Wall Finishing Before Installing Wallpaper or Wall Murals

Learn how wall finish quality, lighting, and wallpaper thickness affect your final results.

Why Wall Finish Matters for Wallpaper

The final appearance of wallpaper depends on the quality of the wall surface underneath. Imperfections in drywall—like uneven textures, seams, or fastener marks—can become more visible depending on:

• Wallpaper thickness (thinner wallpapers show imperfections more)

• Lighting position (direct downlighting or sunlight can exaggerate flaws)

• Wall orientation (east- or west-facing walls may get harsh low-angle sunlight)

Choosing the right drywall finish level ensures your wallpaper looks smooth and professional.

Drywall Finish Levels Explained

There are three common drywall finish levels for wallpaper installation, defined by Gypsum Association GA-214 standards.

Level 3: Moderate Finish

• Best for: Thick or textured wallpapers

• Surface: May have minor imperfections, acceptable for heavier wallpaper that hides small flaws

• Lighting: Works in rooms with indirect lighting; not ideal for walls with strong sunlight or overhead downlights

Level 4: High-Quality Finish

• Best for: Thin wallpaper or lighter textures

• Surface: Smooth and even, recommended for most residential and commercial projects

• Lighting: Handles standard lighting well but not ideal for extreme side-lighting or glossy finishes

Level 5: Highest-Quality Finish

• Best for: Glossy wallpapers, murals, or any area under harsh or angled lighting

• Surface: Ultra-smooth with a full skim coat for a flawless finish

• Lighting: Required if walls face east/west windows or have strong overhead lighting

How Lighting Affects Wallpaper Appearance

Even with a good drywall finish, lighting dramatically affects how the wall looks:

• Direct downlighting over the wall highlights every bump and seam

• Low-angle sunlight (from east- or west-facing windows at sunrise/sunset) exaggerates imperfections

• Indirect or diffused lighting minimizes shadows and makes walls appear smoother

Tip: For walls exposed to harsh lighting, use Level 5 finish plus thicker or textured wallpaper for best results.

Smooth level 4 or 5 walls are recommended when harsh lighting conditions are present.

Wallpaper Thickness and Wall Smoothness

• Thick wallpapers: Hide more imperfections; Level 3 or 4 may be acceptable in some cases

• Thin wallpapers: Require Level 4 or 5 finish, especially with any direct lighting

• Murals or glossy finishes: Always require Level 5 for a flawless appearance

Summary Table

Conclusion

If your wall faces harsh sunlight or strong lighting, or you plan to install thin wallpaper or murals, upgrading to Level 5 drywall finish ensures a perfect result. For most residential projects with standard lighting, Level 4 is often sufficient.

FAQ Section:

Q1: What drywall finish level is best for wallpaper installation?
A1: For most projects, Level 4 finish works well for standard wallpaper. Level 5 is recommended for thin wallpaper, murals, or walls exposed to strong lighting or sunlight.

Q2: Does lighting affect how wallpaper looks on walls?
A2: Yes. Direct downlighting or low-angle sunlight from east/west-facing windows highlights wall imperfections, making higher finish levels essential.

Q3: Do thicker wallpapers hide wall imperfections better?
A3: Thick wallpapers can mask minor flaws, making Level 3 acceptable in some cases. Thin wallpapers or glossy finishes need smoother walls, like Level 4 or 5.

Q4: When is Level 5 drywall finish necessary?
A4: Level 5 is ideal when walls face harsh lighting, glossy finishes, or when a perfectly smooth surface is required for murals or premium installations.