Is it possible to glue wallpaper on drywall without putty or not

When you’re eager to finish a room quickly, it can be tempting to take a shortcut and glue wallpaper onto drywall. After all, putty application is not necessary when using drywall, which offers a smooth surface that appears ready for wallpaper. But does skipping the putty stage make sense? Comprehending the possible drawbacks of this methodology is imperative in attaining a durable and polished outcome.

To create a consistent and sealed surface, putty is primarily used for this purpose. Even though joint compound is frequently used to fill screw holes and drywall joints, these regions may still have some unevenness. Without putty, the wallpaper could appear uneven because the drywall’s texture could show through it. Furthermore, if the surface isn’t sealed, the wallpaper glue might not stick as well, increasing the chance of bubbles or peeling over time.

Some contend, however, that utilizing superior primer or adhesive can eliminate the need for putty and provide a quicker path to a finished appearance. Although this method can save time and effort, it’s important to consider the risks in addition to the convenience. The kind of wallpaper, the state of the drywall, and the particular needs of the area you’re decorating will all influence whether or not you use putty. To assist you in selecting the ideal choice for your project, let’s examine these factors together.

Why putty walls finished with gypsum board

This is due to a few factors:

  • Even the drywall sheet itself does not have a completely flat surface: chamfers are removed on the sides for better joining of adjacent sheets. They will not hide even under the thickest and densest wallpaper.
    Or air will remain under them, and the wallpaper will begin to peel off the walls over time.
  • After installation, in addition to the joints, depressions from the screws that fasten the sheets to the frame will form on the surface. If they are not putty – see above: there will be the same problems as with unsealed seams.
  • If you think that it is possible to glue wallpaper on plasterboard without puttying the entire area, but only with sealing the joints and fasteners, then this is also not so. At least because the stripes and spots of putty differ in color and can show through the canvases.

  • Finally, the most important thing: wallpaper pasted directly onto the cardboard surface soaked in glue adheres to it so strongly that when trying to remove it during the next repair, it comes off together with the top layer of drywall. You can imagine what will come of this.
    Of course, if you use smooth paper wallpaper, then the next one can be pasted directly onto it. With modern vinyl and non-woven canvases, this trick will not work. Especially if they are embossed, embossed or sprayed.

Kindly take note. According to some hired finishers, the gypsum board is adequately primed before the wallpaper is adhered, allowing the wallpaper to be removed later without causing damage to the base. However, no one can ensure such a result, so staying up to date with technology is still preferable.

Ignoring the putty step when applying wallpaper directly to drywall may seem like a convenient way to save time, but it can cause issues later. Although it is technically feasible, using glue to apply wallpaper on unputtied drywall can lead to uneven surfaces, noticeable joints, and challenges when trying to remove the wallpaper afterwards. Creating a smooth and even surface, hiding imperfections, and sealing the drywall to prevent damage are all accomplished with putty, which is an essential step in wall preparation. Using putty ultimately guarantees a better finish and greatly simplifies any subsequent adjustments.

Distribution of drywall

It takes more than just installing drywall for the wallpaper to adhere properly and last over time. To avoid having to start over from scratch, you must complete this task accurately each and every time. If you choose to do this repair on your own, a quick guide will help you through the process.

The choice of putty

First of all, putty is ready to use; it is a dry mixture that needs water to breed. The first is more practical in every way:

  • It does not need to be prepared, bringing it to the desired consistency, which in the absence of experience and tools (drills with a mixer nozzle) is quite problematic;
  • It does not freeze as quickly as a dry mixture, which is important if such work is performed for the first time or again without sufficient experience and speed;
  • The finished putty is easily applied and creates a durable layer.

The only disadvantage is that it costs more, so choose what best suits your needs and budget.

Both fine- and coarse-grained dry mixes are possible. The latter is required because major surface flaws can be left undone; all that’s needed is a thin layer of putty to shield the drywall from harm.

