Good wallpapering starts long before the first roll goes up. In fact, most of the problems people spot later, such as bubbles, peeling seams and lumps under the paper, come from rushed prep. So, if you want a finish that looks sharp for years, the work you do on the walls first matters far more than the paper you pick.
At Timeless Painting & Decorating, we have spent over 15 years hanging paper in homes and businesses across Leamington Spa and Warwickshire. Below, we share the wallpapering prep steps we follow on every job.
Why Is Wall Prep Is So Important?
Wallpaper is thin. As a result, it shows almost everything behind it. A small crack, a patch of old paint or a raised screw head can all show through once the paste dries. Likewise, dusty or shiny surfaces stop the paste from gripping, which is why edges start to lift after a few months.
Put simply, smooth and sound walls give wallpapering something solid to hold onto.
Step 1: Clear The Room & Remove Old Wallpaper
First, move furniture to the middle and cover it with dust sheets. Next, remove switch plates and socket covers, but only after turning off the power at the fuse box.
After that, strip any old paper. Never hang new paper over old, because the moisture in fresh paste can loosen the layer underneath. For stubborn paper, a steamer or a scoring tool with warm soapy water will usually do the job. Even so, go slowly to avoid tearing the plaster.
Step 2: Repair Cracks, Holes & Dents
Once the walls are bare, look at them closely. A torch held flat against the wall will show every dip and bump. Then:
- Fill small cracks and nail holes with a fine surface filler
- Use a deeper filler for larger gaps, building it up in layers
- Sand each repair flush once dry
- Scrape back any loose or flaking paint
In older properties, which are common around Leamington Spa, walls are often uneven or have blown plaster. In that case, lining paper is often the best fix before wallpapering with the main paper.
Step 3: Clean & Sand The Surface
Next, wipe the walls down with a damp cloth and a little sugar soap. This removes grease, dust and old paste. Kitchens and hallways often hold more grime than you think.
If the walls have a gloss or silk finish, give them a light sand. This dulls the sheen and gives the paste a better key.
Step 4: Size Or Prime The Walls
Sizing is the step most people skip. However, it makes a real difference. A coat of diluted paste or a wallpaper primer seals porous plaster, so the wall does not soak up all the adhesive. It also lets you slide each drop into place to match patterns properly.
| Wall Type | What It Needs Before Wallpapering |
|---|---|
| New plaster | Full drying time, then a mist coat or size |
| Painted wall (matt) | Clean, fill and size |
| Painted wall (gloss or silk) | Light sand, clean, then prime |
| Uneven or older wall | Fill, sand and hang lining paper |
| Previously papered wall | Strip fully, repair, then size |
Step 5: Mark Your Starting Line
Finally, corners are rarely straight. Rather than trusting a door frame, use a plumb line or spirit level to draw a true vertical line. Start your first drop from this, and the rest of the room will follow neatly.
When To Call In A Professional Painter & Decorator
Of course, prep is the part of wallpapering that takes the most patience. If the walls are badly damaged or the pattern is bold, professional wallpapering saves a lot of stress. Besides, mistakes with designer paper are hard to undo.
To see what we do, look through our gallery or read what customers say on our reviews page. One recent client even praised us for hanging nursery wallpaper at very short notice.
FAQs
Can You Wallpaper Over Painted Walls? Yes, as long as the paint is sound and not flaking. That said, it should be cleaned, lightly sanded if shiny and sized first so the paper sticks well.
How Long Should New Plaster Dry Before Wallpapering? Usually around four weeks, although it depends on thickness and room temperature. The plaster should be an even, pale colour with no dark patches before you start.
Get A Flawless Finish With Timeless Painting & Decorating
With over 15 years of experience, full insurance and a 5-star reputation, we handle every stage properly. We also supply quality papers if needed.
Whether it is a feature wall or a full home, our wallpapering service covers Leamington Spa, Kenilworth, Coventry, Stratford-upon-Avon, Rugby and Warwick.
Contact us today for a free quote.