How to Smooth Textured Walls for Wallpaper: Step-by-Step Guide for the Best Results
- capelily
- 9 minutes ago
- 10 min read
While wallpapering textured walls can be tricky, it is possible with the right approach. Successfully applying wallpaper on textured surfaces involves selecting the appropriate wallpaper type and preparing the wall properly. Homeowners often assume they must have smooth walls for wallpaper, but textured walls can also be transformed.
Choosing the right type of wallpaper for textured walls makes a big difference in your wallpaper project. Some options like vinyl or peel-and-stick are particularly suitable for orange peel walls and other types of wall texture. It's also essential to prepare the textured walls correctly to ensure the wallpaper adheres properly to the uneven surface. This may require additional steps, such as sanding or applying a primer specifically designed for textured surfaces, but the end result can be worth the effort, giving a room a whole new look.
For anyone considering wallpapering on textured surfaces, understanding the process can save time and avoid frustration. With the correct tools and techniques, even the most challenging wall texture can be successfully tackled, adding style and personality to a space. Whether you're dealing with subtle orange peel walls or more pronounced textures like knockdown wall texture, swirl wall texture, skip trowel wall texture, or rough stucco wall, there are wallpaper options and application methods that can work for your specific textured wall wallpaper project.
Different types of textured surfaces:
Key Takeaways
Wallpaper textured walls with the right preparation and materials.
Smooth textured walls for better wallpaper application.
Choose suitable wallpaper types for textured surfaces.
Benefits of Wallpapering Textured Walls
Wallpapering textured walls, including orange peel textured walls, can bring unique advantages to home decor including:
Adds Depth and Character
Wallpaper can enhance the character of a room by adding depth. Textured designs in wallpaper can mimic materials like woven fabric, burlap wallpaper, or cork, creating a unique and interesting appearance on lightly textured walls. This adds a layer of style that paint alone might not achieve, especially on flat walls.
Conceals Imperfections
Textured wallpaper can be especially useful in disguising imperfections on walls. Irregularities like small holes or bumps become less noticeable when you stick wallpaper to textured surfaces. This can be a great option in older homes with walls that show age or wear.
Enhances Visual Interest
Wallpapering is an opportunity to introduce bold patterns and colors. This can transform a bland space into one with vibrant aesthetics. Choosing styles that suit personal tastes can make rooms feel more inviting and warm, particularly when using darker wallpaper on textured walls.
Reduces Noise
Textured wallpaper may help with sound absorption. While not a complete soundproofing solution, it can slightly dampen noise. This can be beneficial in busy households, especially when applied to walls with light texture.
Less Permanent than Renovations
Opting for wallpaper is less permanent compared to major renovations like changing countertops or flooring. It provides flexibility for future updates or changes in design preference, making it an attractive option for those who want to experiment with wallpaper on textured walls.
Types of Wallpaper Suitable for Textured Surfaces
When choosing wallpaper for textured walls, it's important to select options that can mask uneven surfaces effectively.
Vinyl Wallpaper: This type is thicker and more durable. It does a great job of covering imperfections. Vinyl is moisture-resistant, making it ideal for areas like kitchens and bathrooms with orange peel textured walls.
Fabric-Backed Wallpaper: These are also thick and sturdy. They provide a seamless look on textured surfaces, helping to create a smooth surface appearance.
Grasscloth Wallpaper: This natural-textured wallpaper offers unique aesthetic value and can work well on walls that have already been lightly skimmed or smoothed.
Non Woven Textured or Patterned Wallpaper: Textured designs can complement the existing texture of the wall. These wallpapers blend with the surface, making imperfections less noticeable.
Peel-and-Stick Options: Some peel-and-stick wallpapers are designed to adhere to textured walls. It's essential to check if the brand specifies compatibility with textured surfaces.
Considerations:
Prep Work: Preparing the wall by lightly sanding or using a primer can ensure better adhesion.
Texture Type: The degree of texture on the wall influences how the wallpaper will adhere. Types like orange peel or knockdown might require specific wallpaper choices.
Essential Tools and Materials for Wallpapering
Proper tools and materials are important for wallpapering textured walls. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and helps achieve a better finish.
Basic Tools
Wallpaper Kit: A set including brushes and rollers is essential. Consider using an option like the Amazon Basics wallpaper kit with soft grip brushes.
Putty Knife: Useful for smoothing wallpaper and removing air bubbles. A 3-inch flexible putty knife is a good choice.
Additional Tools
Seam Roller: This is ideal for slightly textured surfaces, offering a soft application thanks to its urethane construction.
