Can I wallpaper over textured walls?

Dear Elijah,
I totally understand your concerns; textured walls can sometimes throw a spanner into your wallpapering plans, but don’t worry, there’s always a suitable solution. Let me break down why textured walls can be a challenge for wallpaper and how to make sure your project will turn out beautifully.

Why textured walls can be problematic for wallpaper

Let’s face it, textured walls and wallpaper don’t always make the best team. It’s not true that you can’t make it work, but they definitely create some challenges that smooth walls simply don’t:

Adhesion issues

Textured walls are, well, bumpy. Those dips, peaks, and uneven surfaces create a patchy contact area for the wallpaper adhesive. This means your wallpaper is more likely to peel over time, especially at edges or corners. If you’re working with peel-and-stick wallpaper, the problem is even worse because it relies entirely on that surface-to-surface bond. Traditional paste-the-wall wallpaper performs better but can still struggle on heavily textured surfaces unless you prep the wall properly.

Aesthetic concerns

Once you get the wallpaper to stick, there’s the issue of the texture showing through. The raised parts of the wall can create unwanted bumps, shadows, or patterns that aren’t part of your wallpaper design. Light-coloured or smooth designs can make every imperfection stand out, which is particularly noticeable with wallpapers that are supposed to mimic flat surfaces, like wood panelling or geometric designs.

Seams and edge issues

Ah, seams - the trickiest part of any wallpapering job. On smooth walls, it’s fairly straightforward to align two sheets so that the edges meet perfectly. But on textured walls? Not so much. The uneven surface creates slight height differences between sheets, so even if the design lines up horizontally, the edges might still gap or overlap. This is particularly problematic with patterned wallpaper because even tiny misalignments can ruin the whole look.

Potential for moisture build-up

Moisture is the hidden enemy of textured walls and wallpaper. In high-humidity rooms like bathrooms or kitchens, textured walls can trap tiny pockets of air and moisture beneath the wallpaper. Over time, this can lead to mildew, mould, or peeling wallpaper. Using a mildew-resistant adhesive can help, but this potential issue is something to consider, especially in rooms that see a lot of steam or condensation.

How to identify the texture of your walls before wallpapering

The type of texture your walls have will dictate how much prep you’ll need (or if you’ll need to prep at all). Here’s a breakdown of common wall textures and their effect on wallpaper:

Orange peel: light texture, usually wallpaper-friendly

If your walls have a subtle dimpled surface that resembles, you guessed it, orange peel, you are in luck! You’ve got one of the easiest textures to work with as it doesn’t create major adhesion issues or cause visible bumps in most wallpapers. With the right prep (cleaning and maybe a quick sanding of any protruding areas), you can hang your wallpaper immediately. Just avoid overly thin, light-coloured wallpapers, as these might still show a hint of texture underneath.

Knockdown: moderate texture that may require smoothing

Knockdown texture has a stucco-like appearance with flattened peaks and valleys, giving it a slightly rustic feel. While it’s not as dramatic as some other textures, it can still pose challenges for wallpaper. Its unevenness might cause issues with adhesion and make seams harder to align, particularly with bold patterns. Here you might want to skim-coat the surface with wall filler to create a smoother base. If that feels like too much work, consider using a heavy-grade wallpaper, and choose a pattern with lots of detail to distract the eye from any bumps.

Slap brush and popcorn: heavy textures that need thorough preparation

Slap brush walls have sharp, sweeping lines that create a floral-like pattern, while popcorn walls, more commonly seen on ceilings, are rough, lumpy, and bumpy. For these heavy textures, there’s really no shortcut: you’ll need to smooth things out. Skim-coating is your best bet here, though sanding might work if the texture isn’t painted. Another option is to apply lining paper before applying your wallpaper.

Just run your hand across the wall. If it feels mostly smooth with tiny bumps, you’re probably dealing with orange peel. If it feels uneven with noticeable ridges, it’s likely knockdown, while if it feels sharp or very rough, it’s probably slap brush or popcorn.

How to prep textured walls for smooth wallpaper application

Prepping textured walls is the make-or-break step for a flawless wallpaper finish. Here’s how to tackle different prep methods and decide which one is right for you.

Skim-coating

The gold standard for prepping medium-to-heavy textured walls, skim-coating is all about applying a thin layer of filler to create a perfectly flat surface for your wallpaper to stick to.

Here are the steps you should follow:

1. Use a wide spatula to spread a thin, even layer of filler across the wall.
2. Work in sections to keep things manageable.
3. Let it dry completely, then lightly sand the surface with fine-grit sandpaper.
4. Repeat the process if needed to fill in any missed spots or ridges.
5. Finish with a coat of primer to seal the surface and help the wallpaper adhere.

Skim-coating is labour-intensive and can be a bit messy. For large walls or ceilings, you might want to call in a pro.

Sanding

For lightly textured walls (like orange peel), sanding is a quick and straightforward way to prep the surface. It’s perfect for smaller areas or when you’re short of time:

1. Grab some medium-grit sandpaper (or a sanding block) and start smoothing down the texture.
2. For larger areas, an orbital sander can save you time and elbow grease.
3. Wipe the wall down with a damp cloth afterward to remove any dust.

