Follow These 3 Tips To Prep Your Walls For Wallpaper

You know that saying measure twice cut once? Its supposed to remind us how import prepping is for any project. The Roman philosopher Seneca said, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” The opportunity to buy the wallpaper of your dreams may be right around the corner but first you should prep your walls for the best finish. I wanted to drop in to your inbox with some pro tips you should do before hanging wallpaper (number three is a big one!) 

Most walls have a story that includes holes, scraps, and maybe a few dents. Start by removing any hooks, nails and light switch plates. Any bumps or cracks in your will will inevitable show through your wallpaper and could effect the way the pattern looks. Prep your walls by filling any cracks and holes with spackle and sand down bumps for a smooth finish. Most of the time lightly textured walls will not cause a problem but deep textures should be smoothed. A smooth wall gives your wallpaper more surface area to hold on to. This will help prevent issues of lifting over time as well as eradicate hiding areas for moisture which can lead to mold.

Your second step is to clean your walls. After you have spackled and sanded their will be dust particles on the wall you don't want to paint or install over. Its recommend the first pass you use a cleaner or sugar soap to get rid of any grease and other build up. If you already have painted walls use hot water and a vinegar solution. A 4:1 ratio is recommended. Wipe down your walls 24 hours before so you know they are clean and dry for install.

Now that your walls are smooth and clean its time to prime! Eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss paint seem to work best with wallpaper. You dont want to put wallpaper over latex paint as it will likely tear nor do you want to use scrubbable paint since it is made with the intention for nothing can stick to it. White primer is perfectly fine since Jo-Lou Design wallpaper is designed to butt up right against each other. However unless you do a perfect install (and lets face it who of us is perfect?) its always a good idea to use a primer that is similar to a color in your wallpaper. Having a white wall under dark wallpaper creates the risk of white seams showing. 

It can take paint up to 30 days to fully cure so you will want to paint at least a month before putting up your wallpaper. 

Knowing how to prepare your walls for wallpaper helps insure you get your moneys worth from your wallpaper and end up with high end professional looking walls. So when you get the opportunity to buy your dream wallpaper, prepare your walls first for a bulletproof install.