What Can I Put Over Textured Wallpaper

Textured wallpaper is durable and gives a unique look to a room but when you’ve had enough of the design, you’ve got the hassle of taking it all off. Perhaps you have just moved into a home where the previous owners had a penchant for textured walls and it just isn’t your thing. This decor feature was very popular years ago but smooth finishes are much more common these days. If you’ve been wondering what can I put over textured wallpaper then you’re in the right place. 

It’s important to never directly wallpaper over textured walls or that texture will simply show through. Removing the wallpaper entirely and starting with a freshly prepared smooth surface is always the best option but if you have to cover a textured wall, we would suggest lining paper or re skimming. 

It may also be possible to paint over your textured wallpaper but this must be done in the right way or you’ll end up with a result that is less than desirable. In this guide, we’ll be looking at the most effective ways of covering up textured wallpaper and how to achieve the most professional looking finish. 

The Best Way To Cover Textured Wallpaper

If you need to cover a wall that’s been laden with textured wallpaper then there are two ways that you can achieve this and get a smooth finish. Skimming is a more time consuming and expensive option but will give an incredibly professional and aesthetically pleasing look. Using lining paper will adequately cover the texture, although perhaps not quite to the same standard but is affordable and less hassle. 

Skimming

One of the most effective ways to get rid of textured walls is to skim over the top using a joint compound. When you do this correctly, you will notice that the surface becomes smooth, even and without any imperfections. What’s more, any wallpaper that you apply over the top will have the best chance of bonding without coming away from the wall. 

There are different approaches that you might take to skimming and one of the simplest is to apply the joint compound using a roller. You will need to ensure that the product has been diluted so that it resembles the texture of pancake mix. Once applied, you can smooth the surface using a trowel. It’s also possible to apply the compound directly to the wall using a trowel.

It doesn’t really matter which approach you take, the most important thing is to not rush as this will result in an uneven finish. If the surface is not completely smooth then these bumps and irregularities will show through your wallpaper. 

It’s also a good idea to assess the condition of the wall before you start skimming as there may be things that require attention. This includes things like nails or irregular protrusions on the wall that will first need to be removed.

When you have finished skimming the walls, you will need to allow them adequate time to dry before priming them and adding paint or wallpaper for your desired finish.

Lining Paper

Sometimes, skimming the walls can be quite a lot of effort and if you’ve never done it before, you may find the process a little intimidating. But there is an easier alternative; hanging lining paper. This paper is applied underneath decorative wallpaper and ensures a smooth and consistent surface on which to do so.

You’ll apply it in the same way you would regular wallpaper using a wallpaper adhesive. However, it’s important to keep in mind that applying the lining paper horizontally will prevent gaps from showing through when you install the wallpaper. We have a more detailed guide on this here. 

While the lining paper will serve as a base for your decorative wallpaper, you’ll still need to prep the textured wall before hanging it. Where covering over textured wallpaper is concerned, at the very least, you will need to ensure a clean surface that is free from debris.

Once you have hung the lining paper, you will then need to let it dry for at least 24 hours before moving on to the next stage of hanging the new wallpaper or painting. 

Painting Over Textured Wallpaper

If you are looking to get rid of the texture entirely then paint isn’t going to be the best option. However, if you’re happy to have some texture to the walls but want to change up the colour then this is one of the easiest and most affordable options. 

• You will need to begin by protecting the floor and any furniture of decorative items in the room by laying down dust sheets and drop cloths. It’s also a good idea to tape some plastic over doors and windows, especially if you haven’t quite got the knack of ‘staying in the lines.’ 
• Next, you will need to ensure that you have applied a primer. Even on a textured wall, this is super important so take the time to apply it carefully and ensure that all areas are covered.
• Now it’s time to start painting. Using a roller will give you the most even coverage but it’s important not to get carried away and do the job slowly. This will allow you to get into all those textured nooks and crannies that may otherwise be left without paint on them.
• Once you have applied paint with a roller, it’s time to go back over and inspect the wall. If you notice any areas that the roller missed, you can top these up using a paintbrush. Just be careful not to scuff the paper by pressing too hard with your brush.
• Allow the first coat to dry and then apply a second coat. You might think that after one coat, everything looks evenly covered but the wall will continue soaking up paint and when you come back to it at a later date, it’ll be evident that a second coat is needed. 

Related Article: Is Painting And Decorating A Good Job?

Conclusion

Textured wallpaper isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but removing it can be a hassle. To save yourself this hassle, it is possible to cover textured wallpaper in other ways. Skimming the walls or adding lining paper are great options but if you want to keep the texture but change the colour, paint is the way to go!

Always make sure to prep the walls first so that you get the most even and professional finish.