Embarking on the journey of transforming your walls from textured to a smooth canvas for wallpaper installation requires careful planning and execution. Whether you’re aiming for a smooth modern surface or preparing the perfect backdrop for a new design, this essay offers a comprehensive guide on removing wall texture and seamlessly preparing for wallpaper installation.

Step 1: Assessing the Existing Texture

• Identifying the Texture Type

Before delving into the removal process, it is essential to identify the type of texture on your walls. Typical textures include popcorn, orange peel, or knockdown. Understanding the texture type will help you determine the method for its removal.

• Checking for Asbestos

In homes constructed before the 1980s, textured walls might contain asbestos— in popcorn ceilings. If your house falls within this time frame, it is crucial to have professionals test the texture for asbestos before attempting any removal procedures.

Step 2: Preparing the Work Area

• Clearing the Space

Remove furniture, wall décor, and any other obstacles from the work area. Creating an open space ensures movement and prevents potential damage to your belongings.

• Protecting Furniture

Place drop cloths on your flooring to safeguard against debris and dust. To protect your furniture from any damage, consider either covering it or moving it to another room during the removal and preparation process.

Step 3: Removing Texture from Walls

• Scraping Popcorn or Acoustic Texture

For popcorn or acoustic textures, you can start by spraying water on the surface and using a putty knife or a specialized scraper designed to remove popcorn texture. Be gentle as you scrape the texture off, and be careful not to harm the underlying drywall. Repeat this process until most of the texture is gone.

• Sanding Orange Peel Texture

If you’re dealing with an orange peel texture, sanding is often the approach. You can use a pole sander or an electric sander with fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface. Just make sure not to sand too hard or with too coarse sandpaper, as that may cause damage to the drywall.

• Applying Joint Compound for Stubborn Textures

In some cases, stubborn textures require the application of a joint compound. Use a drywall knife to spread a layer of joint compound over the textured area. Once it dries completely, you can then proceed to sand that area until you achieve a smooth finish.

• Repairing and Patching Imperfections

After completing the texture removal process, carefully inspect your walls for any imperfections, such as holes or dents. These areas can be filled with compounds in order to create a surface suitable for wallpaper application.

Step 4 Preparing the Surface

• Clean the Wall

Get rid of any dust, debris, or residue left behind after removing the texture. Use a cloth or sponge to wipe down the walls and ensure they are clean and smooth.

• Apply Primer

Applying primer is a step in prepping the wall before installing wallpaper. Choose a high-quality primer that suits your wall surface. Primer improves adhesion, seals the surface, and ensures a smooth application of the wallpaper.

• Paint Your Wall

While painting a wall before installing peel-and-stick wallpaper is not strictly necessary, it is generally recommended for several reasons. While peel-and-stick wallpaper can adhere directly to a primed wall, painting the wall provides additional benefits that contribute to a more successful and visually appealing installation. However, after you have a newly painted wall, you will need to wait 30 days before installing the wallpaper, as it will continue to release gases and create unwanted air bubbles.

Step 5: Preparing for Wallpaper Installation

• Measure and Cut Wallpaper

Once you have primed and painted the wall, measure its dimensions. Cut the wallpaper accordingly. Leave an extra at the top and bottom for adjustments during installation.

• Choose a Starting Point

Decide on a starting point for installing the wallpaper; you will usually want to choose the focal point in the room. Depending on your wallpaper’s design and layout, this could be in the center of the wall or at a corner.

• Follow Manufacturers Instructions

Strictly follow the instructions the manufacturer provides for your peel-and-stick or paste-applied wallpaper. Make sure to apply adhesive and align each strip properly for a finish.

• Smooth Application

When applying each strip of wallpaper, make sure to use a wallpaper smoothing tool or a soft, clean cloth to get rid of any air bubbles and ensure that it sticks properly. Start from the center. Work your way towards the edges, smoothing the wallpaper as you go.

• Trim Excess Material

To achieve a finished look, carefully trim any material at the top and bottom of the applied wallpaper using a sharp utility knife. This step is crucial in creating an appearance.

Conclusion

Converting a wall into a surface for installing wallpaper requires a systematic approach that involves assessing the existing texture, thorough preparation, and precise application. By following these steps, you can achieve a surface that highlights the wallpaper’s beauty and serves as an excellent foundation for an exceptional interior design transformation. With patience and careful attention, your wall will become a backdrop to showcase your style through stunning wallpaper choices.

Here is a quick look at a wallpapering project that we did in the past. We did not remove the texture from the wall in our first attempt, but we know better now and can do better on our next project.