Introduction

The world of interior design has witnessed a remarkable comeback of wallpaper in recent years, and it's easy to see why. Wallpaper is a powerful tool for injecting personality and style into a room, while also cleverly masking any imperfections on the walls. But what if your walls have a textured finish? Can you still achieve a beautiful, wallpapered look? The answer is yes, but it requires a thoughtful approach.

In this in-depth guide, we'll navigate the challenges and opportunities of wallpapering textured walls. We'll explore the key factors that determine success, the essential steps for preparing your walls, and the most suitable types of wallpaper for the job. By the time you finish reading, you'll be empowered to take on your textured wall project with confidence, transforming your space into a stunning reflection of your personal taste and style.

Can You Put Wallpaper on Textured Walls?

While it's technically possible to apply wallpaper to textured walls, the outcome depends on several crucial factors. It's not a straightforward yes or no answer, as the success of the project hinges on the type of texture and the wallpaper you choose.

Understanding the Texture

The texture of your walls plays a significant role in determining the feasibility of wallpapering. Some textures are more accommodating than others, allowing for a smoother, more even finish. For example, walls with an orange peel or knockdown texture tend to be more receptive to wallpaper than those with heavy, bumpy textures like popcorn ceilings.

Choosing the Right Wallpaper

The type and quality of wallpaper you select are equally important. Some wallpapers are specifically designed to tackle the challenges of textured walls, while others may struggle to adhere or look uneven. It's essential to choose a wallpaper that's up to the task.

In the next section, we'll delve into the essential steps for preparing your textured walls for wallpaper, ensuring a successful and long-lasting application that meets your expectations.

Preparing Textured Walls for Wallpaper

Proper preparation is key to a successful wallpaper installation on textured walls. By following these essential steps, you'll create a strong bond between the wallpaper and the wall, minimizing the risk of bubbles, wrinkles, and other issues.

Step 1: Deep Clean the Walls

Begin by thoroughly cleaning your textured walls to remove dirt, grime, and old adhesives. Mix a solution of mild soap and warm water, and use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the walls. Rinse the walls with clean water and let them dry completely before proceeding.

Step 2: Fill Gaps and Cracks

Fill in any holes or cracks on the walls using a joint compound paste. Sand the filled areas smooth once dry, creating a more even surface for the wallpaper to adhere to.

Step 3: Smooth Out the Texture (Optional)

If your textured walls are extremely rough, consider sanding them down to create a smoother surface. Use a sanding block or an orbital sander with a coarse grit sandpaper (120-150) to smooth out the texture. Gradually move to a finer grit (220-240) for a more even finish.

Step 4: Prime the Walls (Optional)

If your walls have a glossy finish or are highly porous, apply a primer specifically designed for wallpaper. This will ensure a strong bond between the wallpaper and the wall. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and drying times.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to a successful wallpaper installation on your textured walls. Remember to be patient and take your time, as a well-prepared surface is essential for a long-lasting and beautiful finish.

Best Types of Wallpaper for Textured Walls

When it comes to wallpapering textured walls, it's crucial to choose a type that's specifically designed to handle the unique challenges of these surfaces. With the right wallpaper, you can achieve a beautiful, long-lasting finish that complements your room's style and aesthetic.

Top Picks for Textured Walls

Heavy-Duty Wallpaper: Our Heavy-Duty Wallpaper is an excellent choice for textured walls. Its waterproof, wipeable surface and subtle texture provide a premium feel and finish. The non-woven, non-shrink 300gsm paper is durable and resistant to damage, making it perfect for high-traffic areas.

Removable Vinyl Wallpaper: Our Removable Vinyl Wallpaper is another top recommendation for textured walls. Its vinyl coating offers excellent durability and water resistance, making it ideal for areas prone to moisture. The crystal-matte finish and thick, premium vinyl material ensure a beautiful, long-lasting application.

Wallpapers to Avoid

Traditional Wallpaper: While our Traditional Wallpaper is great for smooth walls, it's not suitable for textured walls. The paper may not conform to the texture, leading to bubbles, wrinkles, and other issues.

Removable Wallpaper: Our Removable Wallpaper is also not recommended for textured walls. The self-adhesive backing may not provide a strong enough bond to the texture, resulting in peeling and other issues.
Choosing the Right Wallpaper for Your Project

When selecting a wallpaper for your textured walls, consider the following factors:

Level of texture: If your walls have a mild texture, our Removable Vinyl Wallpaper may be a good choice. For more severe textures, our Heavy-Duty Wallpaper may be a better option.

Room and aesthetic: Think about the room's purpose and the desired aesthetic. For example, a bathroom or kitchen may require a more durable, waterproof material like our Heavy-Duty Wallpaper.

