How To Prepare Your Walls For Wallpaper

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.

How to Wash Walls

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.

Cleaning Mildew

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 or sponge 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.

Use Wallpaper Liner For Uneven Walls

Wallpaper liner 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.

How to Strip Wallpaper

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.

New Construction

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.

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.

Misfit Walls

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.