To effectively cover textured wallpaper, you typically need to smooth out the surface before painting or applying new wallpaper. The most common method is to use joint compound.
Here's a breakdown of how to do it:
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Prepare the Surface:
- Ensure the wallpaper is securely adhered to the wall. Re-glue any loose areas.
- Clean the wallpaper thoroughly to remove dust, dirt, and grease.
- Gently sand down any loose seams with fine-grit sandpaper to minimize their visibility.
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Apply Joint Compound (Spackle):
- Use a wide drywall knife (at least 6 inches) to apply a thin, even coat of joint compound over the entire textured surface. The goal is to fill in the texture, not to create a thick layer.
- For heavily textured wallpaper, you may need multiple thin coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. This prevents cracking.
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Sanding:
- Once the joint compound is completely dry (typically 24-48 hours, depending on humidity), sand the surface smooth. Use a sanding block or pole sander with medium-grit sandpaper (around 120-grit) to start, followed by fine-grit sandpaper (around 220-grit) for a smoother finish.
- Be careful not to sand too aggressively, which could damage the wallpaper underneath.
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Priming:
- After sanding, remove all dust with a damp cloth.
- Apply a high-quality primer to the smoothed surface. Primer helps the paint adhere properly and prevents the texture from bleeding through. A stain-blocking primer is recommended, especially if the wallpaper has dark colors or stains.
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Painting or Wallpapering:
- Once the primer is dry, you can paint or apply new wallpaper as desired.
Important Considerations:
- Testing: Before committing to the entire room, test the process in a small, inconspicuous area to ensure the joint compound adheres well and the sanding process doesn't damage the underlying wallpaper.
- Professional Help: If you're uncomfortable with these steps or have a very large area to cover, consider hiring a professional painter or wallpaper installer.
- Alternative: Removing the wallpaper is another option, although it can be time-consuming and messy.
