Can You Apply Wallpaper On Textured Walls. While you should never wallpaper over any surface that isn't or, you can apply the compound directly to the wall with a trowel. Thicker, darker papers will do a better job at concealing the texture of the wall underneath, and you will likely need more starch to get the job done.
The walls have swirly texture.
In the photo below you can see the dried paint i applied with the edger at the top of the wall, and the lighter, wet paint i had just applied with. The location of the white spots shows that i didn't roll from high right to low left on this. So i use a damp rag to wipe down the walls before i paint. Wallpaper can't cling to greasy, dirty walls, old wallpaper or paint.