How To Prepare Your Walls For Wallpaper

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First Steps: Prepare Walls for Wallpaper

man cleaning kitchen wall to prepare for hanging wallpaper

Proper wall preparation is the first step to a flawless wallpaper installation. Walls must be clean, dry, and free of grease, dirt, old wallpaper, or unstable paint. Preparing your walls correctly ensures wallpaper adheres properly and lasts for years. Skipping this step can lead to bubbles, peeling, or uneven surfaces, making your project more difficult than it needs to be.

Prime and Seal Your Walls for Wallpaper

woman applying a coat of acrylic primer to a wall to prepare for installing wallpaper

One-step primer and sealer products have simplified wall preparation. A coat of acrylic primer and sealer creates an even surface, protects the wall from moisture, and helps wallpaper slide smoothly into place. For walls previously coated with alkyd (oil) primer, a thin coat of acrylic primer and sealer ensures proper adhesion and allows your wallpaper to remain removable in the future.

Prep Historic Walls Before Hanging Wallpaper

repairing old paint with a primer sealer

Old paint and previously finished walls need extra attention before hanging wallpaper. Paint can become brittle over time and may not hold wallpaper properly. Applying primer and sealer over older paint stabilizes the surface and prevents problems like peeling, bubbling, or uneven adhesion, ensuring your wallpaper installation starts on a solid foundation.

Repairing Holes and Cracks Before Wallpaper

preparing to hang wallpaper by applying vinyl spackle to fill holes

Cracks, nail holes, and other wall imperfections should be filled with spackling compound before priming. Apply with a broad knife, push the compound into gaps, smooth the surface, and allow it to dry. Sand the area and finish with primer and sealer to create a level, consistent surface that supports clean, smooth wallpaper installation.

Cleaning Walls Before Hanging Wallpaper

Walls coated with flat or semi-gloss paint should be washed and prepped before wallpapering. Use an all-purpose cleaner for dirt or mild mildew, then rinse and allow walls to dry completely. Applying a coat of primer and sealer afterward ensures a smooth, non-porous surface for the wallpaper, helping it adhere evenly and preventing future peeling or damage.

Remove Mildew and Prep Walls for Wallpaper

Mildew can appear as yellow, green, gray, or black spots on walls. Remove it using a solution of one cup bleach to one gallon of water. Scrub the area, rinse thoroughly, and allow to dry. Apply primer and sealer to protect against moisture. Using mildew-resistant wallpaper over a properly treated wall ensures a clean, long-lasting finish.

Wallpaper Liner for Uneven Walls

Wallpaper liner evens heavily textured walls and bridges minor cracks and imperfections. It creates a smooth, porous surface that improves adhesion and absorbs excess moisture. Apply liner, allow it to dry completely, and then coat with two layers of primer and sealer. This inexpensive step ensures your wallpaper lays flat and looks professional.

How to Strip Wallpaper

stripping old wallpaper from a wall before installing new wallpaper

Most wallpapers are strippable, but stubborn layers may require soaking with a wallpaper remover. For non-porous surfaces, scoring with a paper tiger helps penetration. After removal, wash the wall and apply primer and sealer. If you choose to paper over existing wallpaper, ensure it’s secure, smooth, and properly primed for best results.

Preparing New Walls for Wallpaper

preparing new construction walls to be ready for wallpaper

For new drywall or gypsum board, apply two coats of alkyd primer followed by one coat of clear acrylic primer and sealer. This protects the wall, prevents moisture absorption, and allows wallpaper to be removed cleanly later. Proper priming ensures a smooth, even surface and long-lasting adhesion for all wallpaper types.

Prep Wood Paneling for Wallpaper

Wood paneling requires thorough cleaning with a deglossing solution, sanding, and filling grooves with spackling compound. Apply primer and sealer, or hang heavy-duty lining paper first. Once cured, wallpaper can be applied smoothly, giving paneling a refreshed, polished look that supports long-lasting adhesion.

Wallpapering Unusual Surfaces

Even unconventional surfaces like vinyl, Formica, or glass can be wallpapered with proper preparation. Clean with an all-purpose cleaner, then apply a coat of acrylic primer and sealer. This creates a surface that supports strong adhesion, allowing wallpaper to be applied successfully to surfaces that would normally repel standard wallpaper.

How To Wallpaper Over Textured Walls

Textured walls can make wallpaper adhesion difficult, but with the right preparation, even heavily-textured walls can be ready for a smooth installation. Here are three effective methods to remove or conceal wall texture and ensure your wallpaper sticks beautifully.

Floating the Walls: Apply joint compound over rough areas with a broad knife in light, even coats until the wall is smooth. Allow to dry completely, then prime the surface with two coats of primer and sealer to create a non-porous, even base for wallpaper.
Sanding: For minimal texture or when using heavily-textured wallpaper, sanding can be an efficient option. Sand the wall lightly to even out the surface, then apply a coat of primer and sealer. This method is less labor-intensive but can create dust, so take precautions to protect your space.
Hang Lining Paper: Fill holes and cracks with joint compound, chip off high points, and lightly sand the wall. Prime and allow to dry. Apply heavy-duty adhesive to the wall and the back of the lining paper if needed, then hang. Once the lining paper is dry, apply primer and sealer before wallpapering. Wallpapers To Go offers quality wallpaper lining at affordable prices for a smooth, professional finish.

floating joint compound over a rough surface wall

Glossary Of Terms For Wallpaper Preparation

Deglossing Solution: A deglossing solution, such as tri-sodium phosphate, is used to clean and prepare shiny or glossy surfaces before hanging wallpaper. It removes grease, dirt, and old adhesive, creating a surface that allows primer and sealer to adhere properly. Deglossing ensures wallpaper sticks evenly and prevents peeling or bubbling.
Paper Tiger: A paper tiger is a small tool used to perforate wallpaper or vinyl surfaces, allowing wallpaper remover to penetrate stubborn layers. By creating tiny holes, it helps dissolve adhesive and makes old wallpaper easier to remove. Once the surface is clean, prime and sealer can be applied to prepare for a fresh wallpaper installation.
Primer and Sealer (Alkyd or Acrylic): Primer and sealer create a smooth, non-porous surface that prepares walls for wallpaper installation. Alkyd (oil-based) primers provide durability, while acrylic primers allow wallpaper to slide easily during installation. Applying primer and sealer ensures long-lasting adhesion and makes future wallpaper removal cleaner and easier. Many products now include sealer and sizing in a one-step product that can save you time.
Spackling Compound: Spackling compound fills nail holes, cracks, and imperfections in drywall, plaster, or wood before wallpapering. Apply with a broad knife, smooth the surface, and allow to dry. Sand lightly and coat with primer and sealer for a level surface that ensures wallpaper lays flat without bubbles or uneven areas.
Wallpaper Remover: Wallpaper remover is a solution designed to dissolve adhesive and make old wallpaper easier to strip from walls. Use a sponge, spray, or roller to apply, then scrape gently. Once walls are clean, rinse and allow to dry before applying primer and sealer to prep the surface for new wallpaper.

Got Your Walls Ready?

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