Plastering drywall: is it necessary under wallpaper and how to do it correctly

One common question regarding wall preparation for wallpapering is if plastering drywall is necessary beforehand. Since this step can take more time and effort out of your project, you might be wondering if it’s really necessary. But doing this correctly can have a significant impact on the appearance and durability of your wallpaper over time.

Although drywall is often smooth, if it is not properly treated, its joints, seams, and fasteners may become visible through the wallpaper. Plastering contributes to the creation of a smooth surface, masking these flaws and guaranteeing a tidy, even finish. By doing this, problems like bubbling or peeling that could occur from applying wallpaper directly to drywall that hasn’t been treated can be avoided.

In the event that you choose to proceed with plastering, accuracy is crucial. To guarantee that the plaster sticks well and produces a surface that is perfect for wallpaper, there are a few crucial steps in the process. You’ll position yourself for a smoother, more polished outcome if you take the time to properly prepare your drywall.

When is it necessary

Plasterboards appear to have a surface that is suitable for wallpaper adhesive. As a result, the bond is rather strong. However, it’s important to give this some more thought: is plasterboard required underneath wallpaper? Thus:

• GKL is a layer of gypsum-lime mixture, which is covered on both sides with cardboard.
• A layer of wallpaper is glued to such a surface. It turns out that two surfaces literally adhere to each other.
• And then the following happens – after a few years, there is a desire to change the decorative layer.
• Accordingly, dismantling work begins. And removing the layer of wallpaper – they also remove the cardboard that protects the gypsum board.
• The result is as follows – plasterboard can no longer guarantee reliability. You have to resort to numerous tricks to fix the situation.

Other reasons also call for plastering drywall:

1. If the plasterboard work was done poorly, without observing the technology, and there are large differences and unevenness.
2. It is imperative to seal the seams that form at the junction of the structural elements. If this is not done or done poorly, then they will immediately appear under the wallpaper.
3. You cannot do without processing the corners: external and internal.

Consequently, if plastering over the surface is to be done, plasterboard must be used.

BUT! You must make a small reservation here. The truth is that using this mixture by itself might not produce an excellent outcome. And now what should I do? incredibly easy. The putty and plaster need to work together. Unlike when putty is used alone, this interaction saves material while producing the smoothest, most even surface possible. Each of these substances will carry out a particular function.

Basic approaches

When it comes to surface finishing, there are two options:

1. Work is carried out exclusively at the joints and seams. In this case, the pasting will be done directly on the plasterboard slabs. It is necessary to take into account the possible consequences.
2. The activities are carried out in several stages. First, the joints are strengthened, then the entire area of ​​the sheet is processed.

It is then required to grind and prime the surface.

Preparation for work

You should choose the appropriate tool and get the construction supplies ready before plastering the plasterboard.

Materials needed for do-it-yourself plasterboard plastering include the following:

• Plaster mixture.
• Primers.
• Serpyanka mesh, for strengthening the seams.
• Perforated corners.
• Self-tapping screws.

• Drill with mixer attachment.
• Container for mixing the mixture.
• Set of brushes and roller, set of spatulas.
• Screwdriver with a set of bits.
• Level, rule.
• Sandpaper.

Guidance! A range of products are used in the corner finishing process. Metal elements are used for straight surfaces. Because plastic corners can easily take on complex shapes, they are a better fit for uneven structures.

Technology

Putty is frequently used in conjunction with plaster on drywall. We will quickly differentiate between the two compounds’ respective areas of use:

1. Putty – will be used to cover small joints and create a finishing layer.
2. Plaster – is used to seal large seams, corner joints. If it is noticeable that the structure is made with deviations, t.e. the evenness of the frame creation was not completed, then it is advisable to use a starting layer – up to 5 mm.

• It all starts with a thorough cleaning of the surface, seams. All delaminations are completely removed. Any attempts to strengthen areas that are collapsing will end in failure and a senseless waste of time.
• Self -tapping screws used to fasten the plate of drywall – should be twisted on the surface.
• With the help of a rag soaked in water, dust and dirt are removed.
• Then the surface is primed (for an option with several stages).
• While everything dries, prepare the mixture. It is diluted with water and stirred with a drill with a nozzle of a mixer.
• The seams of the drywall begins. To do this, with the help of a spatula, they gain the composition and smile it into joints.
• After processing the entire site-glue a grid-serp. Plaster is applied to its surface.
• Internal corners are treated, if necessary, use special corners.
• External angles are also finished.
• After drying, they make grinding.

Be advised that grinding is a necessary step that needs to be finished on multiple occasions when finishing. This stage, which comes after the finish layer, is the culmination of the most extensive work. But there is always a lot of dust and suspended matter, so it is recommended to wear safety glasses and a respirator.

Don’t assume that this is where manipulation ends. There is still some debate about the best way to plaster drywall. The whole surface is worked on first, followed by the joints and corners.

We select one of two application methods based on the required layer:

1. Standard (with notable variations and irregularities): For the first layer of plaster, a spatula is used (occasionally as a rule). The mixture is put in a layer of no more than three to five millimeters on the drywall. You will need to wait for fifteen minutes after the surface has been processed. Next, the previously applied layer is smoothed with the tool that has been moistened with water. Sand well after letting it dry.

2. Finishing (putty works best for this purpose): a roller is used in this process. Using it greatly expedites the procedure, but it does require some expertise. Everything proceeds as follows:

• prepare the putty mixture, make it sufficiently liquid, but not flowing;
• you need to work with a roller very quickly, making energetic movements;
• when making strokes from top to bottom, you don’t need to worry about leaving streaks, they can be easily removed by moving from left to right, and vice versa;
• it’s better to divide the entire area into several sections, it will be much easier;
• let the mixture dry and repeat the work two or three more times.

As a result, a very thin and smooth wall can be achieved, and it becomes evident how to plaster drywall correctly while keeping in mind the close relationship with putty.

Guidance! Wallpaper glue is not as good an idea as priming the surface.

Many homeowners are curious as to whether plastering is required before wallpapering when it comes to finishing drywall. The short answer is that plastering can greatly enhance the final appearance and longevity of your walls, even though it’s not always required. A level, smooth surface guarantees a perfect finish and facilitates the application of wallpaper.

It’s imperative that you plaster your drywall correctly if you choose to do so. Make sure the surface is dust-free and clean before beginning. Evenly apply a thin layer of plaster to the drywall. Sand the surface after it has dried to create a smooth surface that is ready for wallpaper.

By taking the time to plaster your drywall correctly, you can avoid later problems such as uneven adhesion and bubbles. This step improves the overall quality of your wall finish, so investing in it will pay off in the long run.

Although it’s not always required, plastering drywall before wallpapering can have a big impact on how the room turns out. Plaster applied thinly helps to create an even, smooth surface that improves wallpaper adhesion and lowers the possibility of flaws showing through. If you decide to plaster, make sure you do it right by using a uniform coat, letting it dry completely, and then lightly sanding it down to a perfect finish. Taking an additional measure can improve the longevity and aesthetics of your wallpapered walls.

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