Gluing wallpaper on a concrete wall without primer or putty: is it possible or not? What are the risks and how to choose the right materials for the job

It may seem like an easy way to save time and money to just glue wallpaper directly onto a concrete wall, but it’s not always that easy. Although some people might be tempted to skip the priming and putty application steps, doing so can result in a number of issues that could compromise the longevity and aesthetics of your wallpaper.

Adhesion problems may arise from the porous and uneven nature of concrete walls. Peeling, bubbling, or an uneven finish could result from the wallpaper not sticking properly without a suitable primer or a smooth putty layer. Furthermore, the wallpaper may show through the rough texture of the concrete, giving the room an ugly appearance.

It’s crucial to select the best supplies and properly prep the wall in order to ensure that your wallpaper adheres to the wall and looks great. There are some wallpaper and adhesive varieties that are made to perform better on unfinished concrete surfaces, even if you choose not to use primer or putty. Knowing these choices will enable you to accomplish the desired outcome without taking unwarranted chances.

Although it may seem like a quick fix to glue wallpaper directly onto a concrete wall without first applying primer or putty, there are serious risks involved. If the wallpaper is not properly prepared, it might not stick as well and peel, bubble, and last less time. In addition to producing an uneven finish, concrete’s rough surface may also make wallpaper difficult to apply. The correct materials must be used, such as thicker wallpaper made for difficult surfaces or specialty adhesives, to prevent these problems, but even then, the outcome might not be perfect. It is always advised to properly prepare the walls for the best result.

How to properly and quickly glue wallpaper to a concrete wall

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Concrete is a common base material that needs to be prepared in advance due to its uneven relief. However, in the unlikely event that plastering is not possible, there are a number of tried and true alternatives.

Can I glue or not

An unprepared wall cannot be pasted on because of its variations and unevenness, which will cause the material to not adhere and result in an ugly appearance.

Furthermore, challenges might appear even before the process is finished. For instance, thin canvases will absorb the structure of all the blemishes and bumps, making it impossible to join the canvases at the corners. Certain wallpapers cannot be applied to unprepared surfaces.

Surface requirements

Plaster and putty should be applied to an ideal surface that is free of noticeable variations, divots, bumps, and other relief irregularities. Plastering is the last step in the preparation process that removes small flaws and levels the walls. It also provides a light shade. Additionally, the walls need to be cleaned of dirt and primed in order for the canvases to hold better.

What wallpaper can be glued to concrete without finishing?

Although it is theoretically possible to paste wallpaper without any special preparation, the finished product may not be perfect. In order to increase adhesion between the surface and the canvas, the surface needs to be properly primed if plastering and putty are skipped.

Thin paper wallpapers that are not monochrome work best for adhering to unprepared concrete because they can visually conceal unevenness. You should not use vinyl, non-woven bases, or painting materials on an unprepared surface because they will not stick to it. This will save you time and money on buying extra materials.

If preparing the base correctly is not possible, you can use the "old-fashioned" method, which involves covering the room with old newspapers to partially conceal the flaws.

How to glue wallpaper on concrete: a guide

Once the base is finished, move straight on to adhering the canvases. This phase has unique challenges and subtleties.

Glue selection

The type of wallpaper and the homeowner’s financial situation influence the glue selection for the room being remodeled. Well-known brands are:

  • “Kleo” Optima (paper).
  • Special Vinyl Quelyd (textile, vinyl).
  • Glue Lex “FliziLex” (non-woven, glass wallpaper).

Where is the glue applied – on the wallpaper or on the wall?

The instructions always provide a clear indication of how to apply glue. Generally speaking, it is advised to apply glue to the wall; however, glue is required for paper and vinyl. However, there are frequently differences between theory and reality. The truth is that glue needs to be applied to a completely primed surface free of any leftover effects, such as old coating, etc. If not, the wallpaper will adhere poorly and the glue will be rapidly absorbed by the base.

Regardless of the kind of canvases, you can dab them with a little glue when working on a base that has residual effects. Skilled artisans advise adhering to the directions on the finishing material’s packaging, but always taking the current situation into account.

Do I need to prime before gluing

Priming is an essential step that guarantees improved finishing and surface material adhesion. It also drastically lowers the amount of glue you need, saving you money. Additionally, a primer layer will lessen the chance of air bubbles by preventing excessive glue absorption.

Technique for gluing an invisible seam

Use this method to hide the seams as much as possible. Instead of joining the sheets at the edge, they are overlapped, and then a thin strip is cut with a sharp knife and a ruler.

How long does wallpaper last on concrete

The canvases should last for decades if the technology is used correctly and the glue is selected.

When the walls are being prepared, wallpaper adhesion issues on concrete walls occur. A long service life and a stylish appearance of the refurbished room also make up for a responsible approach.

Question Answer
Is it possible to glue wallpaper on a concrete wall without primer or putty? Yes, it is possible, but it is not recommended due to the risks involved.
What are the risks? The wallpaper may not adhere well, leading to peeling or bubbling. The concrete"s rough surface can cause an uneven finish, and moisture can seep through, damaging the wallpaper.
How to choose the right materials? If you decide to proceed without primer or putty, use heavy-duty adhesive and thicker wallpaper. However, for the best results, it"s advised to properly prepare the wall with primer or putty.

It is technically possible to glue wallpaper directly onto a concrete wall without primer or putty, but there are significant risks involved. Poor adhesion, which can cause the wallpaper to peel off over time, is the main immediate concern. The uneven and porous nature of concrete walls makes it challenging for wallpaper to adhere correctly in the absence of a smooth, treated surface.

Potential moisture-related issues are another problem. Concrete has the ability to absorb and hold moisture, which could seep through the wallpaper and cause bubbles, stains, or even mold growth. This may cause your wallpaper to fade faster and require more frequent upkeep or replacement.

Selecting the proper materials is essential if you choose to go without primer or putty. Select wallpaper that is thick, well-adhered, and of superior quality. Vinyl wallpapers are more resilient and moisture-resistant, so they’re frequently suggested. However, these materials can only lessen the risks that come with neglecting to properly prepare the wall.

In the end, even though wallpaper can be adhered to untreated concrete, it is not advised for long-term effects. It is preferable to take the time to prime and putty the wall beforehand for a more resilient, visually appealing finish. Taking an additional measure will guarantee that your wallpaper remains intact and presents well for many years to come.

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Veronica Gerasimova

Interior designer, author of books on the design of residential premises. I will help you make your home not only functional, but also beautiful.

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