Textured walls are common in many homes, but they can make wallpaper projects more complicated than expected. If you are considering wallpaper over textured walls in Bend, OR, the most important step is understanding the condition and depth of the existing wall texture before installation begins.
Wallpaper needs a stable and reasonably smooth surface to adhere properly. Some lightly textured walls may require only limited preparation, while deeper textures often need smoothing before wallpaper can be installed successfully. At Langford Installations, proper wall preparation is an important part of achieving clean seams, good adhesion, and a professional-looking finish.
Can You Put Wallpaper Over Textured Walls?
Yes, wallpaper can sometimes be installed over textured walls, but it usually depends on the type and severity of the texture.
Light texture may be easier to work with than heavy knockdown or deeply textured surfaces. The condition of the wall, type of wallpaper, adhesive requirements, and desired appearance also affect whether wallpaper can be installed successfully.
Installing wallpaper directly over significant texture can cause several problems. The material may not make full contact with the wall, seams can become more noticeable, and the texture underneath may remain visible.
For the best results, the wall should be inspected and prepared before installation.
Why Are Textured Walls More Difficult to Wallpaper?
Wallpaper performs best when installed over a clean, stable, and smooth surface. Textured walls create small peaks and valleys that can interfere with both adhesion and appearance.
Reduced Wallpaper Adhesion
Wallpaper adhesive needs consistent contact with the wall.
When a surface has significant texture, the wallpaper may touch only the raised portions rather than the entire surface. This can increase the possibility of lifting edges, loose seams, or areas that do not bond evenly.
Proper wall preparation helps create a better surface for professional wallpaper installation.
Wall Texture Can Show Through Wallpaper
Another concern is the texture becoming visible through the finished wallpaper.
Thin wallpaper materials may reveal bumps, ridges, and other imperfections underneath. Even attractive wallpaper can look uneven if the surface was not prepared correctly beforehand.
The more noticeable the texture is, the more likely smoothing will be necessary.
What Types of Textured Walls Can Be Wallpapered?
Not every textured wall requires the same preparation. An installer should evaluate the actual surface before recommending the best approach.
Orange Peel Texture
Orange peel texture usually has a light, slightly uneven appearance similar to the surface of an orange.
Very light orange peel may be easier to prepare for wallpaper than deeper textures. However, installing wallpaper over orange peel walls without preparation can still allow imperfections to show through.
Depending on the wallpaper material and wall condition, sanding, skim coating, or priming may be recommended.
Knockdown Texture
Knockdown texture normally has more noticeable raised and flattened areas.
Installing wallpaper over knockdown texture can be more challenging because the uneven surface reduces consistent adhesive contact. Smoothing the wall is often necessary before installation.
Heavy Wall Texture
Heavy or deeply textured walls generally require more preparation.
Trying to hide significant texture simply by choosing thicker wallpaper may not provide the clean finish homeowners expect. Correcting the surface first usually creates a better foundation.
How Do You Prepare Textured Walls for Wallpaper?
Proper preparation is one of the most important parts of installing wallpaper on textured surfaces.
Step 1: Inspect the Wall
Before installation, the wall should be checked for:
- Deep or uneven texture
- Cracks
- Holes
- Loose material
- Damaged drywall
- Existing wallpaper
- Uneven repairs
This inspection helps determine how much preparation is necessary.
Step 2: Clean and Repair the Surface
Walls should be clean and stable before wallpaper is installed.
Dust, debris, loose material, and damaged areas can interfere with adhesion. Holes and cracks should also be repaired so they do not affect the finished surface.
Good wall preparation for wallpaper provides a stronger foundation for the installation.
Step 3: Smooth the Existing Texture
Some lightly textured walls may only need minor correction. Deeper textures often require more extensive smoothing.
One common approach is skim coating. A thin layer of joint compound is applied across the surface to help fill the low areas and create a flatter wall.
After the material dries, the surface can be sanded and inspected again.
Learning how to smooth textured walls for wallpaper is important because an uneven surface can remain noticeable even after installation.
Step 4: Prime the Prepared Wall
After repairs and smoothing are complete, an appropriate primer may be used before wallpaper installation.
Priming helps create a more consistent surface and can support better adhesion depending on the wallpaper and adhesive system being used.
