How to Prepare Walls for Wallpaper Professionally

The following steps to prepare walls for wallpaper will make the hanging easier and ensure proper adhesion. Depending on the surface, there are specific instructions for wallpaper preparation within this article.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Primer
• Wall sizing
• Painters tape
• Brush
• Roller
• Sanding pole
• Medium grit sandpaper
• Spackle and knife
• Sponge & bucket
• Paint-it's articles on wall repair

1. 
   Pole Sander

   PREVIOUSLY PAINTED WALLS: Remove all picture hooks and any other hardware from the walls to be wallpapered. Make any necessary repairs to cracks and/or holes in the walls (reference my articles on plaster and sheetrock wall repair). Once walls are in good repair, use the pole sander (can be done without the pole sander, but much more work!) and the medium grit sandpaper to thoroughly sand the walls. This will remove any protruding "pimples" and other imperfections, which will cause tearing and bubbling of the wallpaper if not done now. Use a damp sponge to thoroughly wipe down the walls after sanding. Use the primer to spot-prime any spackle spots from the repairs, allow to dry thoroughly and then skip to step 3.

2. 
   Taping knife

   NEW SHEETROCK/WALLBOARD WALLS: Check the taping & spackling job for imperfections or holes and touch-up where necessary using joint compound and a taping knife. Prime the entire surface to be wallpapered with the primer. Use the brush and 3/8" nap (thickness) roller by cutting in the perimeter with the brush and rolling into that with the roller. (When rolling, work towards the wet edge to ensure an even coat.)

3. 
   PRO R-35 sizing

   Sizing the walls is very important for both ease of hanging and wallpaper adhesion (there are several brands and I prefer PRO R-35). It will create a "sticky" surface for the wallpaper adhesive to bond with. It also makes moving the wallpaper into the correct position easier when hanging. Use painters tape to mask off ceiling, baseboard, and trim. Use the brush and the 3/8" nap roller to apply. Treat it as though it were paint. Thinning the sizing at about 1 part water to 6 parts sizing is advisable. It will look like milk when being applied and will dry clear.
   
   The walls are now properly prepared for wallpaper.

Tips & Warnings

• Paint the ceiling and trim BEFORE you hang the wallpaper. That way you can bring the paint about an inch onto the wall...makes the painting easier and also makes clean lines when the wallpaper is installed.
• ALWAYS BE CAREFUL WHEN WORKING FROM LADDERS!

[eugene2009]

on 1/16/2009 This is professional, thank you. Great article 5*

[0sara0]

on 1/8/2009 I've been wanting to try wallpapering but I'm too afraid of the work it would take to remove it later on, thanks for the tips they give me courage

[BHolmes]

on 1/3/2009 Good how to! I've done a lot of wallpapering...but it has been a long time!

[MFoust]

on 1/3/2009 Never thought about using the pole sander to smooth the walls - wallpapering is hard work for most. Thanks for the tips!

[Butterfli]

on 1/3/2009 Excellent article! Thanks! Wallpapering is not the easiest thing in the world to do. You have provided great tips! 5*