Wallpaper has made a triumphant return to the interior design scene, offering an array of patterns, colors, and textures that can transform any space. However, many homeowners face a dilemma when they encounter textured walls. Is it possible to hang wallpaper on textured surfaces? The answer is yes, but it requires careful consideration and preparation to achieve a smooth and successful application. Let’s delve into the intricacies of wallpapering over textured walls, exploring the challenges, solutions, and tips to ensure a flawless finish.
The Textured Wall Challenge: Understanding the Obstacles
Textured walls, while visually appealing, present unique challenges when it comes to wallpaper application.
- Uneven Surface: The bumps and grooves inherent to textured walls create an uneven surface, making it difficult for wallpaper to adhere smoothly. Air bubbles and wrinkles can form, compromising the aesthetic appeal of the finished product.
- Pattern Distortion: Textured surfaces can also distort the pattern of the wallpaper, especially if it has intricate details or fine lines.
- Adhesion Issues: The adhesive on wallpaper might not bond effectively to textured surfaces, leading to peeling or lifting over time.
Assessing Your Wall Texture: Severity Matters
The severity of your wall texture plays a crucial role in determining the feasibility and approach to wallpapering.
Light Textures
Lightly textured walls, such as those with a subtle orange peel or knockdown texture, are generally suitable for wallpapering. However, proper preparation and the right wallpaper type are crucial.
Moderate Textures
Walls with a more pronounced texture, such as skip trowel or swirl patterns, require additional preparation and might necessitate specific wallpaper types or professional assistance.
Heavy Textures
Heavily textured walls, like popcorn ceilings or heavily textured plaster, pose the greatest challenge. Wallpapering over these surfaces is generally not recommended, as the texture is likely to show through and compromise adhesion.
Assessing Your Texture
- Visual Inspection: Carefully examine your walls and assess the depth and prominence of the texture.
- Touch Test: Run your hand over the surface to feel the texture. A lightly textured wall will feel slightly bumpy, while a heavily textured wall will have more pronounced peaks and valleys.
- Professional Consultation: If you’re unsure about the suitability of your textured walls for wallpapering, consult with a professional wallpaper installer or a home improvement specialist.
While textured walls present challenges for wallpaper application, it’s certainly possible to achieve a successful and beautiful result with proper preparation and the right approach.
Whether you opt for lining paper, skimming, or choosing a suitable wallpaper type, careful planning and execution are key. Remember to assess your wall texture, consider professional assistance if needed, and prioritize a smooth and well-adhered finish.
With a little effort and attention to detail, you can transform your textured walls into a stunning backdrop with the elegance and charm of wallpaper.
Solutions for Lightly Textured Walls: Embrace the Subtlety
For walls with subtle textures like orange peel or knockdown, wallpaper application is feasible with proper preparation and the right wallpaper choice.
- Lining Paper: Applying a layer of lining paper before hanging your wallpaper can create a smoother surface for better adhesion and minimize the appearance of texture.
- Heavyweight Wallpaper: Opt for thicker, heavyweight wallpaper that can effectively conceal minor imperfections and create a more even surface.
- Textured Wallpaper: Consider textured wallpaper that complements or even enhances the existing wall texture. This can create a unique and visually appealing effect.
Tips for Lightly Textured Walls
- Thorough Cleaning: Clean the walls meticulously to remove dust, dirt, or grease that can interfere with adhesion.
- Primer: Apply a primer before hanging the lining paper or wallpaper to ensure proper adhesion and prevent the texture from showing through.
- Careful Application: Take your time during wallpaper application, smoothing out any bubbles or wrinkles as you go.
Walls with a more pronounced texture, such as skip trowel or swirl patterns, require additional preparation and careful consideration when choosing wallpaper.
- Skimming: For a smoother surface, consider skimming the walls with a thin layer of joint compound. This fills in the deeper textures and creates a more even base for wallpaper application. However, skimming can be a messy and time-consuming process, and professional assistance might be necessary.
- Heavyweight or Textured Wallpaper: Choose heavyweight or textured wallpaper that can effectively disguise the underlying texture.
Tips for Moderate Textures
- Professional Consultation: If you’re unsure about the best approach for your moderately textured walls, consult with a professional wallpaper installer for advice.
- Sample First: Before committing to a large roll of wallpaper, order a sample and test it on your textured wall to see how it looks and adheres.
Heavily Textured Walls: Alternative Solutions
For heavily textured walls like popcorn ceilings or heavily textured plaster, wallpapering is generally not recommended. The texture is likely to show through the wallpaper, compromising its aesthetic appeal and potentially causing adhesion issues.
- Alternative Wall Coverings: Consider alternative wall coverings like paint, wood paneling, or fabric. These options can effectively cover heavily textured walls and create a fresh new look.
- Texture Removal: If you’re determined to wallpaper heavily textured walls, consider removing the texture first. This can be a labor-intensive process involving scraping, sanding, or even applying a skim coat. Professional assistance is often recommended for this task.
Beyond Aesthetics: Functionality and Practicality
Choosing the right wall covering involves considering not only its aesthetic appeal but also its functionality and practicality within your space.
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High-Traffic Areas: For hallways, kitchens, or children’s rooms, choose durable and washable wall coverings that can withstand wear and tear.
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Moisture-Prone Areas: In bathrooms or laundry rooms, opt for water-resistant or moisture-resistant wall coverings like tiles or certain types of wallpaper.
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Light and Color: Consider the amount of natural light in the room and your desired mood when choosing colors and patterns. Lighter colors can make a space feel brighter and more open, while darker colors create a cozy and intimate atmosphere.
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Maintenance: Think about the cleaning and maintenance requirements of different wall coverings. Some materials require more frequent cleaning or special care compared to others.
Preparing Textured Walls: Smoothing the Canvas
To ensure proper adhesion and a flawless finish on textured walls, thorough preparation is paramount.
- Cleaning: Start by meticulously cleaning the walls to remove any dust, dirt, or grease that might interfere with adhesion. Use a mild soap and water solution and allow the walls to dry completely before proceeding.
- Filling and Sanding: For walls with minor imperfections like small holes or cracks, fill them with a patching compound and let it dry completely. Then, gently sand the patched areas and the surrounding texture to create a smoother surface.
- Priming: Applying a primer is crucial for ensuring proper adhesion and preventing the texture from showing through the wallpaper. Choose a high-quality primer specifically designed for textured surfaces.
Preparation Tips:
- Sanding: If your walls have a more pronounced texture, you might need to sand them lightly to reduce the peaks and valleys. However, avoid sanding too aggressively, as this can damage the drywall or plaster.
- Skim Coating (For Heavy Textures): For heavily textured walls, consider applying a skim coat of joint compound to create a smoother surface. This process requires some skill and experience, so you might want to consult a professional if you’re unsure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, applying wallpaper to textured walls is indeed possible, but it requires careful consideration and preparation. The severity of the texture plays a crucial role in determining the feasibility and approach.
For lightly textured walls, lining paper and heavyweight or textured wallpaper can be effective solutions. For moderate textures, skimming or professional assistance might be necessary. For heavily textured walls, alternative wall coverings or texture removal might be more suitable.
Remember, choosing the right wall covering involves balancing aesthetics, functionality, and practicality. By assessing your wall texture, exploring various options, and prioritizing proper preparation, you can achieve a beautiful and long-lasting transformation of your space.
