Can You Put Wallpaper on Textured Walls? A Complete Guide

Wallpaper is one of the easiest ways to transform a space. From bold patterns to subtle textures, it instantly refreshes a room without the mess of paint or the expense of a full renovation. But what if your walls aren’t perfectly smooth? Many homeowners face this dilemma: can you put wallpaper on textured walls?

The short answer is: Yes, but it depends on the type of texture and how much prep work you’re willing to do. Thin wallpaper applied directly over a heavily textured wall will almost always show lumps and imperfections, while the right prep techniques can make the wallpaper look flawless.

Why Wall Texture Matters for Wallpaper

Wall texture plays a major role in whether your wallpaper project succeeds.

Common Types of Wall Textures:

1. Orange Peel Texture

   • Looks like the skin of an orange.

   • Mildly bumpy, often found in modern homes.

   • Can usually be wallpapered with minimal prep.

2. Knockdown Texture

   • Flattened splatters, common in newer builds.

   • Slightly rough, but manageable with thick wallpaper.

3. Popcorn Texture

   • Heavily raised, often found on ceilings.

   • Not suitable for wallpaper without extensive smoothing.

4. Stucco or Plaster Texture

   • Very uneven, deep ridges.

   • Requires skim coating before wallpapering.

5. Brick or Stone Walls

   • Full of grooves and depth.

   • Needs special lining paper or paneling before wallpaper can adhere.

Bottom line: The heavier the texture, the more prep you need before wallpapering.

Can You Apply Wallpaper Directly on Textured Walls?

Technically, yes — but should you? Not always.

• On light textures (like orange peel), wallpaper can sometimes adhere well, especially if you use a thick vinyl wallpaper.

• On medium textures (like knockdown), the bumps may show through unless you sand or skim coat.

• On heavy textures (stucco, popcorn, brick), direct application will almost always look bad.

Pro Tip: Run your hand over the wall. If you can feel deep ridges, they’ll show through the wallpaper.

Preparing Textured Walls for Wallpaper

Preparation is the most important part of this project. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Clean the Wall

• Remove dust, grease, and dirt using a mild soap solution.

• Dry completely before proceeding.

Step 2: Sand the Texture

• Use a sanding pole or block with 120–150 grit sandpaper.

• Focus on raised areas to reduce bumps.

• Always wear a dust mask.

Step 3: Fill Grooves and Holes

• Apply joint compound or spackle to deeper grooves.

• Smooth with a putty knife.

• Allow to dry, then sand again.

Step 4: Apply a Skim Coat (For Heavy Texture)

• Mix joint compound and spread a thin layer across the entire wall.

• Once dry, sand until smooth.

• Repeat if necessary.

Step 5: Prime the Wall

• Use a wallpaper primer or sealer.

• This prevents moisture absorption and ensures strong adhesion.

Best Types of Wallpaper for Textured Walls

Not all wallpapers are created equal. For textured walls, thickness matters.

1. Vinyl Wallpaper

   • Thick, durable, easy to clean.

   • Best for hiding mild imperfections.

2. Fabric-Backed Vinyl

   • Extra thick and flexible.

   • Great for textured walls.

3. Textured Wallpaper

   • Designed with raised patterns that camouflage imperfections.

   • Examples: grasscloth, faux brick, embossed designs.

4. Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

   • Works best on smooth walls.

   • Struggles with textured surfaces unless very minor bumps.

Avoid: Thin paper wallpaper — it will show every bump.

Tools & Materials You’ll Need

• Sanding pole or block

• Joint compound & putty knife

• Wallpaper primer/sealer

• Measuring tape & level

• Wallpaper paste (if not peel-and-stick)

• Utility knife or razor

• Wallpaper brush/squeegee

• Sponge & clean water

Step-by-Step Wallpaper Application on Textured Walls

Step 1: Measure & Cut

• Measure wall height and add 2–3 inches extra.

• Cut panels ahead of time.

Step 2: Apply Adhesive

• If using traditional wallpaper, apply paste evenly.

• For peel-and-stick, peel backing gradually.

Step 3: Hang Wallpaper

• Start at the top and smooth downward.

• Use a wallpaper brush to eliminate bubbles.

Step 4: Trim Excess

• Use a utility knife along baseboards and ceilings.

Step 5: Match Patterns

• Align designs carefully across panels for seamless look.

Pros & Cons of Wallpapering Textured Walls

✅ Pros

• Can transform outdated textured walls.

• Saves cost of full wall resurfacing.

• Thick wallpaper hides minor flaws.

❌ Cons

• Prep work is time-consuming.

• May peel if not applied properly.

• Deep textures require skim coating (extra cost).

Cost of Wallpapering Textured Walls

• DIY Cost: $2–$6 per sq. ft. (materials only).

• Professional Cost: $7–$15 per sq. ft. including prep.

• Skim coating may add $1–$3 per sq. ft.

Example: For a 200 sq. ft. wall, professional installation could cost $1,400–$3,000 depending on prep needs.

Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping wall prep.

2. Using thin wallpaper.

3. Not priming before application.

4. Applying peel-and-stick directly on rough walls.

5. Ignoring pattern alignment.

Expert Tips for Success

• Always test a small patch first.

• Choose wallpaper with bold patterns to disguise imperfections.

• Use a high-quality adhesive.

• Hire a professional for heavy textures.

FAQs

1. Can I wallpaper over popcorn walls?No, popcorn walls are too rough. You’ll need to remove or skim coat first.

2. Will peel-and-stick wallpaper work on textured walls?Only on very light textures. Otherwise, it will peel.

3. Can wallpaper hide cracks in textured walls?Wallpaper can disguise small cracks, but larger ones should be repaired first.

4. Is it better to paint or wallpaper textured walls?Painting is easier, but wallpaper offers more design options.

5. How long will wallpaper last on textured walls?With proper prep, wallpaper can last 10–15 years.

Conclusion

So, can you put wallpaper on textured walls? Yes — but preparation is key. Lightly textured walls may only need sanding and priming, while heavily textured walls often require a skim coat. Choosing the right type of wallpaper, especially thick vinyl or textured options, can make all the difference.

If you’re ready to tackle the project, take your time with wall prep and invest in quality wallpaper. The result? A stunning, smooth finish that completely transforms your space.