Wallpaper is frequently the first option when redecorating a space because it can be applied quickly and has a significant effect. However, you should think about the surface’s condition before you begin pasting those lovely rolls onto your walls. Many homes have plaster walls, so you may be wondering if you can glue the wallpaper directly onto the plaster instead of taking the extra step to apply putty.
The answer isn’t as simple as it seems, and this question is more common than you might imagine. Whether or not this is a good idea can depend on a number of factors, including the environment in your home, the kind of wallpaper you’re using, and the state of the plaster. Eliminating putty could save costs and time, but if done incorrectly, it could cause problems later.
This post will investigate whether wallpaper can be adhered to plaster directly without the need for putty. We’ll weigh the benefits and drawbacks and work with you to determine whether this strategy is best for your walls.
| Aspect | Details |
| Can you glue wallpaper directly on plaster? | Yes, but it is not recommended without preparation. The surface may be uneven, leading to poor adhesion and visible flaws. |
| What is the risk of skipping putty? | Without putty, the plaster can absorb moisture from the wallpaper paste unevenly, causing the wallpaper to peel or bubble over time. |
It’s not always the best idea, but it is possible to glue wallpaper directly onto plaster without using putty. If this step is skipped, the plaster surface may have small imperfections that putty would normally smooth out, leading to an uneven finish or poor adhesion. You might get away with it, though, if the plaster is in good condition—that is, smooth, dry, and devoid of cracks or dust. Just be ready for an outcome that might not be ideal.
So is it possible to glue?
With confidence, we can respond, "Yes, wallpaper can be glued to plaster, but not entirely." Why is that the case? Furthermore, the type of plaster used will determine this. Therefore, this process is not appropriate for a decorative mixture. Since it is a stand-alone coating, it is not recommended to apply another finishing material to it. Plaster is a great material to glue another coating onto, generally speaking. You don’t need to prepare an additional putty layer for this.
There is a specific kind of plaster that you just cannot use wallpaper adhesive on. This mixture is based on cement. Such plaster lacks the essential components. Facade work and "rough" finishing are its primary goals. Although this flaw is fixable, the wall is coated with a gypsum mixture prior to applying the wallpaper.
Furthermore, there exist multiple other factors that may compromise the adhesion of wallpaper onto said material:
- Some types of this mixture absorb water well. If you apply glue to them without first treating them with a primer, it will be absorbed very quickly, while the wallpaper will not even have time to stick.
- It often happens, especially when light-colored wallpaper is used, that the plaster after being impregnated with glue acquires a dark color. Subsequently, the glued material begins to be covered with noticeable stains.
- It is not always possible to simply glue wallpaper on old plaster. Preliminary, you will need to correct numerous defects. Putty is perfect for this.
If you still wish to adhere wallpaper to plaster, you should apply a final layer of plaster to the walls first. Naturally, using Rotband plaster is preferable if the repair is done from the start because it provides the required quality.
Preparation
Walls play a major role in any interior design; much depends on how they look. As a result, it is crucial to install the cladding at the appropriate level. If this isn’t done first, nothing—not even a piece of furniture, paint, or anything else—will be able to make things right later.
Many people believe that they can fix any flaws in the surface they will be applying wallpaper to by selecting wallpaper with a strong texture and vibrant color. This misconception results in the need to perform the repair all over again. This is the reason why the walls’ initial preparation is crucial. Despite the fact that putty will not be used; plaster alone will be used to cover them.
As with any task, get the required tool ready first. You will undoubtedly require:
- a ruler or tape measure;
- a construction knife (stationery);
- a bucket of water and a rag (spray bottle);
- a level;
- a spatula for removing wallpaper and sandpaper.
When it comes to adhering wallpaper to plaster, there are two primary choices to consider. First, a new coating is glued in place after the old one is removed during repair work. The second occurs when work is completed right from the start.
Repair work
- These works necessarily begin with the fact that you need to remove the old layer of wallpaper. This is very easy to do, you just need to wet them abundantly with water, and then let it soak in well. After that, they will come off in strips. You cannot leave even small scraps. When gluing a new coating on them, you can expect that soon blisters will appear in these places.
- The cleaned surface is checked for voids. Over time, the plaster can lose its properties and even collapse. In this case, the unreliable areas are removed, and the defective areas are restored. This is done with a gypsum mixture.
Counseling! Wet the old plaster in order to improve the new plaster’s adhesion to the surface (repair flaws, voids, and fallen pieces).
Finishing work
Brick or concrete are just two possible materials for the walls. You must level the surface before adding a decorative layer over them. For this, a premium mixture is ideal. Contemporary varieties, like Rotband, do this function flawlessly and don’t require a putty final layer. Furthermore, they do not need putty to be applied afterwards. Thus:
- The surface is plastered. You need to get a smooth wall, without flaws.
- For sheets of plasterboard, choose a gypsum mixture. It is applied in a thin layer that dries quickly. In addition, it has a white color, which will not darken on paper wallpaper.
- The layer should be perfectly smooth. Any drips – must be removed.
- After, everything is carefully sanded. In general, when a new layer of plaster is applied, it is better to immediately gloss it. To do this (after ten minutes), wet the spatula, and rub the surface with it until a “gloss” is formed.
- Now you can cover with a primer and glue the wallpaper.
It is possible to glue wallpaper directly onto plaster without the need for putty, but there are risks involved. The plastered surface must be flawlessly smooth, spotless, and devoid of any flaws. Small bumps or cracks can show through the wallpaper and change how the room looks in the end. This strategy might be effective for short-term fixes or situations where excellence isn’t crucial.
However, applying putty before wallpapering is a better option if you’re going for a perfect and long-lasting finish. Putty fills in small blemishes and gives the wallpaper a sturdy foundation while aiding in the creation of a uniform surface. This stage makes sure the wallpaper sticks well and maintains its best appearance over time.
Ultimately, the choice will rely on your expectations as well as the plaster’s condition. Eliminating the putty step could result in less durable work and visible flaws, but it could also save money and time. Putting in the extra effort to apply putty results in a smoother, more polished finish that will look better and last longer.