Remember to always wear goggles and a mask to protect yourself from dust. Cover your floors to make the cleanup easier.

Soak and scrape

If your textured walls are unpainted, you might be able to remove the texture with the soak-and-scrape method. It’s like stripping wallpaper, but for wall texture:

1. Use a pump sprayer to lightly soak the wall with water. Be careful not to overdo it, as too much water can damage the drywall underneath.
2. Let the water sit for 10 - 15 minutes to soften the texture.
3. Use a wide spatula to scrape off the texture, starting at the top and working your way down.
4. Allow the wall to dry for 24 hours before sanding it to achieve a smooth surface.

It’s a bit messy and time-consuming, but it can save you the hassle of skim-coating. Protect your floors and wear old clothes you won’t mind throwing away after.

Lining paper

If skim-coating or sanding feels like too much work, or you’re renting and can’t permanently alter the walls, lining paper can be a suitable solution. This heavy-duty wallpaper is designed to smooth over textured surfaces, giving you a flat base to apply your wallpaper. It works best for medium textures but may still require some minor prep for heavy textures. To find out more about it, read my answer to the question What is lining paper?.

1. Sand down any sharp points on the texture and clean the wall thoroughly.
2. Apply a coat of primer to help the liner adhere.
3. Hang the liner horizontally to avoid overlapping seams with the decorative wallpaper.
4. Let the liner dry completely before adding your wallpaper.

How to choose the right wallpaper for your textured wall

Picking the right wallpaper for textured walls can make or break your project, as the wrong choice might highlight every bump and groove, while the right one will hide imperfections and give you a flawless finish. Here’s what you need to know:

Thick vinyl or heavy-grade wallpaper

These are your go-to options for textured walls, as they are thick enough to hide slight textures, and often have a luxurious finish.

Textured wallpapers

Wallpapers with texture (think grasscloth or embossed designs) can work wonders on textured walls, adding dimension while camouflaging the wall’s imperfections.

Avoid thin wallpapers

Steer clear of lightweight, thin, or light-coloured wallpapers. These are the least forgiving and will make even subtle wall textures glaringly obvious.

Traditional wallpaper vs. peel-and-stick: which works best on textured walls?

With peel-and-stick wallpaper becoming more and more popular, I often get asked whether it can be a suitable solution even for textured walls. Traditional wallpaper and peel-and-stick wallpaper perform very differently, depending on the level of texture on your walls and your goals for the project.

Traditional wallpaper

Traditional wallpaper is put up with wallpapering paste, either applied directly to the wall (paste-the-wall) or to the back of the wallpaper (paste-the-paper). It provides a strong, durable bond. This makes it particularly effective for textured surfaces, where a thicker adhesive layer is needed to fill gaps and create a smooth finish. Its keys advantages are:

• Adheres better: Its paste creates a stronger bond, making it ideal for textured surfaces.
• Durable: Less prone to peeling, even on heavier textures like knockdown.
• Adjustable: You can move and reposition panels during application, which is helpful for aligning patterns.
• Best for heavier textures: If you’ve smoothed out the surface or used a liner, traditional wallpaper will give you the most professional finish.

Peel-and-stick wallpaper

Peel-and-stick wallpaper is pre-treated with adhesive, so you just peel off the backing and stick it directly to the wall. This type of wallpaper is perfect for DIY enthusiasts and renters who want a quick and temporary way to transform a space without committing to the permanence of a traditional wallpaper. These are its main features:

• Convenient: It’s very easy to apply and remove, making it perfect for renters or quick makeovers.
• Works on light textures: Fine for orange peel or other subtle textures but struggles with more pronounced ones.
• Temporary tests: Great for testing out a design or for short-term installations.
• Adhesion challenges: May peel over time on rougher surfaces unless paired with additional wallpapering paste.

So, which wallpaper type is better for textured walls? If your walls feature moderate to heavy textures or you’re aiming for a long-term, professional-quality result, traditional wallpaper is your best bet. On the other hand, if you’re only facing light textures and need a quick, removable option, peel-and-stick wallpaper might be the way to go.

Pro tips and tricks for successful wallpapering on textured walls

Let me leave you with a couple of practical tips based on my experience:

Choose darker colours or patterns

Darker wallpapers or those with intricate, busy patterns are perfect to naturally hide minor imperfections and make any texture that shows through far less noticeable. Avoid light, solid-coloured designs, as they can highlight bumps and uneven areas.

Apply in small sections

Take your time and work in smaller sections when applying the wallpaper. This approach helps you maintain control, smooth out bubbles, and ensure precise alignment of seams. It’s especially helpful when dealing with uneven surfaces, as you can adjust for texture as you go.

Consider professional help

When faced with strong wall textures or if you’re tackling a large, complex space, bringing in a professional can save you time and frustration. They have the expertise and tools to prep textured walls appropriately and achieve a seamless, long-lasting wallpapering result. Sometimes a flawless finish is well worth the investment.

I hope this explanation has given you a clear picture of which challenges you are likely to face when wallpapering textured walls - and how to tackle them. If you’re feeling unsure about any part of the process or need tailored advice for your specific walls, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help you every step of the way! And when your wallpaper project is done, I’d love to see how it turned out - feel free to share a photo or two.
Best of luck!

Your wallpaper expert

Isabel