Can You Use Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper on Textured Walls?
Peel-and-stick wallpaper may work on certain lightly textured walls, but it is not suitable for every surface.
Because peel-and-stick products rely on direct adhesive contact, pronounced texture can create areas where the material does not fully bond to the wall.
This may lead to:
- Lifting edges
- Visible bumps
- Loose sections
- Uneven seams
- Texture showing through the material
If you are considering peel-and-stick wallpaper on textured walls, always review the manufacturer’s installation requirements first.
For deeper orange peel, knockdown, or other heavy textures, smoothing the wall before installation may provide a more dependable result.
What Is the Best Wallpaper for Textured Walls?
The best wallpaper depends on the wall condition, design goals, and level of preparation.
Thicker wallpaper may disguise very minor imperfections better than extremely thin material. Certain patterns can also make small irregularities less visually noticeable.
However, wallpaper thickness should not be used as a replacement for proper preparation.
If a wall has deep texture, cracks, damaged sections, or noticeable unevenness, those conditions should usually be addressed first.
Professional installers can also evaluate whether designer wallpaper, textured wallpaper, vinyl, grasscloth, or another material is suitable for a particular wall.
Should You Smooth Textured Walls Before Installing Wallpaper?
In many cases, yes.
Smoothing textured walls before wallpaper installation can improve:
- Adhesive contact
- Seam appearance
- Pattern alignment
- Surface consistency
- Overall finish
It can also reduce the chance that the original texture will remain visible through the wallpaper.
However, preparation requirements vary. A lightly textured wall may need much less work than a deeply textured knockdown surface.
That is why inspecting the actual wall is more reliable than assuming every textured surface needs the same treatment.
DIY vs. Professional Wallpaper Installation on Textured Walls
Wallpaper installation becomes more difficult when wall preparation is involved.
A DIY project may require repairing the wall, skim coating, sanding, priming, measuring, cutting wallpaper, matching patterns, and maintaining clean seams.
Small mistakes during preparation can affect the final appearance even if the wallpaper itself is installed carefully.
Professional installation may be especially useful when working with:
- Heavily textured walls
- Expensive wallpaper
- Designer materials
- Grasscloth
- Large repeating patterns
- Multiple rooms
- Damaged surfaces
- Commercial spaces
Langford Installations provides professional wallpaper installation for residential and commercial projects throughout Bend and Central Oregon, including careful surface preparation and precise installation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wallpaper Over Textured Walls
Can wallpaper go directly over orange peel texture?
It may be possible with very light orange peel texture, depending on the wallpaper. However, smoothing and preparing the wall often creates a cleaner and more predictable finished appearance.
Do you need to skim coat textured walls before wallpapering?
Not every wall requires skim coating. Moderate or heavy textures often benefit from it because skim coating creates a flatter surface for wallpaper installation.
Will wall texture show through wallpaper?
Yes. Thin wallpaper can reveal bumps and texture underneath, especially when the wall has not been properly prepared.
Does peel-and-stick wallpaper work on knockdown texture?
Pronounced knockdown texture can prevent peel-and-stick adhesive from making consistent contact with the wall. Surface preparation may be necessary.
Can wallpaper hide uneven walls?
Wallpaper may disguise very minor imperfections, but it should not be expected to hide major texture, damaged drywall, cracks, or significant unevenness.
How smooth should a wall be before wallpaper installation?
The wall should ideally be clean, stable, flat, and smooth enough to allow consistent adhesive contact and proper seam alignment.
Get Professional Wallpaper Installation in Bend, OR
Textured walls do not necessarily mean you have to give up on the wallpaper design you want. The right solution depends on the wall texture, surface condition, wallpaper material, and preparation required.
Langford Installations provides professional wallpaper and wall covering installation for homeowners and businesses throughout Bend and Central Oregon. From surface preparation to careful pattern alignment and final installation, each step is handled with attention to detail.
Planning a wallpaper project on textured walls? Contact Langford Installations to discuss your project and request a quote.
- Phone: (949) 378-2700
- Email: langfordinstallations@gmail.com
- Address: 55897 Snow Goose Rd, Bend, OR 97707
- Business hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with weekends by appointment only.
- Langford Installations on Google Maps