Is it Okay to Texture Over Drywall That Is Missing the Paper?

Causes

• The paper surface of drywall can come off for many reasons. For example, water damage might cause the drywall to disintegrate, or the process of removing wallpaper might pull off the paper surface along with the covering. If you try to rip flapping pieces of paper off the drywall, you'll worsen the problem. Instead, use a utility knife to cut the pieces off, or use a twisting motion to pull the paper away without worsening the tear.

Considerations

• The extent of the damage to the drywall affects whether you can texture over drywall that is missing the paper. If just a few areas are bare, each less than a few square inches, you might be able to texture successfully. However, large areas of missing paper can cause problems later.

Effect

• Drywall needs its paper covering to maintain a stable, even surface. If you paint over areas that are missing paper, the paint might not bond as well with the bare gypsum as it would with the paper surface. Consequently, the paint might chip or crack. Texture also can chip away, especially if it is of substantial size, like popcorn texture.

Significance

• On the other hand, if you're lucky, the texture might adhere successfully. Because you can't know for sure, the safest approach is to replace the drywall. Fresh drywall will provide a stable, even surface for the texture to bond with, maximizing the appearance of your wall or ceiling and increasing the longevity of the texture. While it might seem difficult and expensive to replace the damaged drywall, it's more cost effective to do everything right the first time than constantly repair chipping or cracking areas of texture.