams with the wallpaper, making any slight misalignments less noticeable.
• Gap Management: Hang your lining paper with a 1mm gap between each sheet. This will minimize the potential for any visible ridges where two sheets overlap.
• Cutting: Measure your lining paper to be slightly longer than the wall and trim the excess after application. This technique allows for a precise fit and clean edges.

Applying Adhesive

Choosing the right adhesive is critical for ensuring that your wallpaper remains in place. Here are some points to consider:

• Compatibility: Verify that the adhesive is compatible with both your lining paper and wallpaper.
• Coverage: Apply the adhesive evenly across the wall surface, ensuring every inch is covered to prevent peeling or bubbling.
• Reaction to Texture: Be aware that even with adhesive, some textures may still show through thinner wallpapers. Opting for a thicker wallpaper can help alleviate this issue.

Hanging the Wallpaper

Hanging your wallpaper is the final step, and attention to detail is essential for striking results. Follow these tips:

• Alignment: Start from the top and align your wallpaper carefully with the edge of the wall or the ceiling. This approach ensures a straight application.
• Smoothing Out: Utilize a brush or a squeegee to smooth out the wallpaper as you go, eliminating any air bubbles or wrinkles.
• Seams: Make sure that your wallpaper seams are tight and matched up correctly. Imperfect seams can be an eyesore and may undo the seamless look you're aiming for.
• Overlaps: When hanging successive strips, be vigilant about matching patterns and overlapping just enough to ensure that the design appears continuous.

By following these steps, you'll be more likely to achieve a professional and enduring wallpaper application, even over those stubborn textured walls. With a bit of patience and the right technique, there's no reason you can't enjoy the transformative effect of wallpaper, texture or not.