Listen to me closely . . .
Prep Prep PrepPerfect Wallpaper & Paint Preparation:
Have you ever been so desperate to redecorate that you just start painting the wall with no preparation? Most of us have done it once or twice and the results are… well, less than perfect. Preparation is the most vital step in any project, and without thorough preparation you’ll be able to see the flaws in your work for years to come.
Throughout my career I’ve seen and heard alarming tales of mould spores appearing through the wallpaper only recently installed, wallpaper lifting away, and paint peeling from all areas. The list goes on, but these are all common problems that are easily preventable with just a little preparation.
Wallpapers and wallcoverings need to be applied with care for the best effect. So what should you keep in mind?
Prepare the wall – regardless of what you plan to put on the wall, ensure it is a completely smooth and prepared surface. Any imperfections will not only ruin the finish but may even undermine the adhesives ability to hold the paper to the wall seamlessly.
Check the manufacturer’s label – at minimum, check the manufacturer’s label as it often provides all the information you need on how they recommend you prepare the wall surface for your wallpaper. If in any doubt, call the manufacturer for further advice, as they are more than happy to advise you.
Choose the right adhesive – check where the adhesive needs to be applied (on the paper vs on the wall) and don’t purchase anything cheap that won’t do the job. The right adhesive will give you the right finish.
And what about painting?
Sand uneven surfaces – anything from old glue, lumps and bumps, and old paint must be sanded to ensure the surface is smooth, depending on the age of the old paint, precaution maybe needed for lead paint, if doubt use a lead test kit. Unless otherwise stated, apply a primer, and check paint labels to see if you need to stir the paint before applying or not.
Degrease – wear the correct protective gear while degreasing.
Put down tape and dust sheets – unless you plan to rip out the old flooring, always cover the floor in dustsheets and line edges with tape. Make sure you don’t leave out open cans of paint, as if someone trips over it, it will not only be a waste of paint but may also seep through your dust sheets and stain the floor below.
Remember, preparation is absolutely essential for any interior design effort.