The Ultimate Guide to Preparing Walls for Wallpaper
Getting ready to hang wallpaper? Good wall preparation is key to a successful installation. Let’s go through the steps to make sure your walls are ready for that perfect finish. This guide will help you whether you’re doing it yourself or thinking about get help from a pro.
Key Points
- Allow 3-4 weeks for fresh plaster to cure
- Use a plumb line or spirit level for straight installation
- Prime walls with wallpaper sizing for better sticking
- Fix all damage before wallpapering
- Make sure walls are clean, dry, and smooth before starting
- Remove any old wallpaper completely
- Think about wall texture and type when preparing
- Get all necessary tools before beginning
- Measure carefully and plan your layout
- Do a final check before hanging wallpaper
Looking at Your Walls
First, take a good look at your walls. Are they previously painted, wallpapered or fresh plaster? Do you see any cracks or bumps? Knowing what you’re working with helps you plan better. For example, if you have new plaster, you’ll need to wait about 4 weeks for it to dry completely before you start. This waiting is important to make sure the wallpaper sticks well and doesn’t fail and peel off later.
Check for damage like knocks or dents. These need fixing before you can hang wallpaper. Remember, wallpaper can’t hide large flaws and to get a good finish you have to get the prep right. Pay extra attention to corners and edges where damage is often missed. Our interior painting service often deals with wall repairs, and the same ideas work for getting ready to wallpaper.
Getting Your Tools
You’ll need some basic tools to do the job right. Get a jointing knife (scraper), sandpaper, lightweigh filler, and a good cleaning solution. Don’t forget a plumb line or spirit level – it’s really important for making sure your first strip of wallpaper is hung straight.
Other tools to think about include a seam roller for smoothing out bubbles, a sharp utility knife or a pair of wallpaper shears (a fancy industry name for scissors) for trimming, a wallpaper brush or smoother, like this one, and I highly recomend a plastic trim guide . For bumpy walls, you will need a scraper and a power sander. Having the right tools ready will make getting ready much easier and faster.
Taking Off Old Wallpaper
If you have old wallpaper, it needs to come off. Taking off wallpaper can be a bit hard, but here’s a quick trick: mix some concentrated wallpaper remover with warm water, spray or roll it on, and let it soak for about 15 minutes. Then, you can scrape it off pretty easily. For more details, check out our guide on taking off wallpaper easily.
For painted walls, wash them well with sugar soap to get rid of any grease or dirt. If the paint is shiny, you might need to prime it with a coat or Zinsser Gardz. Pay extra attention to areas around light switches, outlets, and along baseboards where dirt likes to build up. A clean surface is really important for wallpaper to stick well.
Fixing Wall Damage
Now’s the time to patch up any holes or cracks. Use filler for small problems and let it dry completely. Then sand everything smooth. If you’ve got bigger issues, you might need to call in a pro. For deep cracks or large holes, think about using a mesh tape before putting on filler. It ill need at least to rounds of filler in order to blend it in. This makes it stronger and stops the cracks from coming back.
Priming Your Walls
Priming is really important – it helps the wallpaper stick better and makes it easier to take off later if you want to change things. Use a wallpaper primer (sometimes called sizing) and put it on evenly.
When priming, pay special attention to the edges of the wall and around fixtures. These areas often need a little extra care to make sure everything sticks well. Let the primer dry completely before you start hanging wallpaper. Sizing usually takes about 24 hours, but can change depending on how humid and warm it is.
Dealing with Tricky Walls
Got bumpy walls? They can be a bit hard for wallpapering. For slightly bumpy walls, a thick lining paper like Fiberliner from Wallrock might be enough to create a smooth surface. Our wallpaper hanging service has experience with different wall types and can help figure out what’s best. In all honesty lining walls before decorative paper goes up is good practice and is how I always do it no matter what.
Measuring and Planning
Before you start hanging, measure your walls carefully. Add about 6-10 cm extra when you’re cutting your strips of wallpaper – this gives you some room to work with. Use a plumb line to mark where your first strip will go. This makes sure everything stays straight as you work across the wall.
Think about the pattern repeat when planning your layout. This is especially important for wallpapers with big or complex designs. Start from the most noticeable wall or a corner that’s most visible when you come into the room. Plan your cuts to waste less paper and make sure patterns match up where the strips meet.
Special Wall Types
For walls that get a lot of moisture, like in bathrooms or kitchens, think about using a primer that resists moisture. This extra step can stop future problems with mold or wallpaper peeling. In older homes, be ready for uneven surfaces that might need more work to prepare.
Final Checks
Before you start hanging your wallpaper, do one last check. Make sure everything is dry, smooth, and clean. Double-check your measurements and plumb line. Taking a little extra time now can save you a lot of trouble later!
Remember, good prep work is the secret to great-looking wallpaper. Take your time, do it right, and you’ll end up with walls you’ll love to look at every day! If you feel overwhelmed or want to make sure it looks professional, don’t hesitate to contact us for expert help with your wallpapering project.