Wallpaper over unfinished drywall?

[ckile2040]

Hello. I searched the forums before posting but did not find an answer, so thought I'd ask the question.

I am finshing my basement and want to avoid finishing (taping and mudding) the drywall. I plan to cover the lower portion of the walls with wainscoat, and am wondering if the thick, paintable wallpapers can be applied over unfinished drywall on the upper portion? I have read that they are suitable for hiding irregularities.

Thanks,
Chris

[Gary Lucas]

I'm pretty sure that you would be very unhappy with the results. The shape of the underlying surface will telegraph through the wallcovering, and depending on your lighting, will look either bad or very bad. Bite the bullet, tape and finish the walls as if you intended to have a paint finish. Don't forget to prime the walls with a primer designed for wallcoverings.

Gary

[ckile2040]

Thanks for the reply, Gary. If I bite the bullet and tape and finish the drywall, I'll just paint it as I'll have no need for the wallpaper.

Thanks,
Chris