Surface Issues? Camouflage And Beautify Them With These Wall Covering Installation Tips

6 December 2019
 Categories: , Blog

Share

The interior walls of the average home are often the recipient of abuse. Bumps, pet damage, the occasional crayon drawing, and even age can leave these surfaces with an unappealing appearance or a scratched, indented surface. While installing new drywall would be necessary to eliminate all traces of past damage and provide a new surface, doing so is likely too expensive and time-consuming for the average family to consider. 

An easier, less expensive option to drywall replacement is to consider using a professional wall covering installation service and one of several specific wall covering choices to hide existing problems. Homeowners who are trying to find a good solution for their unattractive walls can use these tips to get started. 

Plaster over imperfections, including cracks, bumps, and dings

Imperfections in the texture of your home's walls can be very noticeable, depending on the time of day and lighting choices. Wall coverings that are solid-colored or smooth-surfaced will not be able to hide this type of damage. 

Instead, homeowners will want to choose a wallpaper that will prevent the eye from detecting the irregularities in the surface. Good choices include thicker, heavy papers that have texture and an irregular design to help the eye skim over the surface more easily. 

If the imperfections are small, such as surface cracking, it may also be possible to use a painting technique to hide them from view. One option is often referred to as knockdown texture or knockdown paint. 

This thick, somewhat viscous substance can be thickly applied before one of a number of texturing techniques is used to give it definition and a specific appearance. Knockdown texture can also be a good option to replace outdated popcorn-style ceiling treatments. 

Contrasting finishes can help to conceal problem areas

Another excellent strategy for covering damaged areas on interior walls is to consider using more than one finish in a room. Similar to a painted accent wall that offers a sharp contrast to the others, homeowners can choose to install a dramatic, highly textured wall covering on one wall or halfway up each wall. 

Some possible options for using contrasting finishes for this purpose include:

  • using thin wooden boards or faux stone to create a rustic look on one or more walls
  • using real or faux decorative medallions to create accents 
  • using borders or chair rails to emphasize and define areas

Murals can also be a good way to deal with problem walls. If you like the idea of a hand-painted mural but one is not in your budget or schedule, consider purchasing mural panels that can be installed much like wallpaper. 

Preparation is the most important step

No matter which wall coverings you select, it is important to remember that preparation is the key to successfully concealing wall imperfections. In addition to filling cracks and gouges, rough areas should be sanded and holes should be properly patched. 

If the surface imperfections you are dealing with include stains or areas where dark colors could be difficult to hide, it is important to use the right combination of cleaning the wall surfaces and coating them with a good sealer or primer. 

If grease or tobacco stains are present, using a primer product manufactured specifically for this use is a good idea. The preparation stage is also an excellent time to deal with smells that have seeped into the current finish, including pet odors and cigarette smoke. Primer products are available that include ingredients to neutralize and seal these walls and eliminate odors. 

To learn more about all the options you may have for making your home's damaged, ugly walls look fresh, smooth, and new, take time to discuss your situation with a wall covering installation service in your area.