How To Put Peel & Stick Wallpaper on Textured Walls

Before deciding to apply peel & stick wallpaper to your textured walls or ceilings, it's essential to make sure they are actually compatible. 

Huggleberry Hill's peel-and-stick wallpaper works perfectly for smooth surfaces, but its luxurious thick texture and excellent adhesion means it can also adhere to very lightly textured surfaces. 

However, if your walls or ceilings have a heavier texture, such as Popcorn or Skip Trowel, you'll need to make some preparations to ensure a smooth application.

The easiest way to test whether your surface requires smoothing before installation is to purchase and apply peel-and-stick wallpaper samples. Once applied, the finish should be smooth and bump-free with none of the surface texture showing through.

If you’re unsure whether you can apply Peel & Stick wallpaper to your ceilings or walls, getting wallpaper samples from your desired wallpaper brand and patch-testing your application is the best way to go about it.

We say “from your desired wallpaper brand” because there are many factors that go into how wallpaper will look on a textured wall: from the quality of the design itself, to the thickness of the wallpaper panels, the adhesive used, and the texture of the wallpaper – where mattes and textured wallpaper will mask bumps and imperfections better than smooth, glossy wallpaper. Different brands will have different wallpaper depending on these factors, despite the fact that they’re all categorized as ‘peel & stick wallpaper’.

Huggleberry Hill’s OEKO-TEX Certified self-adhesive textile wallpapers are up for the challenge. Our 19" square samples aren't just a sneak peek; they're an invitation to get creative. Experience the luxury of peel-and-stick ease and fabric-like texture. Your walls, your canvas!

If your surfaces have heavier textures, here's a step-by-step guide to preparing them for peel-and-stick wallpaper. You may wish to consult with an expert to ensure a perfect finish.

1. Assess the Texture: First, determine the severity of the texture. You can do this by running your hand across the textured surface. If it feels rough, bumpy, and uneven, it's likely a heavy texture that needs to be smoothed. Textured surfaces such as Popcorn and Skip Trowel are typically too heavy and require smoothing before wallpaper installation.

   
   
2. Skim Coating: Skim coating is the process of applying a thin layer of joint compound (mud) to the textured surface to create a smoother, more even base for your wallpaper. Here's how to do it:
   • Clean the textured surface: Remove any dirt, dust, or loose particles from the wall or ceiling.
   • Apply a layer of joint compound: Use a trowel to spread a thin layer of joint compound over the textured surface. Make sure it's as even as possible.
   • Sand the surface: Once the compound is dry, sand it gently to create a smooth and flat surface.

   • Repeat if necessary: Depending on the severity of the texture, you may need to repeat the process until you achieve the desired smoothness.

     
     
3. Clean and Prime: After skim coating, clean the surface to remove any dust or debris. Then, apply a high-quality wallpaper primer to ensure that the wallpaper adheres correctly and doesn't damage the drywall underneath.

Now, let's emphasize the significance of using a wallpaper primer when applying peel & stick wallpaper to textured surfaces. A wallpaper primer is an often-overlooked but essential element in achieving a seamless and long-lasting application of peel-and-stick wallpaper, especially on textured surfaces. 

Here's why it matters:

1. Surface Protection: A quality wallpaper primer creates a protective barrier between the wallpaper adhesive and the underlying surface. This is crucial for preventing any potential damage to the drywall or painted surface when you decide to remove the wallpaper in the future.

2. Adhesive Bond: Primers improve the adhesion of the peel-and-stick wallpaper, ensuring it adheres firmly and securely to the surface, preventing peeling or bubbling over time.

3. Easier Installation: Wallpaper primers can make the installation process smoother and more forgiving, allowing you to reposition the wallpaper if needed and minimizing the risk of misalignment.

4. Smooth Surface: In the case of lightly textured surfaces, a primer can help even out irregularities, providing a consistent and smoother base for your wallpaper. This is particularly valuable when dealing with lightly textured walls or ceilings.

Applying a wallpaper primer is a straightforward process. Here's how to do it:

1. Gather Your Supplies: You'll need the following items: wallpaper primer, a paint roller, a paint tray, and a paintbrush.
2. Clean the Surface: Ensure that your wall or ceiling is clean, free from dust, dirt, and any residues. A clean surface will promote better adhesion.
3. Mix the Primer: Stir the wallpaper primer thoroughly before use. Pour it into the paint tray.
4. Cut In: Use a paintbrush to cut in around the edges of the surface, including corners, edges, and areas near the ceiling or baseboards.
5. Roll On the Primer: Use a paint roller to apply the primer evenly to the rest of the surface. Make sure the primer covers the entire area and is applied consistently.
6. Allow to Dry: Let the primer dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions. This typically takes a few hours, so be patient.
7. Inspect for Smoothness: Once the primer is dry, inspect the surface to ensure it is smooth and ready for your peel-and-stick wallpaper.

To ensure your wallpaper application is flawless, consider the following tips:

1. Plan Your Layout: Before applying any wallpaper, plan the layout. Measure your wall or ceiling carefully, accounting for doors, windows, and outlets. This will help you determine how to align the wallpaper panels.

2. Trim Carefully: When trimming excess wallpaper at the top and bottom, use a sharp utility knife or wallpaper trimmer. A clean cut will result in a neater appearance.

3. Remove Bubbles and Wrinkles: As you apply each panel, use your smoothing tool or squeegee to remove any air bubbles or wrinkles. Start from the center and work your way out towards the edges.

5. Be Patient: Take your time during the application process to ensure a perfect final result.