Choosing the Right Wallpaper
If your walls have a light texture and you’re not up for extensive prep work, consider choosing a thicker wallpaper, like peel&stick, or one with a busy pattern. Heavier wallpapers are better at concealing slight imperfections in the wall, and bold patterns can distract from any subtle texture that might show through.
Our peel-and-stick wallpaper is thicker than traditional and pre-pasted wallpaper, which means it can more effectively cover slight wall texture. The added thickness helps the wallpaper conceal texture, and adds another level of durability during installation meaning you can peel off and reapply without worrying about tearing or breakage. Applying peel&stick wallpaper on textured walls requires making sure good contact is being made with as much surface area as possible to ensure good adhesion.
Traditional and Pre-Pasted paper typically require a little more forethought and prep-work regarding textured walls as these two wallpaper types are more long term and wall texture can be more noticeable.
Understanding Wall Textures
Wall textures vary widely, from subtle to dramatic. Here are some common types you might encounter:
- Orange Peel: A light texture that resembles the skin of an orange. It’s one of the more common textures and can work with wallpaper, depending on the design and thickness of the paper.
- Knockdown: A slightly rougher texture, often created by applying joint compound and then smoothing it out to create a mottled look.
- Popcorn: A heavy, bumpy texture typically found on ceilings, but sometimes on walls as well. This texture is usually not suitable for wallpaper without significant preparation.
- Skip Trowel: A hand-applied texture that results in a varied, plaster-like finish. This texture can range from subtle to more pronounced, affecting wallpaper application.
When it comes to wallpaper, smooth surfaces are your best friend. High texture on your walls can potentially cause issues, including:
- Adhesion Problems: Textured walls can create gaps between the wallpaper and the wall surface, leading to poor adhesion. This can cause bubbles, wrinkles, or peeling over time.
- Visible Texture Through Wallpaper: If the texture is pronounced, it might show through the wallpaper.
- Difficulty in Smoothing: When applying wallpaper to textured walls, it’s harder to achieve a perfectly smooth finish, making seams more noticeable.
Preparing Textured Walls for Wallpaper
If you’re set on wallpapering your textured walls, preparation is key. Here’s how to get your walls ready:
- Assess the Texture: First, determine the level of texture you’re dealing with. Light textures like orange peel might not require much work, but heavy textures like popcorn or deep knockdown will need more attention.
- Consider Skimming the Walls: For heavily textured walls, the best option might be to skim coat the walls with joint compound to create a smooth surface. This involves applying a thin layer of compound over the entire wall, then sanding it smooth once it’s dry. While this adds an extra step (and some mess), it provides the ideal surface for wallpaper and ensures the best long-term results.
- Prime Your Walls: No matter the texture, priming your walls before applying wallpaper is never a bad option! A good primer will help the wallpaper adhesive bond better and prevent the texture from bleeding through.
Final Thoughts
Textured walls don’t have to stand in the way of your wallpaper dreams. With the right preparation and choice of wallpaper, you can achieve a beautiful, seamless look even on less-than-perfect surfaces. Whether you decide to smooth your walls first or choose a wallpaper designed to work with texture, Painted Paper is here to help you every step of the way.
Ready to tackle those textured walls? Explore our collection and find the perfect wallpaper for your space!