Love Wallpaper but Hate the Thought of Removing It Later?

Are you considering giving your walls a makeover with wallpaper but worried about potential damage upon removal? Fear not! With proper preparation, you can enjoy the benefits of wallpaper without any lasting consequences to your walls. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to prepare your walls effectively, ensuring easy removal of the wallpaper down the line.

Types of Wallpaper

There are many types of wallpaper when classified by the materials they are made of. Generally, the most common are vinyl and come pre-pasted or not and peel-and-stick or removable wallpaper. Peel-and-stick wallpapers are less likely to damage walls when it is removed. (Hint for what's coming in next week's post)

Vinyl pasted wallpaper, till death do us part. It doesn't have to be that way.

Clean the Walls Thoroughly

Before applying any wallpaper, it's essential to start with a clean canvas. Remove any dust, dirt, or grease from the walls using a mild detergent solution and a sponge or cloth. Ensure the walls are completely dry before proceeding to the next step.

Repair Any Imperfections

Inspect the walls for any cracks, holes, or imperfections that could affect the adhesion of the wallpaper or make removal more challenging. Fill in these areas with a suitable filler or spackling compound, then sand them smooth once the filler has dried. It is a good idea to seal all patches. This step will ensure a smooth surface for the wallpaper to adhere to as well as help when removing it down the road.

If the paper was applied to bare drywall or a wall that was not primed or prepared before glue was applied, will make it difficult to remove the wallpaper and wall damage. Why? When glue binds directly to the drywall.

Test Walls

Priming and painting is not always necessary, if they have been painted before. New drywall must be sealed. Test the surface of your walls by dabbing a small amount of water on the wall. If it changes color that's your queue to seal it first.

Also, test walls for adhesion. Cut three small x's into the painted wall, then cover with clear tape. Rip the tape off and if paint comes off on the tape then walls need to be prepared before hanging the wallpaper.

Primer/Sealer (alkyd or acrylic)

Provides non-porous surface that seals new walls. Assures wallcoverings hung over it can be removed. Look for products that include sealer and sizing in a one-step product that can save you time. Bare drywall is best primed using 2 coats fof alkyd primer.

Ensure primer is dry and cured before applying wallpaper

Apply Wallpaper According to Manufacturer's Instructions

Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when applying the removable wallpaper. Ensure the adhesive side of the wallpaper is properly activated and pressed firmly against the wall to promote good adhesion. Use a smoothing tool or plastic card to remove any air bubbles or wrinkles and ensure the wallpaper is flat and secure.

Enjoy the beauty new wallpaper brings to your room.

By following these steps to prepare your walls before wallpapering, you can ensure easy removal of the wallpaper without causing any damage. So go ahead, unleash your creativity, and transform your space with wallpaper today! Contact Handyman-JAK for all your wallpapering needs.