Bamboo Folder: Helps to create tight creases in wallpaper and guides cuts around trim and molding. It's a versatile tool for detailed work.
Materials
Wallpaper: Choose types that can adhere well to textured surfaces. Consider patterns that may help disguise wall imperfections.
Adhesive: Ensure compatibility with the wallpaper type. Follow manufacturer recommendations to prevent peeling.
Preparing Textured Walls for Wallpaper
Before applying wallpaper to textured walls, one must properly prepare the surface to ensure a smooth application. This involves cleaning and priming the walls and addressing any imperfections by smoothing them out.
Cleaning and Priming
The first step is to thoroughly clean the walls. Dust and dirt can prevent wallpaper from adhering properly. They should be wiped down with a damp cloth to remove dust. If the walls are greasy, a gentle detergent mixed with water can be used.
Once clean, the next step is priming. Priming helps the wallpaper adhesive stick better. Using a primer designed for textured surfaces is ideal. Applying a coat with a roller ensures even coverage. Ensuring the walls are completely dry before proceeding is crucial. This prevents moisture from being trapped beneath the wallpaper, which can cause bubbling and peeling over time.
Smoothing Out Imperfections
Textured walls can make wallpaper look uneven, so it's important to smooth out any rough spots. Skim coating is a technique that involves applying a thin layer of joint compound over the wall to create a flat surface.
To do this, you'll need tools like a wide drywall knife and a drywall pan. Applying the compound requires a steady hand. Let the first coat dry completely before sanding lightly. Repeat this process until the wall is smooth. In some cases, sanding alone might be enough to flatten minor textures. Selecting the right grit sandpaper will depend on the wall's texture level.
Wallpaper Application Techniques
Applying wallpaper to textured walls requires specific techniques to ensure a smooth finish. The first step is to remove any loose paint or debris from the wall. This prepares the surface and helps the wallpaper adhere better.
Use a skim coat to even out the surface if the texture is too pronounced. A smoother wall allows the wallpaper to stick more effectively.
Here are some tips to follow:
Always measure the walls accurately before cutting the wallpaper.
Use a smoothing tool to remove air bubbles for a flat finish.
Trim excess wallpaper carefully around edges.
By preparing properly and selecting suitable materials, you can achieve a professional-looking result. For more information on specific products, visit wallpapering textured walls or consider the recommendations from Up to Date Interiors.
Dealing with Corners and Obstacles
Decorating a room with wallpaper often requires careful attention around edges such as windows, doors, and electrical fixtures. Proper techniques can ensure a smooth, professional appearance without disrupting the flow of the wallpaper pattern.
Around Windows and Doors
When applying wallpaper near windows and doors, it is crucial to account for breaks in the pattern.
Smooth the wallpaper from the center outward, ensuring it adheres securely. Make careful, sharp cuts with an exacto knife or utility blade around corners, allowing the paper to fit snugly into the frame. Press firmly to avoid bubbles or gaps.
Focusing on the edges, use a small brush or roller to press the paper into place around the frames. Always verify the pattern’s alignment with adjacent strips, adjusting as needed to maintain consistency. This approach will lead to a seamlessly integrated look around windows and doors.
Handling Electrical Outlets and Switches
Managing wallpaper around electrical outlets and switches demands precision for a clean appearance, especially when dealing with textured surfaces or popcorn ceilings. Begin by turning off the power to the area for safety. Remove the cover plates of outlets and switches to allow the wallpaper to lay flat on the well-prepared surface.
Mark the position of each outlet or switch on the wallpaper using a straight edge to ensure straight lines. Cut a small X in the center of the marked spot with a sharp utility knife. Gradually trim until the opening matches the fixture's size, ensuring a snug fit. Avoid cutting too much at once to prevent oversized gaps and maintain the same texture around the edges.
For walls with popcorn texture or other challenging surfaces, you may need to use wallpaper remover and smooth the walls gently around the outlets before applying wallpaper specifically designed for textured surfaces. This extra step helps ensure the wallpaper sticks properly and avoids air bubbles.
Once the wallpaper is positioned correctly, replace the cover plates. Press the paper firmly against the wall beneath the plate edges to secure it, using a soft-bristled brush to smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles. This method ensures a polished look without compromising safety or aesthetics.
When working with non-pasted wallpaper or stick vinyl options, take extra care to align the pattern around outlets and switches. Use the left-hand edge of your first panel as a guide, and visually match patterns for the remaining panels to maintain a cohesive look across the entire surface area.
