Can You Wallpaper Over Textured Surfaces? Expert Answers & Solutions

Wallpaper is a fast and stylish way to update your walls. However, many homeowners wonder if wallpaper can still be used on textured surfaces. Let’s look at the answers and solutions from experts to help you make the right choice.

Understanding Textured Surfaces

Textured walls can come with soft patterns or quite bold, like knockdown, orange peel, even brick and concrete. These bumpier surfaces will make it challenging to put up wallpaper, but the answer cannot simply be in the terms of "yes" or "no." In actuality, it fully depends upon the type of texture and the sort of wallpaper one is willing to install.

Can You Wallpaper Over Textured Surfaces?

Yes, you can put wallpaper over textured surfaces, but how it looks will depend on how rough the texture is. Thick textures may be visible through the wallpaper or form air pockets that can ruin the look. But with proper preparation, you can achieve a smooth, professional result.

Solutions for Wallpapering Textured Surfaces

1. Sanding the Wall

If the surface feels smooth, a light sanding can make it softer when putting on wallpaper. The sanding helps moderate the bumps and grooves that would reflect through the wallpaper.

2. Applying a Liner

One good method of application for smoothing textured walls is by using a wallpaper liner. The robust and smooth paper goes onto the textured wall first and creates a flat surface on which to attach the wallpaper. On those walls that have a lot of texture works best to make the finish of the wall look better.

3. Using Thick or Textured Wallpaper

A more suitable option is thicker material wallpaper for textured walls, such as vinyl or fabric-backed paper. These types of papers can mask certain defects and make the wall surface appear smoother. You might also choose to select wallpapers with patterns or textures that harmoniously blend with the existing wall texture rather than trying to mask it.

Expert Tips for Success

- Prime the Surface

Before any wallpaper or liner is fixed. It is important to prepare the textured wall with primer. The primer makes the wallpaper stick well and doesn't allow peeling off after some time.

- Test a Sample First

If you need to figure out how the wallpaper's going to look on your textured surface, do a little test area. This will give you an idea of just how well the wallpaper sticks, and if the texture's gonna be a problem or not.

- Select for Peel and Stick

In the case of textured walls, the peel and stick wallpaper can be quite convenient. While it doesn't work that well for heavy textures, it does quite all right for lighter ones and, if necessary, can be easily repositioned or taken off.

When to Avoid Wallpapering Over Textured Surfaces

There are, however, instances where direct wallpapering over a textured surface is not advisable. If the texture is too deep or uneven, one may have a tough time trying to make the wallpaper stick to the wall, even with extra preparation. In such cases, plastering the wall to smooth out bumpy areas or making use of a professional wallpapering service would be the better alternative.

How to Wallpaper Textured Surfaces: Tips, Tools, and Preparation

You can put wallpaper on textured surfaces if you prepare well and have the right tools. Choosing thicker wallpaper, using a liner, or lightly sanding are ways to get a nice finish on textured walls. You have to balance your approach with wall texture and the type of wallpaper at hand.

For any problem with textured surfaces, there is a solution—like preparation, choosing the right product, or getting professional help. Want to update your walls? Check out wallpaper choices that fit your space today!

Expert Answers for Wallpapering Over Textured Surfaces

Can I wallpaper directly over textured walls?

Yes. You can put wallpaper over textured walls, but how well it works depends on how rough the texture is. For light textures, you can sand them down or use thick wallpaper. Heavier textures need a wallpaper liner to make a smooth surface.

Which type of wallpaper works well for textured surfaces?

Thicker wallpapers are suitable for textured walls and include vinyl or fabric-backed types. These last longer and mask defects quite well. Textured or patterned wallpapers can also match whatever textures are already on the walls.

Do I need to sand my bumpy walls before putting up wallpaper?

Lightly sanding rough walls may make them smoother to hang wallpaper. However, for exceptionally rough walls, using a wallpaper liner or other options may work out better.

Will wallpaper stick on textured walls well and last?

Yes, it is, but only if appropriately prepared with the use of primer on the walls and suitable wallpaper or liners. It can remain stuck to the wall without peeling or even showing imperfections after some time.

Can I put peel and stick wallpaper on walls that have texture?

Peel-and-stick wallpaper can stick to lightly textured walls, but it may stick poorly to very textured surfaces. If you are not sure, test a small area before putting it on the whole wall. A liner or extra glue might make it work better.