The question of whether you can successfully put wallpaper on textured walls is one of the most common and persistent dilemmas in modern home renovation, and the definitive answer is a resounding "yes," but with significant caveats. As of late 2025, advancements in wall preparation products and wallpaper technology have made it entirely possible to transform a room with a stubborn texture—like orange-peel or knockdown—into a stunning, wallpapered space. The key to success isn't just picking a pattern; it’s understanding the critical difference between various wall textures and choosing the right combination of wall preparation and wallpaper type to ensure flawless adhesion and a smooth finish.

The primary challenge with any textured wall is that the uneven surface severely reduces the contact area for the adhesive, leading to poor adhesion issues, visible air pockets, and the texture telegraphing through thin wallpaper. Fortunately, whether you’re dealing with a light, subtle texture or a more aggressive, bumpy texture, there are now five distinct, expert-approved methods you can employ to achieve a professional, long-lasting result. Forget the old advice that says you must spend weeks on extensive skim coating; modern solutions offer faster, more DIY-friendly alternatives for your next big project.

The Essential Wall Preparation: Your Foundation for Flawless Wallpapering

Before you even think about unrolling your first strip of wallpaper, the success of your project hinges on proper wall preparation. Ignoring this step is the fastest way to guarantee a peeling, bumpy mess. The level of texture dictates the intensity of the prep work required, but a few universal steps apply to every scenario.

• Clean Thoroughly: All walls, especially those with texture, must be free of dust, grease, and grime. Use a mild detergent or a TSP substitute solution.
• Prime the Surface: A high-quality wall primer, specifically a clear acrylic or pigmented shellac-based primer (often called "wallpaper primer" or "sizing"), is non-negotiable. This product seals the porous drywall and provides a uniform surface that the wallpaper adhesive can grip firmly, which is crucial for maximizing adhesion on a reduced surface area.
• Assess the Texture: Run your hand across the wall. If the texture is very light (like a fine orange-peel), you might skip the major smoothing steps. If it's a pronounced knockdown texture or a heavy popcorn texture, a smoothing technique is essential.

Method 1: The Gold Standard – Skim Coating (For Heavy Texture)

For the most professional and permanent result on heavily textured walls, skim coating is the preferred method. This process involves applying one or more thin layers of joint compound over the entire wall surface to fill in the valleys and create a perfectly smooth, flat plane. While it is the most labor-intensive option, it’s the only way to guarantee a finish that looks like a new, smooth wall.

Steps for Skim Coating:

1. Mix your joint compound to a creamy consistency.
2. Using a wide drywall knife (10-12 inches), apply a thin, even coat over the wall, feathering the edges.
3. Allow the first coat to dry completely (usually 24 hours).
4. Lightly sand any major imperfections.
5. Apply a second, even thinner coat to fill any remaining voids.
6. Once dry, lightly sand the entire surface with fine-grit sandpaper (150-220 grit) and prime before wallpapering.

This technique is a true form of smoothing techniques that levels the wall, making it suitable for even the thinnest, most delicate traditional wallpaper.

Method 2: The DIY Game-Changer – Heavy-Duty Wall Liner

If the thought of skim coating an entire room is daunting, the modern wall liner (or lining paper) is your best alternative. This heavy-duty, blank wallcovering is designed to bridge and smooth over minor to moderate textures, acting as a buffer layer between the textured surface and your decorative wallpaper.

Wall liners are significantly thicker than standard wallpaper and are applied horizontally (perpendicular to the decorative paper) to prevent seams from lining up. Look for a heavy-duty, fiberglass, or non-woven liner that is specifically marketed for covering "problem walls."

• Best For: Light to moderate orange-peel texture or very fine knockdown.
• Application Tip: Use a strong, non-staining, clay-based adhesive. Ensure the liner is completely dry and primed before applying your final wallpaper.

The Perfect Wallpaper Types for Textured Surfaces

Even with minimal preparation, choosing the right material can make or break your project. Thinner papers will invariably highlight every bump and imperfection, a phenomenon known as "telegraphing." To avoid this, focus on high-quality, thick, and durable materials.

Method 3: The Durable Solution – Heavyweight Vinyl Wallpaper

Vinyl wallpaper is arguably the most popular choice for covering a textured wall. Its construction makes it inherently thicker and more robust than paper-based coverings. The weight and durability of the vinyl material help to compress or camouflage minor texture variations on the wall's surface.

• Why it Works: The thickness of the vinyl layer provides a slight cushioning effect, helping to hide subtle bumps. It’s also extremely durable and washable.
• Look For: Solid vinyl or fabric-backed vinyl, as these are the thickest options.

Method 4: The Natural Camouflage – Grasscloth and Natural Fiber Wallpapers

Natural fiber coverings like grasscloth wallpaper, sisal, or jute are excellent for textured walls because they have a naturally uneven, woven surface. This inherent texture is the ultimate camouflage, as the eye is drawn to the paper's pattern and dimension, making the underlying wall texture virtually invisible.

• Why it Works: The deep, random, and vertical texture of the grasscloth naturally distracts from and hides the wall's horizontal or random bumps.
• Caveat: These are often more expensive and require careful handling, as they can be delicate.

Method 5: The Modern Illusion – 3D and Embossed Wallpapers

A smart, modern approach is to fight texture with texture. 3D wallpaper and heavily embossed or textured vinyl papers are designed with a raised pattern (like faux plaster or geometric designs). This dimensional surface creates an optical illusion that completely overrides the underlying wall texture.

• Why it Works: The intentional, deep texture of the wallpaper creates shadows and highlights that completely mask the imperfections of the wall beneath.
• Tip: Look for "paintable" textured wallpapers, which are often the thickest and most deeply embossed, giving you the option to customize the color.

Troubleshooting Common Wallpapering Challenges on Bumpy Walls

Even with the best preparation, wallpapering over a less-than-perfect surface can present unique difficulties. Knowing how to address these issues is key to a successful installation.

Dealing with Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper on Textured Walls

While standard peel-and-stick wallpaper is designed for smooth surfaces, many manufacturers now offer thicker, high-tack versions specifically for walls with a light texture. The issue with thinner peel-and-stick is that the texture reduces the adhesive contact too much, causing the edges to curl and peel. If you must use a removable product, prioritize a heavy-duty, non-woven material and ensure you use a strong wall primer first to improve the wall's grip.

Preventing Seams from Gapping or Lifting

On a textured wall, the pressure from the bumps can push the wallpaper panels apart, causing seams to gap. The solution is twofold:

1. Use a laser level or plumb line to ensure your first strip is perfectly vertical, setting the stage for the rest of the installation.
2. Apply a seam sealer to the edges of the wallpaper after installation. This clear adhesive provides an extra layer of grip right where the paper is most vulnerable to lifting.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to your budget and the severity of the texture. While skim coating is the definitive answer for a flawless finish, a combination of a heavy-duty wall liner and a thick, textured wallpaper (like fabric-backed wallpaper) offers a fantastic, less-intensive alternative, proving that even the bumpiest walls can be transformed into a stunning feature wall in your home.