Applying kitchen splashback to textured wallpaper – How to do it properly
Textured wallpaper is widely used in German kitchens. No wonder – it's inexpensive, durable and hides unevenness better than almost any other wall covering. But what happens when you want to apply a new kitchen splashback to this rough surface? Will it even hold?
The good news: Yes, it does. At least with the right version. In this article, you'll learn what you absolutely need to pay attention to before installation, what pitfalls to watch out for – and how to securely and permanently attach your kitchen splashback to textured wallpaper.
PREMIUM vs. PRO: Not every version is suitable for textured wallpaper
This is the most important point – and it decides everything. Our PREMIUM kitchen splashback can be reliably and securely bonded to textured wallpaper. The texture of the wallpaper is no longer visible afterwards, as the film smooths it out and provides complete coverage.
The PRO version, on the other hand, is not suitable for textured wallpaper. The reason is simple: the adhesive strength of the PRO film is significantly lower. On a rough surface, it only sits on the small peaks of the textured structure – and barely adheres there. The result would be a splashback that quickly peels off again. So always choose the PREMIUM version for textured wallpaper.
Check the substrate beforehand
Before you start, it's worth doing a quick check of your wall. Two things are crucial:
1. Is the textured wallpaper firmly attached to the wall?
Press your thumb against different areas of the wallpaper. Does it give way or come off easily? Then your kitchen splashback will also only adhere loosely later. Loose textured wallpaper transfers its poor adhesion directly to everything that sticks on top of it. In this case, we recommend first securing the wallpaper again or replacing it – only then will the splashback installation produce a lasting result.
2. Has the wall been treated with a special coating?
This is an often overlooked point. The following coatings reliably prevent any adhesion – and are an absolute no-go for self-adhesive products:
- Wallpaper protection or "elephant skin": These products are often applied to protect wallpapers from moisture.
- Hydrophobic (water-repellent) coatings: A special protective coating that repels water and dirt.
- Latex paint: Creates a smooth, non-porous surface – nothing simply adheres to that.
The reason is simple: These coatings were specifically developed so that nothing sticks to them. A self-adhesive product has no chance against them. Not sure if your wall has been treated? Do a small test: stick a piece of painter's tape on the wallpaper and pull it off again. If paint comes off or the surface feels unusually smooth, be cautious.
Warping and unevenness – What to realistically expect
Here, honesty is more important than pretty words. Our kitchen splashback is a film, not spackle. If your substrate has severe warping or pronounced unevenness, the splashback cannot compensate for or straighten these out.
This has an understandable reason: Textured wallpapers are often applied to walls that weren't perfectly smoothed – because the rough appearance of the wallpaper visually hides such unevenness. For non-woven wallpapers, for example, the substrate is usually prepared much more carefully.
Still, you don't have to do without your new kitchen splashback because of this. Even on a slightly uneven substrate, the product can be securely bonded. Only individual spots with slight warping might remain visible. If you can live with that, there's nothing stopping you from installing it.
In short: What you need to know
So you don't forget anything, here are the most important points at a glance:
- ✅ Use PREMIUM version – it's the only suitable option for textured wallpaper
- ✅ Check wallpaper for secure attachment – loose textured wallpaper means poor adhesion
- ✅ No protective coatings present – no wallpaper protection, no silicate or latex paint
- ✅ Accept unevenness – the kitchen splashback doesn't compensate for warping, but can still be bonded
- ❌ PRO version on textured wallpaper – not suitable due to low adhesive strength
Your new kitchen splashback is waiting for you
You now know exactly what matters. With the right preparation and the PREMIUM kitchen splashback from Stickerprofis, you'll easily mount it on textured wallpaper – without a craftsperson, without adhesive and without much effort. Discover our self-adhesive PREMIUM range and choose the design that fits your kitchen.
