How to Prepare a Wall for Wallpaper Border

Preparing walls is important when applying a wallpaper border. Prepping the walls correctly helps to ensure the wallpaper border will adhere to the wall and provide lasting results. Wallpaper sticks best when applied to walls that are clean and smooth.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Fill nail holes and cracks with spackle. Once dry, sand the spackle smooth.

2. Scrub the walls with a mild soap and water solution. This removes any built up residue on the wall. Rinse and allow time to dry.

3. Remove any mildew off the wall with a bleach and water mixture. The solution should be one part bleach to 10 parts water. Wear gloves when using bleach. Rinse with water and allow time to dry.

4. Sand the wall where the border will go with coarse sandpaper if the wall is bumpy.

5. Scrape any loose paint off the wall with a large putty knife.

6. Vacuum loose dust and debris from wall.

7. Apply a coat of acrylic primer or sealer if the wall paint is old. Wallpaper borders will adhere better to the primer than old paint.

References

• Prepare walls for wallpaper