can you put wallpaper on textured walls: Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Wallpapering Textured Walls Without Bubbles or Wrinkles

Wallpaper has long been a popular choice for home decoration, enhancing the beauty of a space while allowing easy style changes. However, many people wonder: Can wallpaper be applied directly onto textured walls? Will uneven surfaces affect the wallpaper’s appearance? Drawing from industry-recognized renovation standards and authoritative Google-backed sources like Home Depot and Better Homes & Gardens, we have compiled the most comprehensive answers and practical tips to help you achieve a flawless, long-lasting wall finish.

What Are Textured Walls?

Textured walls refer to surfaces created using special techniques, giving walls a raised, uneven feel. Originally, they helped conceal wall imperfections and added visual depth. Common texture types include:

1. Orange Peel Texture: Fine, grainy texture commonly found in new constructions.
2. Knockdown Texture: Larger, rougher granules that create a coarse finish.
3. Skip Trowel Texture: Irregular and natural patterns with pronounced relief.

According to Better Homes & Gardens, these textures improve wall durability but present challenges when applying wallpaper.

Can You Apply Wallpaper Directly on Textured Walls?

The answer: Theoretically yes, but most professionals recommend treating the wall surface before wallpapering.

Guides from Google-supported Home Depot and HGTV emphasize that applying wallpaper directly onto textured walls may:

1. Prevent full adhesion, causing bubbles and wrinkles behind the wallpaper
2. Distort wallpaper patterns due to uneven wall surfaces, affecting aesthetics
3. Reduce adhesive strength, increasing the risk of peeling and shortening wallpaper lifespan

For better results and durability, smoothing the wall is advised.

How to Check if Your Wall Is Suitable for Direct Wallpaper Application?

You can perform simple checks:

1. Visual inspection: If textures have obvious depth over 1-2 mm, wall leveling is recommended.
2. Touch test: Pronounced bumps make it difficult for wallpaper to lay flat.
3. Lighting test: Strong surface shadows indicate unevenness that will disrupt the wallpaper’s appearance.

Google-authorized renovation blogs suggest hiring professionals for inspection if unsure to avoid future problems.

Wall Preparation Process Before Wallpapering

Following official guidance from Home Depot and HGTV:

1. Step 1: Clean the Wall – Remove dust and grease to ensure glue adhesion.
2. Step 2: Light Sanding – Smooth out high spots to reduce roughness.
3. Step 3: Apply Joint Compound (Putty) – Fill in remaining dips for a flat surface.
4. Step 4: Seal with Primer – Lock in the putty layer and prevent glue absorption.

Strictly following these steps improves the success rate and extends wallpaper life, according to Google-authoritative advice.

Choosing the Right Wallpaper Material for Textured Walls

Professional renovation sites recommended by Google suggest:

1. Non-woven wallpaper: Thick and elastic, better at covering wall textures.
2. Vinyl wallpaper: Durable, moisture resistant, and good at masking irregularities.
3. Avoid ultra-thin paper wallpaper: Easily affected by textures and hard to apply smoothly.

Choosing appropriate materials reduces defects and improves finish quality.

Practical Tips for Wallpaper Application

1. Apply adhesive evenly to avoid dry edges and poor adhesion.
2. Use a rubber squeegee to press from the center outward and expel air bubbles.
3. Align wallpaper patterns carefully at seams and smooth edges to counteract texture bumps.
4. Maintain suitable temperature and humidity during installation (20°C–25°C, humidity below 60%).

Google authority sites recommend patience — careful application yields superior results.

Key Precautions While Wallpapering Textured Walls

1. Avoid applying directly on overly rough textures to prevent visible bubbles and an uneven look.
2. Select glue that matches wall and wallpaper materials, as wrong glue weakens adhesion.
3. Consider environmental factors — low temperature or high humidity can hinder drying.
4. Control wall moisture, since damp walls lead to mold and wallpaper peeling.
5. Double-check pattern alignment at seams for aesthetic appeal.
6. Don’t rush the process; allow glue full time to bond with the wall.

Attention to these details directly impacts wallpaper quality and longevity.

Wallpaper Care and Maintenance Tips

1. Clean regularly with a soft cloth; avoid harsh brushes or chemical cleaners.
2. Keep rooms well ventilated to prevent moisture buildup.
3. Repair small bubbles or peeling edges promptly with adhesive.

Experts say proper upkeep can extend wallpaper life beyond 10 years.

Alternatives if You Prefer Not to Level Walls

1. Wall decals: Easy to apply and remove, good for temporary decoration.
2. Fabric wallcoverings: Thick and soft, partially hide wall textures.
3. Decorative panels: Fully cover walls and boost texture.
4. Specialty paint finishes: Create visual texture or smooth appearance.

Choose based on your budget and needs.

FAQ

Q1: Can I put wallpaper directly on a lightly textured wall?

A: Yes. If the texture is very light (less than 1-2 mm), direct wallpapering may be possible. However, preparing the wall first ensures better adhesion and a flawless finish.

Q2: What type of wallpaper works best on textured walls?

A: Thick, flexible wallpapers like non-woven or vinyl types accommodate imperfections better and reduce bubbling risks.

Q3: How do I fix bubbles that appear when wallpaper is applied to textured walls?

A: Puncture bubbles gently with a pin or needle and smooth with a wallpaper brush to release trapped air. For larger bubbles, carefully lift and reapply the wallpaper with added adhesive.