Textured walls present a unique challenge when you want to update a room with wallpaper. Whether you’re dealing with orange peel, knockdown, popcorn, or another finish, the uneven surface can make wallpaper application tricky and affect the final appearance.
This guide walks you through your options for wallpapering over textured walls, explains when it works and when it doesn’t, and provides practical methods to achieve professional-looking results without unnecessary expense or frustration.
Can You Put Wallpaper On Textured Walls?
Yes, you can apply wallpaper to textured walls, but success depends on the depth and type of texture. Light textures like orange peel can often be covered directly with thick wallpaper, while heavy textures require surface preparation such as skim coating or liner paper to create a smooth base that prevents the pattern from looking distorted or bubbled.
Understanding Your Wall Texture
Before deciding on a method, you need to identify the type and depth of texture on your walls. Different textures respond differently to wallpaper application.
Light Textures
Orange peel texture features small, subtle bumps that resemble citrus skin and typically measures less than 1/8 inch in depth. Eggshell texture has a similar fine, random pattern with slightly larger bumps but still remains relatively shallow.
These light textures often work with wallpaper if you choose the right type and prepare the surface properly. The key is that the bumps are small enough that thick wallpaper can bridge over them without creating obvious air pockets.
Medium to Heavy Textures
Knockdown texture creates irregular flattened peaks that can range from subtle to pronounced depending on application. Skip trowel produces a hand-textured appearance with intentional ridges and valleys.
Popcorn or acoustic texture features bumpy, cottage cheese-like protrusions that are particularly problematic for wallpaper. Attempting to apply wallpaper directly over these heavy textures almost always results in poor adhesion, visible bumps showing through the pattern, and premature peeling.
When You Can Apply Wallpaper Directly
Direct application works best on very fine textures when you select appropriate wallpaper types. This approach saves time and avoids the mess of extensive wall preparation.
Wallpaper Types That Work On Texture
Thick vinyl wallpaper and fabric-backed vinyl have enough body to span small surface irregularities without conforming to every bump. Non-woven wallpaper also performs well because of its dimensional stability and thickness.
Textured or embossed wallpaper patterns help disguise minor wall imperfections since the design itself has dimension. Busy patterns with lots of color variation camouflage texture shadows better than solid colors or delicate prints.
Avoid thin traditional paper wallpaper, grasscloth, or metallic papers on any textured surface. These materials are too delicate and will telegraph every bump, creating an unprofessional appearance.
Surface Preparation for Direct Application
Clean the walls thoroughly with a solution of warm water and mild detergent to remove dust, grease, and cobwebs that settle into textured surfaces. Rinse with clean water and allow at least 24 hours for complete drying.
Apply a quality primer designed for wallpaper application. Primer is essential on textured walls because it seals the surface, improves adhesion, and makes future wallpaper removal possible without damaging the drywall beneath.
Check for loose texture by running your hand firmly across the wall. Any flaking or crumbling sections must be scraped away, patched with joint compound, and re-primed before wallpapering.
When You Need To Smooth The Walls First
Heavy texture requires elimination before wallpaper application. While this adds time and effort to your project, it’s the only way to achieve professional results that last.
Skim Coating Method
Skim coating involves applying thin layers of joint compound over the entire textured surface to create a smooth finish. This technique works for any texture type but requires patience and some drywall finishing skill.
You’ll need all-purpose or topping joint compound, a large drywall knife (10 to 14 inches), a mud pan, and pole sander with fine-grit sandpaper. Protect floors and furniture since this process creates significant dust.
Apply the first coat in thin, even strokes, filling in the low spots and valleys. Don’t try to achieve perfection on the first pass; plan for two or three coats.
Let each coat dry completely (usually 24 hours depending on humidity and temperature) before lightly sanding with 120-grit sandpaper. Wipe away dust with a damp cloth before applying the next coat.
The final coat should be very thin and smooth. After drying, sand with 150-grit paper for a finish suitable for wallpaper, then prime the entire surface.
Liner Paper Alternative
Wallpaper liner (also called lining paper or blank stock) provides a smooth surface over moderate texture without the mess of skim coating. This thick, paintable paper is designed specifically to bridge wall imperfections.
Liner paper comes in different weights, typically ranging from 1000 to 2000 grade. Use heavier grades for more pronounced textures.
Hang liner paper horizontally when you plan to install decorative wallpaper vertically. This prevents seams from aligning, which could create visible ridges in the final appearance.
Allow liner paper to dry completely for at least 24 to 48 hours before hanging your decorative wallpaper. The liner may shrink slightly as it dries, and wallpapering too soon can cause bubbles or misalignment.
Texture Removal Option
Removing texture entirely is labor-intensive but creates the best foundation for wallpaper. This approach makes sense if you’re completing a major renovation or plan to paint other walls in the same room.
