How do you prepare old walls for wallpapering?

Putting up wallpaper can make any room look amazing! But if the walls are old, getting them ready can be tricky. At Wall Mastery, we’re experts in wallpapering and can help you every step of the way. Let’s break it down!

1. Checking the Walls
First, you need to see what shape the walls are in. Look for cracks, holes, or peeling paint. Here’s what to do:

Inspect the Surface: Check everywhere, especially around windows, doors, and corners.
Test for Moisture: Use a tool to see if the walls are damp. If they are, fix that first!
2. Removing Old Wallpaper
If there’s old wallpaper, it has to go! Here’s how to do it:

Scoring the Wallpaper: Use a tool to poke little holes in the wallpaper. This helps the remover soak in.
Applying Wallpaper Remover: Mix water and vinegar, or use a special remover. Spread it on the wallpaper and wait.
Peeling and Scraping: Gently peel the wallpaper off with a putty knife.
Cleaning the Surface: Wash the walls with warm water and a bit of soap to get rid of the sticky stuff.
3. Cleaning and Fixing the Walls
Now the walls need to be super smooth. Here’s how:

Washing the Walls: Clean them with soapy water, rinse, and let them dry.
Repairing Cracks and Holes: Fill them with filler and let it dry.
Sanding the Surface: Smooth out the bumps with sandpaper.
Applying a Primer: Put on a primer to help the new wallpaper stick.
4. Handling Tough Spots
Old walls might have some tricky areas. Here’s how to fix them:

Peeling Paint: Scrape it off and sand the edges smooth. Add some primer.
Stains and Discoloration: Cover them with a special stain-blocking primer.
Uneven Surfaces: Use lining paper to make the wall smooth.
5. Putting Up the Wallpaper
Time to hang the new wallpaper! Follow these steps:

Measuring and Cutting: Measure the wall height and cut the wallpaper, leaving extra at the top and bottom.
Applying Adhesive: Spread glue on the wallpaper or wall, depending on the instructions.
Hanging the Wallpaper: Start in a corner, align the edge, and smooth it down to get rid of bubbles.
Trimming Excess Wallpaper: Cut off the extra bits at the top and bottom.
Matching Patterns: Make sure the patterns line up nicely.
6. Final Touches
Almost done! Here are the last steps:

Smoothing Seams: Use a roller to smooth out the lines between strips.
Checking for Bubbles: If you see bubbles, poke them with a pin and smooth them out.
Cleaning Up: Wipe off any extra glue with a damp sponge.
Conclusion
Getting old walls ready for wallpaper takes careful work, but it’s worth it! At Wall Mastery, we make sure everything looks perfect. Follow these steps, and your room will look fantastic with its new wallpaper. If you need more help, call us at Wall Mastery. We’re here to make your space beautiful!