The short answer to the question, can I put wallpaper on a textured wall, is yes, but it requires careful preparation and the right materials. Applying wallpaper directly over a heavily textured surface is one of the most common reasons a DIY project fails, leading to bubbles, wrinkles, and peeling. However, with the correct technique, it is entirely possible to achieve a flawless finish that transforms the room.
Understanding the Challenges of Textured Walls
Before diving into the "how," it is essential to understand the "why" it is difficult. Textured surfaces, whether they are knockdown, orange peel, or skip trowel, create high points and low points. Wallpaper paste needs to make complete contact with the wall to adhere properly and dry evenly. When paste sits on the peaks of the texture, it forms thin, weak spots, while air gets trapped in the valleys, leading to bubbles that refuse to flatten out. Furthermore, the shifting nature of a textured surface can cause the wallpaper to crack over time.
Assess the Texture Depth
Not all textures are created equal, and the depth of the texture dictates the difficulty of the project. If the texture is light—meaning you can run your finger over it without feeling significant ridges—standard wallpaper and paste might suffice with proper priming. However, if the texture is deep and the surface is rough, you will need to take more aggressive steps, such as smoothing the wall or using specialty panels designed to hide imperfections.
Preparation is the Key to Success
Skipping preparation is the fastest route to failure. You must treat the wall as if it were brand new drywall, regardless of its current condition. This involves sanding down high points, filling holes, and, most importantly, sealing the surface. A sealed surface prevents the texture from absorbing the paste too quickly, giving you a longer working window to smooth the paper or vinyl into place. A good sealing primer creates a uniform surface that allows the adhesive to bond evenly.
Tools You Will Need
To tackle this project, you will need specific tools that go beyond a standard wallpaper kit.
- Heavy-duty sanding block or drywall sander
- High-quality drywall joint compound or lightweight spackle
- Broad-knife for smoothing compound
- High-loft nap rollers for primer application
- Seam roller for final adhesion
- Paper towels or a damp sponge for immediate cleanup
Strategic Solutions: When to Smooth vs. Cover
Homeowners often face a dilemma: should I smooth the wall, or should I cover the texture? If the texture is mild, you can likely get away with using a pre-pasted liner behind the wallpaper. This liner acts as a forgiving base layer that absorbs the texture and provides a smooth canvas for the decorative paper on top. In many cases, this is the most cost-effective solution that still delivers a high-end result.
When to Abandon the Texture
If the texture is severe—think popcorn ceilings combined with heavy knockdown—applying wallpaper directly is usually a bad idea. The physical labor required to sand down the entire wall is immense and creates a massive amount of dust. In these scenarios, the best approach is to apply a skim coat or a wall smoothing compound. These products are designed to be troweled on and sanded down to a perfectly flat finish, essentially giving you a new wall to work with.
Material Choices Matter
Not every roll of wallpaper is suitable for a textured surface. You should avoid thin, lightweight papers, as they offer no camouflage power. Instead, look for products specifically labeled as "textured wall suitable" or "heavyweight." Non-woven wallpapers are generally the best choice because they are more rigid and easier to slide into place without tearing. The rigidity allows the paper to bridge the gaps of the texture more effectively than a thin, vinyl paper.
The Liner Method Explained
Experienced DIYers often recommend installing a liner sheet first. You apply a layer of wallpaper paste to the wall, hang the liner paper (usually plain white or gray), and let it dry. Once the liner is up, you treat it as your new wall and apply your decorative pattern on top. This method effectively compresses the texture, filling the voids and creating a surface smooth enough for even the most detailed vintage prints.
Final Application Tips
When it is time to hang the actual wallpaper, modify your technique to accommodate the surface. Apply paste to the back of the paper rather than the wall. This "back-roll" method ensures full saturation without over-saturating the porous texture of the wall. Start hanging the paper from the center of the wall, working outward to push out air pockets. Use a brush to gently tap the paper into the texture, and be prepared to use a seam roller with firm pressure to ensure contact in the valleys.
Expect to work in smaller sections than you would on a smooth wall. Take your time with alignment and smoothing. If a bubble appears, do not pierce it with a needle; instead, try to smooth it toward the edge. If it persists, carefully lift the paper, reapply paste, and try again. Patience and a slow, methodical approach are the only ways to succeed when decorating a textured surface.
