Whether it's dented from moving furniture or covered in holes from hanging pictures, walls can take a beating that creates annoying imperfections. These small issues may not call for the hassle of spackle and drywall, but they won't be remedied with a fresh coat of paint either. So can wallpaper give your walls a fresh start and new look without the trouble of filling every nook and cranny? We've found the methods of using wallpaper to cover cracks and imperfections, and we'll share these ideas with you!
Yes, wallpaper can be used to cover cracks and other small imperfections on walls.
If you're in search of wallpaper to hide nicks, dents, and cracks that can be created on walls just by existing within them, keep reading! We've researched what wallpaper is going to give you the best results and how you can use it to revamp your walls.
Does Wallpaper Cover Wall Imperfections?
Simply put, yes. Wallpaper can be used to help hide certain inconsistencies on walls. Especially with today's trends that actually make it an effective design tool to breathe new life into lightly damaged walls.
Wallpaper has seen off and on popularity since the 18th century. Since then, patterns and designs have changed, gone out of style, and come back with a vengeance. A decade ago, wallpaper was associated with older homes in yellowing floral designs. However, today its become a favorite among homeowners, interior designers, and even renters since the introduction of peel-and-stick wallpaper.
Its popularity today stems from its unique patterns and colors and its ease to explore and purchase a vast array of options through online shopping. Wallpaper is being applied to make bold statements in homes, and that's why trends in wallpaper today actually make it perfect for covering those pesky imperfections. Let's talk about those trends that can save your walls!
What is the best wallpaper to cover bad walls?
When you have cracked, dented, or moderately imperfect walls, certain wallpapers will allow you to hide these issues.
Imperfections aren't going to be easily covered with solid-colored wallpaper. Any bump or groove will be noticeable, just as if you painted over a crack in the wall. Wallpaper with texture and three-dimensional patterns are going to be the best option to hide those small imperfections.
Bold Designs
Bright, bold, adventurous designs are popular in small proportions in interior design. When creating accent walls or decorating the upper half of a wall with wainscoting or a chair rail (usually in a bathroom or small office) these dramatic pictured patterns are gorgeous. They are also just the thing to hide smaller imperfections.
With a louder design, there tends to be a lot of contrast and depth that works to cover up any bumps or dents. Chances are you will be able to see them but only at the exact right angle and in the right lighting.
Click here to view this wallpaper on Amazon.
Patterns
If the wild designs aren't your style, larger and repetitive patterns can have the same effect. These work better when you don't have a lot to cover, like a textured wall. Instead, use them for smaller imperfections like small holes and cracks, and use darker patterns if you want to camouflage them even better.
Click here to view this wallpaper on Amazon.
Paintable Texture
Textured and paintable wallpaper is becoming more popular with interior designers for its ability to look less like wallpaper and more like a wall. It does not require removal when you need a change.
This wallpaper is thicker and made of vinyl. Once applied, it can be painted any way you want. And when you're ready for a new color, you simply paint over it as you would with a non-papered wall.
Click here to view this wallpaper on Amazon.
3D Patterns
Wallpapers with embossed or three-dimensional patterns are going to do well in camouflaging imperfect walls. Raised designs can hide bumps and grooves. The pattern also tends to call for thicker paper, so it will hide small cracks as well.
Click here to view this wallpaper on Amazon.
It's important to remember that although wallpaper is capable of disguising problems in your walls, it cannot fix them. So if you are dealing with larger issues like widening wall fissures or water damage that has not been repaired, wallpaper is not a cure-all. We recommend contacting an experienced contractor to ensure your walls are safely repaired.
Can you put wallpaper on rough walls?
Wallpapering rough and textured walls can create a few issues. Texture can show through wallpaper, giving you an unattractive rough finished product instead of the smooth application of non-textured walls.
It can also hinder the wallpaper's ability to stick to the wall. Grooves and dents can create areas that don't allow the wallpaper to adhere. So either you end up with wallpaper that doesn't stay up or wallpaper that slowly falls over time. Either way, it's not the best option.
It is, however, possible to wallpaper certain textured walls without taking the time to correct them. For instance, crow's feet and skip-trowel textures have patterns that create more surface area that wallpaper can stick to.
If you're a renter using peel-and-stick removable wallpaper or if you are using a heavily patterned design that won't highlight grooves and dents as clearly, then you can technically wallpaper those rough walls.
How do you wallpaper a bumpy wall?
Wallpapering walls that are more textures, like orange peel, popcorn, or comb, will require correction before applying the paper if you want a reliable hold and attractive finish.
The process of smoothing walls is time-consuming and takes effort, but it will provide you with a smooth surface. There are two ways that you can accomplish this.
First, you can sand the textured walls until they no longer have bumps. This can be a good option for walls that have shallower bumps. Secondly, you can use a joint compound to fill the texture in.
Joint compound is gypsum dust mixed with water to create a thinner paste than drywall spackle. You then use a trowel to smooth thin and even layers down the walls. You will most likely need to do three coats, depending on how deep the grooves are. The joint compound takes about 30 minutes to dry, so it does have a quicker application process than spackle or paint would.
Once you have a finish you are happy with, you can sand the rough areas until smooth. Take the time to really look over your walls and be certain you are satisfied with the finished outcome.
When you have a smooth surface, you can apply a primer and adhesive and put your wallpaper up as you normally would.
Do you need to prime drywall before wallpapering?
When you want to apply wallpaper directly to new drywall, you will need to use a primer beforehand. Wallpapering primed and painted walls already have a protective barrier for wallpaper to adhere to.
New drywall can easily be penetrated by wallpaper glue, causing it to get wet. When it dries, the wallpaper is essentially part of the drywall. You won't be able to remove it without destroying the actual drywall.
You can either use a standard oil-based primer or a primer and sealant created for wallpaper to avoid this. This type of primer not only creates a smooth surface for the wallpaper to adhere to but creates a barrier to easily apply and remove wallpaper.
Click here to view this primer on Amazon.
In closing
Wallpaper can be an effective remedy to minor damage and imperfections in walls. Thick, textured, and bold wallpapers can do the trick in hiding these issues and giving your walls a new look. As long as you are taking care not to cover damage that will worsen or needs to be repaired instead of hidden, wallpaper can be a savior to tired and well-lived spaces.
Are you considering wallpaper over paint? Check out this post to see which one will last longer in your home before you decide: Does Wallpaper Last Longer Than Paint?
If the bold and adventurous wallpaper caught your eye, head over to this post for wild wallpaper ideas to give your walls a unique look: 27 Crazy and Unusual Wallpaper Ideas for Your Walls.
