Wallpaper over concrete?

Cafe Society
1

(I’m not sure if home decoration fits under Café Society, so please move this, mods, if it belongs somewhere else.)

OK, the hubby and I just bought a new condo. I’m happy as a proverbial clam. It’s being painted today and tomorrow, and we’re moving in next week.

One issue of contention is the ceilings. They’re bare concrete, for that modern, industrial look. I kind of like it, but hubby is grumbling. Painting it seems kind of pointless as it’ll look uneven anyway. Plan A is to lighten the look with concrete dye, but I’m having a hard time finding a professional in my area who can do it. Plan B, suggested by my dad, is tiling. I like the look of tin tile ceilings, but they’re awfully expensive. I’ve found a wallpaper (trust me, it looks better in person) that simulates tin tile for a reasonable price. My question is, can I apply this directly to concrete? Hubby thinks no, I’m pretty sure yes, so I appeal to Dopers’ greater wisdom in this situation. Has anyone here wallpapered concrete? Or is it just such an absurd idea that I shouldn’t be thinking of it? Thanks for any advice.

2

Depends on how dusty the concrete is. Some is smooth and hard. That should work. But if you can pass your finger over it and leave a permanent streak, then the paper will just fall off. It’s easy enough to check with a small sample of paper.

3

Actually, that site you linked to would be your expert, since it’s their product. They have an 800 number you can call.

4

How do you feel about a faux finish in a treatment that would work with the unevenness? It would at least lighten up the ceiling.

I think you could also get rolls of self-adhering mesh which you could then skim coat and paint. Of course that’s a lot of messy work!

5

**[bolding mine] **(nice username, btw!), I’ve done the dust test you suggested and it’s not that bad. It isn’t really smooth, though. Oh, and the 1-800 number on that site isn’t available from Canada, unfortunately. gigi, I like your faux finish idea too. I’ll think about this some more and continue my research. Thanks!