Papering over heavily textured wall

[DannyT]

I have a 12ft. long, heavily textured wall that I am planning on papering. Rather than resurfacing or sanding, I am planning on installing paneling, finished side against the wall, and then papering over that. Is this advisable? What kind of problems am I going to run into?

[Dave D]

Let's see:

If you are using 1/8 to 1/4 " thick paneling there is a good chance that the finished wall wil be a bit wavey. You must secure the panel completely (suggest drywall finish screws) at the studs.You will have to pay special attention to the joints (they will need to be additionally secured and probably taped). each screw head will need to be spackled. And the whole thing will need to be primed. and last I recommend at least a medium weight wall liner to cover it, crosslined or railroaded. Then size that liner. Now you should be ready for paper.

However as I first stated...this new surface may still be a bit wavey.

Why not bite the bullet, scrape it down, float it with compound, sand it, prime it and now you are ready to hang?

I have done both and found that I have generally got better results with the second method. Good luck either way, I am giving advice "blind" as I have not seen the wall.

Again, good luck.

Dave

[Chris Murphy]

I agree with Dave, plus with panels of wood or 1/4" sheetrock you lose details at the mouldings, which sucks, IMO.
If your not all that great at skimming, you can save a pass or 2 and some dust by lining after you've gotten a relatively flat surface by using Cavalier's Maestro Liner http://www.wallliner.com (http://www.wallliner.com/) Then prime/seal that, and you've got a completely new wall surface.
Scarpe the texture as much as possible. Prime/seal it. Whip the joint compound with drill and paddle (don't add more than an oz. or 2 of water!!!). Roll the compound on the wall with a 3/4" nap, and trowel/ broad knife off the excess. When dry (24 hrs.), scrape with broadknife any ridges, bumps, lumps. Don't sand much, keep the dust down. Repeat. Prime/seal again. Follow with liner. Paint, hang, whatever you want after that.
Your wife will be hard-pressed to top that. And we men all know that's the important thing.d:(