Looking at your textured walls and wondering if you can wallpaper over textured walls to update your space without a full renovation? This is one of the most common questions homeowners ask when they want to refresh a room. The short answer is yes, but it is not quite as simple as slapping some paper onto a bumpy surface. Success requires specific preparation, the right materials, and an understanding of the potential pitfalls. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to determine if this project is right for your home.
Understanding Wall Texture and Its Challenges
Before tackling the project, it is essential to understand why textured walls are difficult to cover. The peaks and valleys created by texture create an uneven surface that does not bond well with wallpaper paste. If the paper lays flat on the high points, the low points will remain visible, creating a shadowy, lumpy appearance that is often called "quilting" or "graining." Furthermore, if the texture is loose or crumbling, the wallpaper adhesive can struggle to get a proper grip, leading to bubbles, wrinkles, or eventual peeling. The goal is to create a consistently smooth canvas that allows the wallpaper to adhere evenly and lie flat.
When Wallpapering Over Texture is a Good Idea
Not all textured walls are created equal, and some situations make this project a smart move. If your texture is firm—such as stucco or knockdown that is well adhered to the drywall—it can provide a fantastic grip for the wallpaper. Additionally, if your room has significant imperfections, cracks, or holes, covering the entire surface with paper is often a smarter option than trying to spackle every single flaw. Another scenario where this works well is with certain heavy, non-woven wallpapers. These materials are more forgiving and have a slight thickness that can mask minor irregularities without requiring the surface to be perfectly smooth.
Ideal Textures for Papering
- Knockdown
- Stucco (if stable)
- Orange peel (fine)
- Sand texture
Textures to Avoid
- Popcorn (acoustic) ceilings
- Loose or powdery textures
- Heavy, deep swirls
Critical Preparation Steps
Preparation is the single most important factor in determining the success of your project. You cannot rush this phase if you want a professional result. Start by cleaning the walls thoroughly to remove any dust, grease, or dirt that might prevent adhesion. Next, you must inspect the texture: try to flick or scratch a small area. If bits crumble off, the texture is not secure. You will need to stabilize it using a bonding agent or an encapsulating primer specifically designed for loose surfaces. Depending on the severity of the bumps, you might also need to lightly sand the high points or apply a joint compound to fill the deepest valleys to create a smoother base.
Choosing the Right Wallpaper and Adhesive
Standard, thin wallpaper will likely fail over a textured surface because it cannot bridge the gaps. Instead, you need to invest in the right materials. Heavyweight papers, such as vinyl-coated or pre-pasted murals, are generally the best choice because they are stiffer and less likely to conform to the bumps, which helps reduce the quilting effect. The adhesive is equally important. You should use a premium-quality wallpaper paste formulated for heavy installations. Some professionals even recommend using double-sided carpet tape for very difficult textures, as it provides a more robust mechanical bond than paste alone, holding the paper securely against the peaks of the texture.
Alternative Solutions to Consider
If the risks of wallpapering over your texture seem too high, there are excellent alternatives that achieve a similar aesthetic. Peel-and-stick removable wallpapers are a fantastic option for renters or those who want to test a pattern without the commitment. Because they are thin and flexible, they often conform better to slight bumps. Another modern alternative is textured wall paint. Products like those from StructrueTone or similar brands allow you to trowel a fresh layer of texture directly over the old one, giving you complete control over the final look. This ensures a perfectly smooth or custom-textured surface that is guaranteed to accept paint or wallpaper in the future.
When to Call a Professional
While a determined DIY enthusiast can attempt this, wallpapering over textured walls is one of the more challenging interior projects. If your texture is severe, if the walls are very large, or if the existing surface is in poor condition, hiring a professional installer might be the most cost-effective decision in the long run. Experts have the experience to assess whether the surface is salvageable, the skills to properly mesh the seam between walls and ceilings, and the techniques to smooth out the texture under the paper. Paying for a professional consultation can save you the cost of fixing a botched DIY job and ensure a flawless finish that enhances the overall look of your room.
