Can You Wallpaper Over Textured Walls? A Comprehensive Guide

Are you looking to add a touch of elegance and style to your home? Wallpaper is a fantastic option that allows you to transform your space quickly and easily. However, if you have textured walls, you might be wondering if wallpaper is a viable option. Can you wallpaper over textured walls? In this comprehensive guide, we will explore this question and provide you with all the information you need to know.

Understanding Textured Walls: What You Need to Know

Before we dive into whether you can wallpaper over textured walls, it's important to understand the different types of textures commonly found on walls. There are typically three main types of wall textures:

1. Orange Peel Texture: This type of texture resembles the skin of an orange, with a slightly bumpy surface.
2. Knockdown Texture: Knockdown texture is similar to orange peel, but it has more pronounced bumps that are flattened out.
3. Popcorn Texture: Popcorn texture, also known as acoustic texture, is a more pronounced texture that appears like small, raised bumps.

Now that you have a better understanding of the different textured wall types, let's discuss whether you can wallpaper over them.

Yes, You Can Wallpaper Over Textured Walls

The good news is that you can definitely wallpaper over textured walls! However, there are a few important things to keep in mind before you begin the process. Here are three key factors to consider:

1. Preparation is Key: Before you start applying wallpaper, it's crucial to prepare your textured walls properly. Begin by cleaning the walls thoroughly, ensuring there are no dirt or grease residues. Next, fill any cracks or imperfections in the walls with spackle or joint compound. Finally, sand the walls to create a smooth surface for the wallpaper to adhere to.
2. Choose the Right Wallpaper: When selecting wallpaper for textured walls, opt for designs that can hide or blend into the texture. Textured wallpapers or those with large patterns tend to be more forgiving and can help mask any imperfections in the wall surface.
3. Use the Correct Adhesive: To ensure that your wallpaper stays in place on textured walls, it's essential to use the right adhesive. Heavy-duty wallpaper paste or a strong adhesive specifically designed for textured surfaces is recommended. This will ensure that the wallpaper adheres securely and doesn't peel or bubble over time.

By following these steps and taking the necessary precautions, you can successfully wallpaper over textured walls and achieve beautiful results.

Advantages of Wallpapering Over Textured Walls

Choosing to wallpaper over textured walls offers several advantages:

1. Enhanced Aesthetics: Wallpaper can instantly transform a room by adding color, pattern, and texture. By wallpapering over textured walls, you can create a unique and visually appealing space.
2. Hide Imperfections: If your textured walls have minor imperfections, such as small cracks or dents, wallpaper can help conceal them. The texture of the walls can actually work in your favor by camouflaging any flaws.
3. Easy to Remove: Should you decide to change your wallpaper or update your home decor in the future, removing wallpaper from textured walls is relatively straightforward. Simply peel off the wallpaper, and any texture that may have come loose can easily be repaired before applying new wallpaper.

Wallpapering over textured walls can be a great way to revitalize your space and unleash your creativity.

Applying Wallpaper to Textured Walls: Pro Tips

Now that you've learned that it's possible to wallpaper over textured walls, here are a few pro tips to ensure a successful application:

Prepare the Wall Properly

As mentioned earlier, proper wall preparation is key to achieving a smooth and flawless wallpaper application. Be sure to follow these steps:

1. Clean: Thoroughly clean the walls to remove any dirt, dust, or residue. A clean surface ensures better adhesion.
2. Repair: Fill in any cracks, dents, or imperfections with spackle or joint compound. Sand the repaired areas until they are smooth and level with the rest of the wall.
3. Prime: Applying a primer to your textured walls before wallpapering can improve adhesion and prevent the wallpaper from peeling or bubbling. Use a primer specifically designed for wallpaper applications.

Choose the Right Wallpaper Application Technique

When applying wallpaper to textured walls, consider using one of the following techniques to ensure a seamless and visually appealing finish:

1. Overlap Method: This method involves overlapping the edges of the wallpaper strips slightly. The overlapping helps to hide any potential gaps or inconsistencies in the textured wall surface, creating a smooth and even appearance.
2. Seam Method: If you prefer a more seamless look, you can opt for the seam method. In this technique, the wallpaper strips are butted up against each other, creating a nearly invisible seam. This method requires extra precision and attention to detail.

Conclusion

Wallpapering over textured walls is not only possible but also a great way to enhance the aesthetics of your home. By properly preparing the walls and choosing the right wallpaper, you can achieve stunning results. The advantages of wallpapering over textured walls, such as hiding imperfections and easy removal, make it an attractive option for homeowners. So go ahead and embrace the world of wallpaper, even if you have textured walls!