Some textures can be softened with water and scraped away, while others require texture-removing chemicals or extensive sanding. If your home was built before 1980, have the texture tested for asbestos before attempting removal, as some older textures contain this hazardous material.
Texture removal creates enormous amounts of dust and debris. If you choose this method for multiple rooms, consider hiring a drywall professional who has proper equipment and experience to complete the work efficiently.
Application Tips For Textured Walls
Even with proper preparation, textured walls require extra attention during wallpaper installation. These techniques help ensure good adhesion and appearance.
Adhesive Selection
Use a heavy-duty wallpaper adhesive or paste specifically formulated for non-porous surfaces like vinyl. Standard paste may not provide enough grab on textured walls, leading to edges that lift or bubbles that won’t smooth out.
Pre-pasted wallpaper often doesn’t work well on textured surfaces because the factory paste isn’t strong enough. Apply additional paste to the wall (the “paste the wall” method) for better results, even when using pre-pasted paper.
Smoothing Techniques
Work slowly and use a good-quality smoothing brush or plastic smoother to press wallpaper firmly into textured surfaces. Pay special attention to edges and seams where lifting is most likely to occur.
A seam roller is essential for textured walls. Roll seams multiple times with firm pressure to ensure the edges adhere despite the uneven surface beneath.
Small air bubbles may appear as you work. Many will settle as the adhesive dries, but persistent bubbles can be pierced with a pin and smoothed out, adding a tiny bit of adhesive if necessary.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Rushing the primer or letting it dry for less than the recommended time reduces adhesion and can cause wallpaper to peel within months. Follow the manufacturer’s drying time specifications exactly.
Underestimating the amount of texture creates disappointment when the finished wallpaper shows every bump and shadow. When in doubt, test a small section in an inconspicuous area like inside a closet before committing to the entire room.
Skipping the cleaning step leaves dust and oils that prevent proper adhesion. Textured walls trap more dirt than smooth surfaces, so thorough cleaning is even more important.
Choosing wallpaper based solely on appearance without considering thickness and backing type leads to poor results on textured walls. Always check the product specifications and ask whether it’s suitable for textured application.
Cost and Time Considerations
Direct wallpaper application on lightly textured walls takes about the same time as wallpapering smooth walls, though you may need extra adhesive and should work more slowly during smoothing.
Skim coating adds significant time and cost to your project. Depending on room size and texture depth, expect to spend several days on prep work alone, plus material costs of $50 to $150 for compound, sandpaper, and tools for an average bedroom.
Liner paper costs between $0.50 and $1.50 per square foot and adds one to two days to your timeline. This option falls between direct application and skim coating in both expense and effort.
Professional wallpaper installers typically charge 25 to 50 percent more for textured walls because of the additional preparation and care required. Get quotes from multiple installers and ask specifically about their experience with textured surfaces.
Rental Considerations
If you rent your home, check your lease agreement before wallpapering or altering wall texture. Many landlords prohibit texture removal or skim coating since these permanently change the walls.
Peel-and-stick removable wallpaper offers a renter-friendly option, though it performs poorly on heavy texture. It works best on orange peel or very light textures where the adhesive can make adequate contact with the wall surface.
Long-Term Durability
Wallpaper applied directly over texture tends to have a shorter lifespan than wallpaper on smooth walls. Edges may lift sooner, especially in humid environments like bathrooms or kitchens.
Properly smoothed walls with skim coating or liner paper provide the most durable foundation. Wallpaper installed over these prepared surfaces can last 10 to 15 years with proper care, similar to wallpaper on originally smooth walls.
Plan for touch-ups every few years, particularly at seams and corners where texture beneath may cause slight lifting over time. Keep leftover wallpaper and adhesive for repairs.
Making Your Decision
Your best approach depends on the texture severity, your budget, timeline, and skill level. For subtle orange peel texture with thick vinyl wallpaper, direct application after proper priming often works fine.
Medium textures benefit most from liner paper, which provides good results without requiring advanced drywall skills. Heavy textures demand either skim coating or professional help for results you’ll be satisfied with long-term.
Test your chosen method in a closet or behind a door before tackling visible walls. This small investment in materials reveals potential problems before you’ve committed time and money to the full room.
Wallpapering textured walls is definitely possible with the right preparation and materials. By honestly assessing your wall condition, choosing appropriate wallpaper, and investing time in proper surface preparation, you can transform textured walls into beautifully papered surfaces that enhance your home’s style and value for years to come.
We hope this guide has helped you understand your options for wallpapering textured walls and given you the confidence to move forward with your project. For more helpful tips on transforming your living spaces, explore our other Home and Garden articles.