For rooms with high humidity, such as bathrooms or kitchens, consider using a waterproof material around electrical fixtures to prevent both peel and moisture damage. This precaution helps maintain the integrity of your wallpaper job while ensuring electrical safety.
By following these steps and paying attention to detail, you can achieve a professional finish that seamlessly integrates electrical outlets and switches into your newly wallpapered room, complementing your room's color scheme and overall decor.
Trimming and Finishing Touches
After applying wallpaper on textured walls, trimming and finishing touches are crucial for a polished look. Trim excess wallpaper along the ceiling, baseboards, and corners with a sharp utility knife for precision.
It's important to press the edges firmly, ensuring they stick well. A flexible squeegee helps in smoothing out any remaining air bubbles. Work slowly and carefully.
For best results, consider these tips:
Use a Cutting Laser Level: Keep lines straight and accurate.
Double-Check: Areas like door frames may need extra attention.
Clean As You Go: Wipe off any adhesive residue from the wallpaper surface.
Let the wallpaper dry completely. Hanging a small wallpaper sample first can help identify any issues early.
Focus on these finishing steps to enhance the final appearance and ensure durability.
Maintaining Wallpaper on Textured Walls
Regular maintenance helps keep wallpaper looking fresh on textured walls.
Dusting and Cleaning
Use a soft, dry cloth or vacuum with a brush attachment to dust the wallpaper. Avoid using water, as it might loosen the adhesive.
Steps:
Dust gently: Remove surface dirt.
Spot clean: Use a damp sponge for small marks. Note: for Grasscloth use a dry cloth or vacuum only!
Tackling Stains
For stubborn stains, a mild soap solution can be helpful. Test it on an inconspicuous area first to ensure no damage.
Soapy Water Recipe:
Mix a few drops of mild detergent in warm water.
Dampen a soft cloth and gently rub the stained area.
Repairing Peeling Edges
If edges start to peel, applying adhesive can secure the wallpaper back in place. Ensure the area is dry before reapplying.
Reapplication Tips:
Use wallpaper paste for better adhesion.
Press down firmly and smooth out any bubbles.
Protecting from Moisture
Keeping humidity levels low prevents the wallpaper from peeling or bubbling.
Humidity Control:
Use dehumidifiers in damp areas.
Ventilate spaces regularly, especially bathrooms and kitchens.
These steps can help maintain the look and condition of wallpaper on textured walls over time
Troubleshooting Common Issues
When hanging wallpaper on textured surfaces, several problems may arise. One frequent issue is bubbles appearing under the regular wallpaper. To fix this, it's vital to smooth the wallpaper using a tool. If bubbles persist, they can be addressed by gently pricking the spot and pressing it flat.
Wrinkles are another common challenge when working with pasted wallpaper. They can often be caused by uneven wall texture. To prevent this, ensure walls are properly prepared and use a joint compound to smooth out any imperfections. This preparation helps achieve a more even application and allows the paper to hang naturally.
Gaps between wallpaper strips can occur if the wallpaper is not aligned correctly on the entire wall. Ensuring that the strips have proper connection during installation can help avoid gaps. If gaps are present, filling them with additional wallpaper paste and lightly pressing the ends together before the paper has dried can help.
When working with textured surfaces, applying a very thin layer of wallpaper paste directly to the wall can sometimes be more effective than pasting the paper itself. This method can help the wallpaper adhere better to uneven surfaces.
By following these troubleshooting tips, many of the common issues associated with wallpapering textured walls can be avoided or corrected, resulting in a beautifully finished wallpaper job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wallpapering textured walls can present challenges, but choosing the right materials and techniques can make a big difference. Understanding the best types of wallpaper, adhesive, and preparation steps can lead to successful results.
What type of wallpaper is most effective for covering textured walls?
Thicker wallpaper is recommended as it helps minimize the appearance of the wall texture. These options often hide imperfections better than thinner varieties.
How does peel and stick wallpaper perform on textured surfaces?
Peel and stick wallpaper might not adhere well to heavily textured walls. It's best to test a sample first. For better performance, ensure the surface is clean and prepared.
Are certain wallpapers better suited for walls with an orange peel texture?
Vinyl and fabric-backed wallpapers are often better suited for hiding the orange peel texture. They provide more coverage and are thicker, making them ideal for textured surfaces.
Which adhesive is recommended for applying wallpaper on textured walls?
Traditional wallpaper paste is generally best for textured walls. This type of adhesive creates a strong bond, filling gaps and smoothing out the surface.
Is a liner necessary when wallpapering over textured walls?
Using a liner can help even out the texture, providing a smoother base for wallpaper application. This extra step can lead to a more professional and polished finish.
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