Color and design: Choose a wallpaper that complements the room's color scheme and design style. Our website allows you to fully customize the color and design of your wallpaper to ensure a perfect match.

By considering these factors and selecting the right type of wallpaper for your textured walls, you'll be well on your way to achieving a stunning, professional-looking finish that exceeds your expectations.

Applying Wallpaper to Textured Walls

With your textured walls prepared and the right wallpaper chosen, it's time to apply it. Follow these detailed instructions to ensure a successful and professional-looking finish:

Removable Vinyl Wallpaper Application

1. Draw a vertical line on the wall using a spirit level, plumb line, or laser level to ensure a straight application.
2. Peel away approximately 30cm/1ft of backing paper from the top of panel 1.
3. Install panel 1, starting from the top and aligning the right-hand edge to the vertical line. Smooth down the vinyl with the included felt tool, working down and to the left.
4. Install panel 2, overlapping the left-hand edge onto the right-hand edge of panel 1 by around 1/4"/6mm. Continue with panel 3 and the remaining panels, visually matching the design and overlapping by 1/4"/6mm.
5. Trim the edges of the paper against the wall, ceiling, skirting board, or other obstacles using a utility or craft knife.

Heavy Grade Wallpaper Application

1. Draw a vertical line on the wall using a spirit level, plumb line, or laser level to ensure a straight application.
2. Apply a very thin layer of pre-mixed 'paste-the-wall' paste to the wall with a brush or roller.
3. Install panel 1, starting from the top and aligning the left-hand edge to the vertical line.
4. Install panel 2, butting-joining against the left-hand edge of panel 1. Continue with panel 3 and the remaining panels, visually matching the design and joining edge to edge (no overlap).
5. Firmly butt the panels at the top and let the paper hang naturally. Brush downwards, making sure the join is tightly butted all the way down.
6. Trim the edges of the paper against the wall, ceiling, skirting board, or other obstacles using a utility or craft knife.
7. Leave the finished wallpaper to dry, ensuring no changes in temperature or humidity for 12-24 hours after installation.

Additional Tips and Tricks

• Use a laser level to ensure straight lines and even application.
• Apply the wallpaper in small sections to maintain even coverage and avoid air bubbles.
• Use a credit card or similar tool to smooth out wrinkles and air bubbles (Our removable option comes with a free squeegee tool).
• Avoid stretching the material, as this can cause bubbles and misalignment.
• Use a straight edge to hold the paper down whilst cutting to prevent dragging.
• By following these instructions and tips, you'll be able to achieve a stunning, professional-looking finish with our Peel & Stick Vinyl and Heavy Grade Wallpaper on textured walls.

Conclusion

Wallpapering textured walls can be a bit more challenging than wallpapering smooth walls, but with the right techniques and tools, you can achieve a beautiful, professional-looking finish. In this guide, we've covered the key considerations for wallpapering textured walls, from preparing the surface to choosing the right type of wallpaper and applying it with confidence.

Get Started Today!

Now that you have the knowledge and confidence to tackle your textured wall wallpaper project, it's time to get started! Browse our selection of removable vinyl and heavy-grade wallpapers, and choose the perfect design for your space. With our easy-to-use website and expert customer support, you'll be well on your way to creating a beautiful, professional-looking finish that will impress friends and family alike.

FAQs

• Q: How do I clean my textured walls before wallpapering?
  A: Use a mixture of soap and water, and scrub the walls gently with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse the walls with clean water and let them dry completely before applying the wallpaper.
• Q: Can I use a regular wallpaper on a textured wall?
  A: No, regular wallpaper is not suitable for textured walls. You'll need to use a wallpaper specifically designed for textured walls, such as our Removable Vinyl Wallpaper or Heavy Grade Wallpaper.
• Q: How do I apply wallpaper to a textured wall with a lot of imperfections?
  A: Use a liner paper to create a smooth surface for the wallpaper to adhere to. This will help to hide imperfections and ensure a smooth finish.
• Q: Can I wallpaper over a wall with a lot of holes or cracks?
  A: No, you'll need to fill in the holes and cracks with a joint compound or spackling paste before applying the wallpaper. Sand the area smooth and prime it before applying the paper.
• Q: How long does it take to wallpaper a textured wall?
  A: The time it takes to wallpaper a textured wall will depend on the size of the wall, the complexity of the design, and your level of experience. On average, it takes around 1 hour to complete a single wall.
• Q: Can I remove wallpaper from a textured wall?
  A: Yes, but it can be a challenging process. Use a wallpaper remover or a steamer to loosen the adhesive, and then scrape off the paper with a putty knife or scraper. Be careful not to damage the wall surface.

I hope this FAQ section has been helpful! If you have any more questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Happy wallpapering!