Your First
Steps
Every great journey begins with one
small step. And when it comes to hanging wallpaper, the first step is one of the most
important. Wallpaper can't cling to greasy, dirty walls, old wallpaper or paint. That's
why we can't emphasize enough how critical it is to have your walls properly prepared.Sizing Things Up
One-step primer/sealers have all but
eliminated the need for wall sizing. A coat of acrylic primer provides a new, even surface
on the wall which makes it easier to slide wallcoverings into position. It also prevents
the wall itself from absorbing moisture, which protects against future damage. Alkyd (oil)
primers are equally, if not more, effective. However, an acrylic primer or regular sizing
should also be used over the alkyd primer to provide adequate slippage.
Something Old
Existing walls need special attention.
Paint can create problems based upon its original quality or how long it has been on the
wall. If it's old, paint can become unstable and should be sealed with primer/sealer to
insure a successful wallcovering installation.
Filling the Holes
Nail holes, chips, cracks and wall
irregularities should be filled with vinyl spackling compound before primer is applied.
Use a broad knife to apply spackle right from the can. Force the compound well into the
hole and smooth the surface. When the compound dries, sand, smooth and seal the wall with
a primer.
Don't Forget to Wash
Surfaces coated with flat (non-gloss)
paint should be scraped (if old and flaking), sanded smooth and washed with an all-purpose
cleaner. When dry, apply acrylic primer and hang wallcovering.
Walls covered with high- or
semi-gloss paint should be sealed with an acrylic primer. In a room where mildew occurs,
wash the wall with a mixture of bleach and water. Rinse, let dry and apply primer.
The Grunge Look
Mildew can show up on walls as a
yellow, green, gray or black colored area. If this occurs, wash walls with a concentrated
solution of one cup bleach and one gallon of hot water. Apply with a paint brush and let
sit for one hour. Rinse with warm water, let dry and coat with alkyd primer/sealer. All
Wallpapers To Go products are mildew-resistant and will keep the problem from reoccurring
if all fungus is removed prior to hanging.
Things That Go Bump
Heavy-duty lining paper evens the
surface of heavily-textured walls and bridges gaps and cracks on other problem walls. It
is an easy, inexpensive way to provide an even, porous surface and increases adhesion by
absorbing excess moisture. Allow paper to dry thoroughly (36 hours) before applying 2
coats of a white primer/sealer.
Depending on the type of wall, you
may have to do the following additional prep work:
Textured Walls: There are three methods of removing or concealing wall texture.
Floating the Walls: Use a broad
knife to trowel the joint compound over the rough walls in light, even coats. After the
wall is at the preferred smoothness, allow to dry. Prime the newly smooth surface with 2
coats of primer/sealer.
Sanding: If the texture is minimal and the new wallcovering is heavily-textured,
this process is adequate and time-saving. After sanding, a primer/sealer is applied. This
method is the least preferred, however, because of the labor and the dust that covers the
entire house.
Hang lining paper: Fill all holes and cracks with joint compound, chip off any high points
with a broad knife, then lightly sand the wall surface in order to help even out the wall.
Prime the wall and allow to dry thoroughly. Using a heavy-duty adhesive, apply to lining
paper. Sometimes it really helps to paste both the wall surface and the back of the lining
paper since the lining paper is so porous and heavy. Once the lining paper has dried,
apply a primer/sealer.
Wood-paneled walls: Wash thoroughly with a deglossing solution and water, then sand smooth.
Fill vertical grooves of paneling with spackle and apply primer; or apply primer and hang
heavy-duty lining paper. Seal with acrylic or alkyd primer, allow to cure, and hang
wallcovering.
How to Strip
Most wallcoverings are strippable and
easy to remove. However, if you're having difficulty, your wallpaper can be soaked with
wallpaper remover using a large sponge, spray bottle or roller. If your paper is
non-porous, score the wallcovering with a "paper tiger." After stripping paper,
wash walls with a cleaner and apply primer.
If you prefer to paper over an
existing wallcovering, make sure it is firmly attached to the wall and is as smooth as
possible. Cut an "X" in any bubbles and tear the loose pieces away, feathering
the edges. Sand seams and glue down any curling corners with seam adhesive. Finally, seal
the existing wall with white acrylic primer.
Something New
For new drywall, gypsum wallboard or
other porous surfaces that have never been sealed or painted, apply two coats of alkyd
primer. This assures that the paper will be strippable. When the alkyd primer is dry,
apply one coat of clear acrylic primer and let dry (2 hours) before hanging wallpaper.
Misfits
Even if your walls are covered in plastic paneling, vinyl, Formica
or glass, you can still apply wallcoverings. Just wash the surface with an all-purpose
cleaner and apply a coat of acrylic wall primer.
Glossary
At Wallpapers To Go we offer a complete line of products specially
designed to make wall preparation easy. Our glossary lists these products and gives a
brief rundown of their uses.
View Glossary >>
Now that your walls
are ready, go on to How
to Hang Wallcoverings >> |
