Damaged/ripped stud wall

[blandana]

I need a quick fix for a damaged wall - it’s ripped and uneven. What can I apply to it before I paint it?
could I wallpaper over it or would that make it worse?

A picture would be helpful. Difficult to advise without seeing the damage.

Damaged how? There are paints for uneven surfaces or you can use filler and sand

Unfortunately it’s the lower half of the wall so can’t hang a picture there.

Damaged as in years ago when i removed the wood chip wallpaper it ripped the actual wall (or wall lining, or whatever it was under the paper). I thought I could rip it off too but it’s like a very thick layer of cardboard too so I’m a bit scared to pull any more off in case I do more damage.

Plasterboard over or use lining paper if not too uneven

Yes a photo would be useful. Sounds like bare plasterboard that was wall papered. Obviously this would be damaged when wallpaper was removed. Plasterboard has a thick paper covering but is normally skimmed with finishing plaster. This creates a nice smooth, repairable, hard finish. Hard to be sure though given your relaxed description.

I did that exactly that to an entire wall. I finished up paying someone to skim it for me.

Thank you - I’ve decided to try the lining paper option first.