Guide 04
Wall Preparation Requirements
A professional wallpaper installation depends heavily on the condition of the wall. Even the highest-quality wallpaper won't look its best if the surface underneath is unstable, dusty, damaged, improperly painted, or not prepared correctly.
Ideal Wall Condition
For the cleanest and most refined result, walls should be:
- Clean
- Dry
- Structurally sound
- Properly primed
- Free of dust, debris, and loose paint
- Free of major surface defects
- Consistent in color when required by the material
- Smooth when the wallpaper type requires it
Wall Texture and Surface Review
For the cleanest result, wallpaper is typically installed over a smooth, clean, dry, and properly primed surface. However, some wallpapers can be installed over certain light textures depending on the material, pattern, thickness, color, and finish. Thin, light-colored, metallic, shiny, grasscloth, silk, handmade, or delicate materials may reveal wall texture, patches, paint halos, or surface imperfections.
Our team reviews the material and wall condition before confirming whether additional preparation is recommended.
Paint Halos and Surface Inconsistency
Paint halos, patch marks, roller marks, color changes, drywall repairs, and inconsistent wall surfaces may show through some wallpapers — especially light-colored, thin, natural, handmade, metallic, or delicate materials. For best results, the wall should have a consistent surface and color before installation when the material requires it.
Texture and Skim Coating
Wallpaper is not designed to correct poor wall conditions. If the wall has heavy orange peel, knockdown texture, visible patches, uneven repairs, or significant surface defects, skim coating may be recommended before wallpaper installation.
Skim coating may include:
- Applying joint compound
- Allowing proper drying time
- Sanding the wall smooth
- Repeating the process if necessary
- Cleaning the wall
- Applying proper wallpaper primer
This preparation process is separate from wallpaper installation and may require additional time and cost.
Priming
Proper primer is essential. Primer creates a stable surface for wallpaper installation and future removal. Depending on the wall condition and wallpaper type, the correct primer may vary — some walls may need a clear wallcovering primer, others a white primer to create a consistent background.
Our Recommendation
Walls should be reviewed before installation. If the surface isn't ready, additional preparation may be required. For premium results, drywall repairs, sanding, painting, and priming should be completed before the wallpaper installation date.