Wallpapering Over Tiles: Step-by-Step Guide

Want to give your kitchen or bathroom a fresh look without removing old tiles? Discover how to easily wallpaper over tiles with the right preparation and materials. Our step-by-step guide shows you how to achieve a smooth, modern finish with non-woven or vinyl wallpaper.

Tiles or Wallpaper?

Kitchen and bathroom tiles are found in almost every home, but they don’t always match your taste. Often, they look dated or simply unattractive. Many people think the only way to modernize a tiled wall is to remove the tiles completely or cover them with drywall before wallpapering.

But there’s a much easier way! You can transform your wall without removing the tiles or installing plasterboard. The solution: wallpaper directly over the tiles! Here’s how to do it, step by step.

Note: If you are renting, always discuss your plans with your landlord first to see if wallpapering directly over tiles is allowed. If not, consider installing and wallpapering over plasterboard instead, which can be removed when you move out.

Tip: If you like the look of tiles but want a fresh surface, consider a realistic tile-effect wallpaper!

Removing Tiles requires hard Work & Effort

Step 1: Clean the Tiles

Before wallpapering over tiles, thoroughly clean the tiled wall to remove all grease and dirt. Use a suitable cleaner to ensure the wallpaper adhesive will stick properly.

Step 2: Sand or Prime the Tiles

Tiles are usually smooth and glossy, which makes it difficult for wallpaper and adhesive to bond. To ensure the wallpaper sticks, you need to either sand the surface or apply a primer.

Sanding: Use sandpaper or a professional sanding machine to roughen the tile surface. Clean the dust off thoroughly afterward.
Priming: Alternatively, apply a special primer or bonding agent (also known as adhesion promoter) to the tiles. This creates a suitable surface for wallpapering and improves adhesion. Apply with a brush and allow several days to dry before wallpapering.

Step 3: Fill the Joints or Apply Renovation Fleece

To prevent the tile joints from showing through the wallpaper later, fill them carefully with filler or tile adhesive. Once dry, sand the surface until smooth and clean off any dust.

Alternatively, you can use a renovation fleece (also called lining paper or non-woven lining), which covers the joints and creates a smooth, absorbent surface for wallpapering.

Tip: If you don’t want to use lining paper, fill the joints and apply a primer after sanding the filler.

Step 4: Hang New Wallpaper

Once the tiled wall is perfectly prepared, you can hang your wallpaper. The easiest option is non-woven wallpaper, which is applied just like on a regular wall: apply the adhesive directly to the wall and press each strip into place.

Tip: For kitchens and bathrooms, vinyl wallpapers with a non-woven backing are ideal. They are scrub-resistant and washable, making them easy to clean. However, do not use wallpaper in areas with direct water contact, such as inside showers or directly behind sinks or bathtubs, as moisture can cause the wallpaper to peel off.