You should make sure your walls are ready before beginning the fun process of wallpapering. In addition to improving the smoothness of the wallpaper application, proper preparation prolongs the wallpaper’s life. Priming the walls is an important step in this process. In order to improve the adhesion of the wallpaper and avoid problems later on, priming helps to create a stable, even surface.
Although priming walls may seem like an extra step, the outcome can differ significantly. By sealing the wall, it becomes less porous and improves the wallpaper’s ability to stick to the surface. This step is particularly crucial if your walls are made of materials that might not adhere to wallpaper well naturally, have stains, or other flaws.
A good primer, a roller or brush, and some safety equipment for your workspace and yourself are the first things you’ll need to gather. The majority of do-it-yourselfers can complete the simple process. Still, the secret to getting a perfect finish is to take your time and do it right.
The first thing to do after gathering your supplies is give the walls a thorough cleaning. Grease, oil, and dust can reduce the primer’s efficiency. Examine the walls for any holes or cracks that need to be filled after cleaning. Having a smooth surface is essential for applying wallpaper evenly. The next step is to apply the primer, making sure to do so evenly and covering all the areas.
You’ll be all set for a successful wallpapering project once the walls are primed and ready. By following these preparatory steps, you can ensure that your new wallpaper looks fantastic and lasts for years to come, saving you time and frustration.
| Step | Instructions |
| 1. Clean the Walls | Remove dust, dirt, and any old wallpaper or paint. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the surface. |
| 2. Repair Damages | Fill in any cracks or holes with filler and sand them smooth after drying. |
| 3. Sand the Walls | Lightly sand the walls to create a smooth surface for better adhesion. |
| 4. Apply Primer | Use a roller or brush to apply a coat of primer. Let it dry completely before wallpapering. |
| 5. Ensure Even Surface | Check for any imperfections and sand again if necessary. The surface should be smooth and even. |
Why prime walls before wallpapering
Are you having trouble deciding if wallpaper should be primed first or not? First and foremost, you should determine whether or not you require a primer underneath the wallpaper.
When deciding whether or not to prime a wall, one often considers the intended use of the space where the wallpaper will be installed. You could glue the wallpaper exactly the way it is if, for instance, this is a utility room and people aren’t always in there.
Be aware that mold will spread quickly throughout the house if it begins on any wall, but the primer will stop it from happening.
- After the applied primer dries, the reliability of the contact of the glue with the surfaces on which it is applied increases.
- A high-quality primer will allow the lower layer to maintain its integrity and will prevent moisture from being absorbed into the walls.
- Applying a primer creates a comfortable microclimate for the wall material, creating unfavorable conditions for the appearance and spread of mold.
- In addition, without a primer, wallpaper glue is likely to be less effective and the wallpaper may peel off the wall. The primer mixture impregnates the material, acts as a kind of patch for cracks and pores, making the wall smoother and increasing the area of contact with the glue.
Rules for applying a primer
Primer for walls beneath wallpaper is applied in accordance with technology and specific guidelines. This is the only thing that can ensure the plane’s quality. Generally speaking, wallpaper is primed white; however, any color can be used for plastering or later cladding. Its application will be prepared in a nearly identical manner.
Preparation
The quality of the gluing and the longevity of the wallpaper depend on how well the walls are primed. As a result, you must carefully plan ahead. Here are the instructions for getting the base plane ready.
- First of all, it is necessary to remove all foreign elements from the wall, for example, old plaster (see. How to remove old plaster from walls without problems) and nails.
- Then new putty should be applied. Next, the surface is moistened with a special impregnation to remove dirt, because the primer should be applied to a clean, dust-free surface to ensure perfect adhesion.
- Previously, instead of primer, old newspapers were used, because the finishers did not really have other options, but now, with the current variety of goods in hardware stores, there is a more technologically advanced solution.
- If the wall we need already had wallpaper on it, it is necessary to carefully remove all its remnants and rinse off the old glue well, because if this is not done, in places where there will be two layers of wallpaper on top of each other, the top or late they will start to move away from the wall and puff up. A metal spatula (see. Construction spatula – types and differences), a scraper and water are suitable for this. You can add vinegar, electric stove cleaning gel or any other cleaning agent to the water.
Note: If removing old wallpaper proves to be challenging, consider scoring the surface to improve the infiltration of moisture.