Suggestions. Consider the putty’s application area, storage requirements, and expiration date when selecting one. The cheapest material is usually more difficult to work with and requires more consumption, so avoid buying it.

Surface preparation

It is not necessary to start sealing the seams right away. First, check to see if the screws are properly inserted into the drywall; they shouldn’t be deeply recessed into it or protrude above the surface. Using a spatula, scrape over the caps; the tool should glide along the wall smoothly and metallically. If a fastening is too deeply set, remove it and replace it with a nearby screw. Additionally, if any accidentally torn cardboard protrudes, you should cut it off and create chamfers on the joints that are not native. In order to achieve this, the edge is chopped at a 45-degree angle using a sharp painting knife.

Suggestions. After the sheets have been final fitted, it is more convenient to cut the chamfers before installing the sheets.

At this point, you can prime every joint as well as any areas that need putty leveling, such as those with missing paper coating, cracks, scratches, and other flaws. Next, putty is used to seal the factory seams after 5 cm wide serpyanka tape has been glued to them. The residual surface flaws are puttyed without any supporting material. After the solution is fully dry, the walls are left alone. Then, the seams are sanded, primer is applied all over, and the surface is dried once more.

Kindly take note. It is preferable to use a high-quality primer. Although it is not very consumed, the benefits it offers are substantial: uniform drying, improved putty adhesion to the base, and ease of application.

Putty

From an external perspective, the puttying procedure appears quite straightforward: a solution is gathered onto a broad spatula using a smaller instrument, then uniformly applied across its surface. Then, using the spatula pressed at an angle to the wall, make broad sweeping motions. The putty layer will be thinner the larger the angle.

In fact, this requires skill and at least a little experience. The video in this article will give you the necessary idea of ​​the process, but it is better to practice somewhere on an outdoor wall, in a closet or other utility room. Or just on an extra sheet of drywall.
Start work from any upper corner and gradually move down and to the side. The last to finish the corners and slopes.
As a rule, drywall is puttied in one layer, but if not everything turned out smoothly the first time, you can apply a second, eliminating the flaws. Only the first should be dry by this time.
To bring the surface to an ideal condition, it is sanded with a special grater (see.Than grind the walls after putty and how to do it correctly) with sandpaper fixed on it or a painting grid, removing the excess of the solution and wiping the traces left by the spatula.
Before gluing wallpaper, the finished walls are swept from dust or wiped with a damp cloth (you can use a vacuum cleaner), and again coated with a primer.

Option Description
Without Putty You can glue wallpaper directly on drywall without putty, but the surface needs to be clean and smooth. However, imperfections may be visible.
With Putty Applying putty creates a smoother surface, hiding drywall seams and ensuring better wallpaper adhesion. It also helps in preventing future damage.

If you’re in a rush to see results, skipping the putty step when applying wallpaper to drywall may seem like a tempting shortcut. But, there may be long-term effects on the durability and aesthetics of your walls from this choice. When wallpaper is applied, flaws and surface irregularities in drywall that lacks a putty layer become more apparent. Furthermore, if the base isn’t smooth, the adhesive may stick to the drywall paper too firmly, making it harder to remove wallpaper in the future.

Putty application creates a smoother, more even surface that improves the finished look and facilitates the application of wallpaper. Putty ensures that the wallpaper adheres correctly and has a perfect appearance by sealing joints, covering screw holes, and providing a uniform finish. Using putty is an investment in the durability and quality of your wallpapered walls, even though it takes more time and work.

Ultimately, your priorities and the particulars of your drywall will determine whether or not you decide to use putty. It is advised to take the time to properly prepare the surface with putty if you want a long-lasting, high-quality finish. It may be okay to skip the putty if you’re working with temporary installations or are in a hurry, but you should be aware of the possible consequences.

Video on the topic

Myth about removing wallpaper from drywall

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Dmitry Stepanov

Professional decorator with 10 years of experience. I know everything about renovating apartments, houses and offices. I will be happy to share my knowledge and experience with you.

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