Wallpaper Preparation Guide
Preparing your walls with care is the most important step in achieving a smooth, long-lasting wallpaper installation. This guide walks through wall texture, priming, cleaning, and moisture checks so you can begin with confidence.
Wall Texture
Wallpaper adheres best to smooth, dry walls.
Heavily textured surfaces can show through the material and may affect adhesion.
- Recommended: smooth or lightly textured walls
- Not recommended: heavy texture
- Possible but not guaranteed: light orange-peel or knock-down texture
Peel & stick wallpaper may struggle to grip textured surfaces.
Non-pasted and pre-pasted wallpapers can perform slightly, but results vary.
Fresh Paint & Curing Time
Even when paint feels dry, it may not be fully cured. Installing wallpaper too soon can affect adhesion and compromise both the paint and the wallpaper.
- Allow 4 weeks of curing time after painting.
- This applies to both peel & stick, non-pasted, and pre-pasted wallpaper.
- If preserving the paint finish isn’t essential, peel & stick may be applied after several days, but performance may vary.
Fully cured, dry paint creates the most stable surface.
Primers & Surface Sealing
Priming helps create an even, stable surface and can make installation and future removal easier.
Peel & Stick:
- Primer is always recommended on bare drywall.
- Optional on smooth, previously painted walls
Non-Pasted and Pre-Pasted:
- A wallpaper primer is recommended to improve adhesion and prevent damage during removal.
If your walls absorb moisture easily or show uneven sheen, a primer can help create a consistent base.
Cleaning the Walls
Clean walls help wallpaper adhere smoothly.
- Wipe the wall with a damp cloth, then allow to dry completely.
- For best adhesion, wipe the wall with a cloth lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol. Spray the solvent onto the cloth, not the wall. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Ensure the wall is fully dry before starting.
Avoid household cleaners that leave residue or oils.
Moisture & Humidity Checks
Wallpaper should only be installed on dry, stable surfaces.
- Avoid walls that feel cool or damp.
- Do not apply peel & stick wallpaper in high-humidity rooms such as bathrooms with daily steam.
- Non-pasted wallpaper performs better in moisture-prone spaces but still requires fully dry walls.
Moisture behind the wallpaper can affect adhesion and cause peeling.
Switches, Sockets & Obstacles
Before installation begins:
- Remove outlet covers and light switch plates.
- Take down hooks, nails, and removable hardware.
- Patch holes or cracks for the smoothest finish.
This creates cleaner seams and a more refined final result.
Final Checklist
Your wall is ready when it is:
- clean and dry
- fully cured (if recently painted)
- smooth, with minimal texture
- free of dust, oils, or residue
- primed if required (especially for non-pasted and pre-pasted wallpaper or bare drywall)
Taking a few minutes now will help ensure a calm, seamless installation later.
Next Guide: Installation
Once your walls are prepared, explore our step-by-step installation guide for peel & stick or non-pasted wallpaper.