OSB has a very rough surface that most people don’t find very visually appealing. Wallpaper is a great way to finish a wall because it hides more imperfections than paint and also comes in many different colors and designs. In this article I will explain if it’s possible to put wallpaper over OSB.
In general, you can put wallpaper over OSB. However, it needs to be prepared first using spackle or joint compound. Wallpaper shows through any imperfections in the underlying surface. It saves a lot of time to install plywood or drywall over OSB first, then hang the wallpaper onto that.
Below, I will explain in detail about why it’s not a good idea to put wallpaper over OSB, as well as, the best way to finish OSB and detailed instructions for how to put wallpaper over OSB.
Should You Put Wallpaper over OSB?
OSB is more durable than drywall, and is cheaper than plywood. The one downside is that it doesn’t look very good for interior walls, and generally needs to be finished. Wallpaper needs a smooth flat surface underneath, so here is a rundown of whether you should put wallpaper over OSB.
Overall, it’s not a good idea to put wallpaper over OSB. The preparation required to get it flat enough to create a good end result takes far too long. It’s best to install plywood or drywall over OSB first before hanging wallpaper on it.
A few people have documented painting over OSB, and finishing it using spackle or mud which are the best ways to prepare a wall to install wallpaper over it. But, experienced DIYers, wallpaper manufacturers, and building contractors have stated that the ‘juice is not worth the squeeze’. In the end the best method is to install plywood or drywall over the top first, and then prepare it to be wallpapered by applying wallpaper ‘sizing’ to the OSB.
Sizing is a term used in wallpapering where you apply a special liquid called wallpaper sizing. Doing so makes the wallpaper stick better to the wall, and as a result it lasts longer. One exception is, if you’re fine with the end result having a far from perfect finish.
What Tools Do You Need to Put Wallpaper over OSB?
If you do decide to wallpaper over OSB there are a few tools you will need. Below is a list of what these are, as well as, a table that shows what each tool is used for.
You need a bucket, wide trowel, roller, ladder, smoothing tool, seam roller, tape measure, utility knife, pencil, roller, roller tray, and a putty knife (optional). A putty knife is only required if there are cracks or dents that need to be filled with putty.
Here’s a table that shows what each tool is used for:
|
Tool |
What it’s used for |
|
Bucket |
Mixing spackle or mud, and mixing the wallpaper glue |
|
Wide trowel |
Applying the spackle or mud to the OSB |
|
Roller |
Applying the glue to the wallpaper |
|
Ladder |
Accessing the ceiling to apply the wallpaper |
|
Smoother (also called a smoothing tool) |
Smoothing out the wallpaper and applying it to the wall. |
|
Seam roller |
Used to ensure the edges of each piece of wallpaper are perfectly flat |
|
Tape measure |
Measuring out the first piece of wallpaper so that it’s perfectly level vertically |
|
Utility knife |
Cutting the wall paper |
|
Paint brush x2 |
Applying the glue to the edges of the wall. For applying a primer to the OSB |
|
Pencil |
Marking out where the first piece of wallpaper will go |
|
Roller x2 |
Applying wallpaper sizing, and the glue to the wall |
|
Roller tray x2 |
1 is used for applying sizing. The other is for applying the wallpaper glue. |
What Preparations Do You Need to Put Wallpaper over OSB?
OSB has a very uneven surface, however when installing wallpaper any imperfections in the underlying surface will show through. Therefore, it’s necessary to do a few steps to prepare the OSB first to smooth it out and make it waterproof. Here are all the steps required when putting wallpaper over OSB.
In general, apply a few layers of shellac to waterproof it, then apply mud, joint compound, or spackle over the surface using a trowel. Multiple coats are almost always required. After it has dried and the OSB is smooth apply a few layers of sizing.
Then you are ready to apply the wallpaper as you normally would. Sizing is used to create a semi rough surface to the OSB. It is recommended by professional tradespeople because it makes the wallpaper stick to the wall better, which makes it last longer.
If the wallpaper ever needs to be removed later in the future, it makes it far easier to remove. Also after sanding the wall you should wash the wall using soapy water and a damp cloth to remove any grime and sawdust from the wall.
In some cases, there will be dents or cracks in the drywall. Fill these in using spackle and a putty knife, and then sand it down once it’s dry using fine sandpaper (100 to 120 grit).
How to Put Wallpaper Over OSB
The best way to put wallpaper over OSB is to install plywood or drywall over top of the OSB. Doing so reduces the time it takes to hang the wall paper instead of smoothing it out with joint compound. But, if you want to install wallpaper over OSB directly here is exactly how to do it.
In general, first fill in any dents and imperfections with putty or spackle, then a few coats of shellac to waterproof it. After that apply joint compound, and after it has dried apply a few coats of wallpaper sizing. Then apply the wallpaper to the wall using the standard wallpapering method.
Below are each of these steps in detail. I’ve also included some videos so you can see exactly how to do it.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on January 23, 2023.
1. Fill in any dents and cracks with putty or spackle
If the OSB board has any dents or cracks you should fill them in with putty, spackle, or builders mud. What material you use to fill in the dents or cracks is personal preference and all of the work well. The idea is to get the underlying surface flat otherwise the wallpaper will sag into any dents or cracks.
Also, if someone bumps into these areas it will poke a hole in the wallpaper. Use a putty knife and apply your material of choice into the dents and cracks. Let it dry for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer, and then sand it using a fine grit sandpaper.
2. Apply a few layers of shellac
Shellac is similar to paint but it waterproofs a material. It is painted on using a roller, and you apply it exactly the same as you would a coat of paint. Typically a few coats are required to get full coverage.
3. Apply a few coats of joint compound, spackle, plaster, or mud
Next the OSB board needs to be smoothed out by applying layers of spackle or mud. Ideally, it should be perfectly smooth, that way the wallpaper will look perfectly flat. But, doing so requires at least 2 layers of spackle, plaster, or builders mud.
Each layer needs to be left to dry for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on January 23, 2023.
4. Apply a layer or two of wallpaper sizing
Sizing is similar to paint, but is specially designed for preparing a wall that is going to be wallpapered. Sizing is applied like you would a layer of paint.
Use a paintbrush around the edges of the wall, and around things like windows or fixtures. And then use a paint roller to apply it to the rest.
5. Apply glue and then the sheets of wallpaper
Some people paint glue onto the back of wallpaper and then hang it on the wall. Whereas, others apply the glue to the wall and then hang the wallpaper on to it. Either method works fine.
When hanging the sheets of wallpaper with a pattern it’s important to make sure the patterns line up.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on January 23, 2023.