Although prepping drywall for wallpaper application may appear simple, careful attention to detail is necessary to guarantee a smooth and durable finish. Ignoring or hurrying the preparatory steps can result in later issues such as uneven surfaces, inadequate adhesion, or even peeling wallpaper.
To create a clean and smooth surface, the drywall must be properly prepared before applying wallpaper. This requires a few essential steps, such as priming, cleaning, and fixing any flaws. To guarantee that your wallpaper adheres properly and continues to look fantastic for years to come, each step is essential.
This post will take you step-by-step through the process of priming drywall for wallpaper application, emphasizing the equipment and methods required to complete the task correctly. Whether this is your first time DIY project or you’re an experienced do-it-yourselfer, following these guidelines will help you get results that look professional.
Stages of preparing plasterboard walls for finishing with wallpaper
The procedure is only followed in a rigid order.
Primer
Although this process is frequently regarded as optional, it greatly improves adhesion and gets rid of peeling.
For work, the following supplies and equipment are needed:
- Primer mixture. Polymer deep-penetrating compounds are preferred. If the treatment is carried out in a room with high humidity, the solution should help to increase the water resistance of the surface. The presence of an antiseptic additive will help to eliminate the formation of fungus and mold, which appear on unprotected surfaces under the influence of moisture.
- Container for the mixture.
- Roller for large areas, brush – for hard-to-reach places.
- Preliminary jointing between adjacent parts of the plasterboard is carried out if the edges are not chamfered. Areas are cleaned of dirt and dust.
- The surface is primed evenly without excess. Particular attention is paid to the seams: they are processed with a brush.
One layer is applied when conducting procedures in a room with steady humidity, and at least two layers are applied in the loggia, kitchen, hallway, and restroom.
Sealing of joints
In order to rule out surface damage caused by the building’s shrinkage, gaps between neighboring elements must exist. This is particularly true for newly constructed multi-story buildings or wooden houses.
In order to cover the joints between plasterboard sections, you must first prepare:
- Putty. It is recommended to use elastic acrylic compounds, but the treatment can also be done with a regular gypsum mixture.
- Reinforcing tape or mesh.
- Medium and small spatula.
- Tools and container for preparing the solution.
Joints must be properly sealed in order to glue the surface without issue later on.
- The composition is mixed according to the instructions, the finished product is stirred. It is important that the solution has a viscous consistency.
- The mixture is collected on a wide spatula and distributed over the joints with a small tool. All areas must be filled. It is also necessary to cover the adjacent space with material.
- Exactly in the middle, you need to stick the reinforcing tape or mesh on the solution.
- A layer of putty is applied on top, after which the areas are leveled.
It is advised to handle the screwing points differently. The waterproof paint applied to the caps completely removes the appearance of rust.
Guidance! If branded mixtures are being used, it is advisable to choose serpyanka from the same manufacturer.
Protection of external corners
Since external protruding areas are subjected to the most impact, they require a unique strategy.
For the task at hand, you will require:
- Solution (similar to the previous option).
- A set of spatulas and a level.
- Perforated metal corner. It is better to purchase options with a reinforcing mesh. There are also plastic varieties that can be quickly glued if the inner part is moistened with water.
- The gap between the plasterboard fragments is sealed with a small amount of the composition. If the perforated part has a mesh, then the adjacent areas are processed.
- A little mixture is applied to the inside of the corner, after which the element is pressed into place and leveled.
- The solution is evenly distributed over the entire part from above.
- For greater convenience, one part of the wall is processed first. When the composition has set a little, another is finished.
Using two spatulas can make the work easier when working on the corner segment. One wide tool’s blade is applied precisely along the base’s edge, and the other is used to level the mixture that has been applied.
Puttying the wall
The entire surface of the drywall is processed in order to get it ready for wallpaper glue. An intermediate coating will shield the drywall from damage if it is necessary to remove the decorative layer, though this step is not always required.
To putty, you will require:
- Mixture for final application. To calculate the required amount of composition, the area of the walls is measured. The layer to be laid should not exceed 2-3 mm.
- Wide and medium spatula or rule.
- Container and devices for mixing the solution.
- A viscous mixture is prepared. The composition is prepared without excess, since it cannot be restored after setting.
- They start to putty from the corner, this will simplify the formation of the inner segment. The solution is distributed along the blade of a wide spatula or rule, the tool is pressed against the wall from below at a slight angle and raised, moving slightly to the side.
- A uniform layer is formed by successive actions.
It is essential to process the entire surface, covering it uniformly and continuously.
Note: Making an inner corner is much easier with an angular spatula, but it does require some practice.
Surface grouting
A perfect base can be achieved with complete alignment, which is crucial if pasting with paper roll materials is required. There are two ways to work with the technology:
- Using a grater with a mesh or sandpaper. To finally finish the base, it is important to wait until the putty is completely dry. The tool is used in circular motions with constant checking. For this, a lamp is used, which illuminates the surface at a slight angle. Particular attention is paid to corners. Work is carried out in a respirator and glasses, since a lot of dust is generated.
- Glossing of the plaster composition. The coating is left for 2 hours, after which processing is performed. For this, you can use a spatula or grater: the tool is constantly moistened in water and all irregularities are smoothed out. This method requires certain skills.
Grouting the corners, both internal and external, is a responsible procedure because this is where most defects originate. Fitting the glued strip can be extremely difficult if the flaws are not fixed.
Repeated priming
Before adhering the wallpaper, the plasterboard surface needs to be treated with the composition once more. It’s crucial to apply the mixture to the coating in an even layer; do not leave any spaces unfilled. Only after the walls have completely dried is the finishing done.
A smooth and durable finish can only be achieved by properly priming the drywall prior to wallpaper application. This comprehensive guide will take you through all the necessary steps to guarantee that your wallpaper adheres flawlessly and maintains its perfect appearance for years to come, including priming the surface, cleaning it, and smoothing any imperfections.
| Step | Description |
| 1. Clean the surface | Remove any dust, dirt, or debris from the drywall surface to ensure a smooth finish. |
| 2. Apply primer | Use a drywall primer to seal the surface and prepare it for wallpaper adhesive. |
| 3. Fill gaps and seams | Use joint compound to fill in any gaps, seams, or screw holes, then sand smooth. |
| 4. Sand the surface | Lightly sand the entire surface to create a smooth, even base for the wallpaper. |
| 5. Wipe down the drywall | After sanding, wipe the surface with a damp cloth to remove dust. |
| 6. Apply a second coat of primer | For best results, apply a second coat of primer and allow it to dry completely. |
The process of priming drywall for wallpaper application is simple, but meticulousness is essential. You can create the ideal environment for a successful wallpaper application by making sure the surface is clean, smooth, and adequately primed. By taking these precautions, you can ensure that the wallpaper adheres well and lasts longer by avoiding common problems like bubbles and peeling.
Every stage, from priming to taping seams, is important to the finished appearance. Any part of the process that is rushed or skipped can cause issues later on. Correct drywall preparation not only facilitates the wallpapering process but also improves the overall finish.
Your wallpaper project will look professional and last for a long time if you prepare it carefully. Making the extra effort now will pay off later on in the form of a beautifully finished room.