- As a more technological option, you can buy a special wallpaper remover at a hardware store.
- A small amount of liquid is added to a container with water, the resulting solution is used to wet the wall and leave for 30 minutes. After this, the old wallpaper should come off without any difficulties. However, such a product is not cheap, so it is recommended to first try the simpler options described above.
- When the process of removing old wallpaper is finished, you will need to wash the surface with warm water, remove traces of paint and whitewash.
Pay attention to the corners of the room if we’re talking about moist areas like the kitchen or bathroom because there might be fungus there. It will undoubtedly need to be taken out before the primer is applied.
- In areas where the fungus is located, it is necessary to treat with bleach, making a solution of 200 grams of the chemical per liter of water. Then, in these places you need to use special wallpaper glue with a fungicide, otherwise there is a high probability of its reappearance and spreading to new wallpaper and other rooms.
- When all the work described is completed, you need to carefully inspect all the walls. All cracks and irregularities must be filled with putty. If the apartment feels cold, it makes sense to insulate the walls with a special material, for example, penoplex (see. How to properly insulate walls with your own hands).
- You can also use polystyrene foam as a cheaper thermal insulator, but do not forget that it is very flammable and its layer will be thicker to achieve the same effect. Recently, a special foam has appeared on the market, which after spraying turns into insulation, as a result of which, it can be used in various hard-to-reach places.
The priming process
We will now go into greater detail on how to properly apply a primer to walls covered by wallpaper. You need to choose the precise paint we’ll use to prime the walls. There are numerous choices.
- In some cases, this is done even with simple PVA glue or the same wallpaper glue, just more diluted, but special compounds are more preferable and convenient to use.
- If you still want to save money, then, all the same, you should think about purchasing a special primer, since most often it costs only a little more than PVA and is definitely cheaper than wallpaper glue, which is suitable for priming walls.
The first product that comes along isn’t meant for every surface, so it’s crucial that you carefully read the instructions before selecting a particular primer.
- It is most convenient to dilute the primer in a bucket, the proportions will be indicated in the instructions for use. The composition must be very carefully interfered with it to be homogeneous, without lump. It is best to use a special nozzle for a punch or drill, for stirring.
- We draw your attention to the fact that any soil mixture may contain substances that cause strong allergic reactions. To avoid negative consequences, you should dress in such a way that there are no open areas of the body that the composition may fall, and also be worth dressing a respirator, since pairs of substance can also adversely affect your health.
- Apply a primer with a wide brush, even layer, trying not to leave the tubercles. After applying the first layer, you must wait until it dries and be sure to apply the second layer. Even if the instructions do not indicate that the second layer of primers is required, it must still be applied, because only then can you be sure that the composition lays perfectly.
- If the required wall is perfectly flat, which is rare, you can apply the primer with a roller, then the process will be faster and more convenient. Crooked walls can also be covered with a paint roller, but after it, you should carefully coat all the missed areas with a brush.
It’s essential to prepare your walls before applying wallpaper if you want a polished, seamless finish. The final look and durability of your wallpaper can be greatly affected by taking the time to prime your walls properly. You can make sure that your wallpaper adheres properly and keeps its perfect appearance for many years by following the instructions provided.
To start, the walls must be completely cleaned to get rid of any grease, dust, or grime. This is a crucial step because the adhesion of the primer and wallpaper can be impacted by even tiny particles. After the walls are clean and dry, using filler to fix any holes or cracks guarantees a smooth surface, which is necessary for the wallpaper to adhere evenly.
The primer application step is a must. In addition to sealing the wall, it evens out the surface, which improves the bonding power of the wallpaper adhesive. It’s crucial to select the appropriate primer for your wall type and wallpaper type. Don’t forget to wait for the primer to completely dry before applying wallpaper.
You’re putting yourself in a successful position by adhering to these surface preparation guidelines. Although priming and prepping your walls may seem like extra work, the effort is worthwhile. In addition to making wallpapering easier, a well-prepared wall guarantees a more beautiful and long-lasting finish. If you take the time to do it correctly, the results will be stunning and durable.
Before applying wallpaper, walls must be properly primed in order to achieve a smooth, durable finish. This post will walk you through all of the crucial surface preparation procedures, from selecting the appropriate primer to cleaning and fixing flaws. These easy-to-use yet efficient methods will guarantee that your wallpaper sticks properly and keeps its perfect appearance for many years.
