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How to Prepare Surfaces for Wallpaper

One of the most important yet surprisingly neglected stages of a wallpaper installation is surface repair/preparation. The most successful installations involve surfaces that are clean, dry, smooth and non-porous. Any of the following conditions can cause poor adhesion or product failure:

  • Highly textured paint
  • Moisture behind the drywall
  • Dust or any other contaminants
  • Poorly painted wall edges
  • Freshly painted surface which hasn’t cured yet
  • Patchy, uneven application of primer.

Note: Please be advised wallpaper installation is a craft that takes years to become proficient at. It is highly recommended that you hire a professional wallpaper installer/contractor.

Dry Surfaces Work Best

Before attempting to prime a wall, one of the first things you should check on is the humidity level. Walls should not contain in excess of 4% residual humidity as measured by a moisture meter.

Wall Moisture Meter

If moisture is present, immediately identify and eliminate the source until you have a completely dry surface to work with. Few things will undo your hard work faster than a wet wall.

Note: Any mold or mildew must be removed from walls and hanging surfaces prior to installation as they not only compromise the bond, but pose potential health hazards.

Sanding Down Drywall Before Application of Primer

You want to be absolutely certain that your surfaces are level and free of blemishes, cracks, holes or peeling paint. Treat any problem areas with putty or spackling and sand the surface down down with 120-grit sandpaper for a smooth and even finish. Remember, your graphics will only look as clear and polished as the surface it sits on.

Note: Once the surface is dry and ready for primer application, be sure to wipe the surface down with a micro-fiber dust cloth.

Consistent Temperature is Important

For walls that are subject to temperature changes (either via water or heating pipes) extra care must be taken to ensure a constant temperature throughout the surface. This is why wallpaper is often not installed on surfaces that receive many hours of direct sunlight. The heat can warp the vinyl substrate and cause buckling or sagging.

Wall Temperature

In cases where walls are covering a source of heat, it is highly recommended to ensure they are properly insulated before priming. Unfortunately this is outside the scope of this article, given that this is related more to the construction of the wall itself. If the surface has central heating or an HVAC system behind it without insulation it can seriously compromise the wallpaper’s longevity and is generally not recommended for long term installations.

Avoid Wall Coverings and Dark Paints

It is not adviseable to install wallpaper on top of existing wall coverings. For optimal results make sure all existing wallpaper and adhesives are removed and the surface thoroughly cleaned. Use DIF liquid or gel for quick, non-toxic adhesive removal.

Note: Before removing any wall graphics, you should be sure they have been installed more than 21 days so that they’ve cured properly. Glue that hasn’t set can often result in a messy and difficult uninstall.

You should also avoid applying graphics to heavily tinted paints which have more than 1 oz. of tint per gallon. The colorants of darker paints tend to need more curing time. The underlying colors may also compromise your graphics.

Avoiding Dark Paints Despite a generous application of primer, the underlying color is still highly visible. In such cases it is recommended to apply two coats of white latex paint before priming.

Applying Wall Primer

Roll the primer onto the surface in vertical, parallel strokes. You should use enough pressure to saturate the area but not so much that you drip excess primer or overlap too far. Apply the primer evenly and consistently; avoid overspreading. This is one of the most critical steps and should not rushed.

Note: The ideal environment for applying primer is: Humidity: 0% to 85% / Temperature: 50 to 90 F. Lower temperature and higher humidity can both slow down drying time. When applying the paint, use a 3/8” roller cover to reduce stippling and provide the ideal bonding texture.

A Poorly Primed Wall A prime example of what NOT to do. Rushing the job may lead to problems down the line. ## Primer Curing Time

When using a water based primer/sealer you should allow the walls to dry for a full 24-48 hours before attempting to install. During this time the space should be well ventilated and ideally not very humid. You want to be extra sure that the primer has fully set because wall graphics tend to bubble and distort while paint is still in the curing process.

Wallpaper Primer Application This wall is being primed by professionals for an installation that will last for years to come.

Pay Special Attention to Corners

When applying both primer and sealer, great care should be taken when painting edges and corners, as these are usually the first areas to peel or curl. Dust also tends to collect in corners so you want to make extra sure that these areas are completely protected.

Applying Wall Sealer

The purpose of a quality sealer is to lock out moisture and seal in the adhesive bond of the primer. Professional installers recommend two coats of sealer, with the second applied only when the first is dry to the touch.

To facilitate cleaning and speed up curing times, it is also recommended to use water-based primers and sealers such as those available from Kilz or Zinsser.

Wall Primer and Sealer

Note: Many of these brands provide a 2-in-1 solution that combines primer and sealer which can expedite the process, but it will not have the same staying/holding power as applying 3 separate coats in the appropriate order.

Curing / Acclimation of Wallpaper

Printed material should be allowed to dry and cure fully for at least 48 hours before installation. Failure to allow the ink solvents to dry completely may result in warping and curled wallpaper corners.

Wallpaper Acclimation

Before installing, the material should be rolled out, laid flat and allowed to reach room temperature (minimum of two hours waiting time.)

Conclusion

Preparing a wall for graphic installation is not difficult, but doing it properly is essential in ensuring the longevity of your graphics. Wall coverings glued to a well-primed wall can last many years with minimal maintenance if these steps are carried out with the care and attention to detail they deserve.

Wallpaper Primer Edges

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Guidance & Tips

Read More
How to Prepare Wall Surfaces for Wallpaper InstallationOne of the most important yet neglected stages of wallpaper installation is the preparation of the wall itself.Continue Reading
Read More
How to Design Files for Wallpaper PrintingA brief guide to wallpaper file preparation. Produce consistent, high quality murals, patterns and prints with this handy set of tips.Continue Reading
Place Order for Custom Samples12" x 12" Press Proofs Available in 4 finishing options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a minimum square footage?
Yes, we have 50 square feet minimum per order.
What are the most popular sizes?
The three most requested sizes are 100, 300 & 500 square feet.
What is the maximum width x height you can print per roll?
The maximum roll size width is 52 inches wide by 360 inches in length.
Can I see sample before printing my project?
Yes, you can order a press proof sample of your custom artwork. We offer four coating/finishing options: matte, gloss, semi-gloss and texture.
Can I see a digital proof before final production?
Yes, our pre-press department will provide two rounds of digital proofs for approval prior to final print production. Please note, any additional digital proofs will be billed accordingly.
What kind of wallpaper material do you use?
Our wallpapers are a non-adhesive, fabric backed vinyl material which is installable via traditional pasting methods. They are available in matte, gloss, semi-gloss or textured coating/finishing options. We also offer peel and stick wallpaper.
Do you offer embossed wallpaper?
Yes, we offer specialty embossed wallpaper printing services. Please email us for more information.
What is the standard turnaround time?
Once final proofs are approved, standard production time is 5-7 business days. Please note, production time may change depending on our current press schedule and how many specialty options have been selected.
Can I pick my own design/image?
Yes, if you provide high resolution artwork, we can print your custom design.
Is the material durable and washable?
Yes, ordinary dirt and smudges can be removed from the surface with a mild soap and warm water.
Is the material removable?
Yes, our wall coverings can be removed. Please note, all surfaces must be primed with a drywall sealer and water based primer prior to installation.
Do you provide installation services?
Unfortunately, we do not provide or recommend installation services, however the following article is a useful guide for installers: How to Prepare Wall Surfaces
Can you ship material/printed samples for my review?
We can not send out material/printed samples without a job ticket being generated into our system.
How can I make a payment?
We accept all major credit cards and company checks. Please note, a job ticket must be created and payment is required before we can start proofing/final production.
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