Hand applying skim coat with a putty knife to smooth and repair a wall before wallpaper installation

How to Prepare Walls for Wallpaper

Proper wall preparation is the most important step for a successful wallpaper installation. Even the highest-quality wallpaper cannot hide imperfections on an uneven, damaged, or poorly prepared surface. Taking the time to prepare your walls correctly ensures a smooth finish, stronger adhesion, and a longer-lasting result.

Why Is Wall Preparation Important?

Wallpaper highlights surface imperfections much more than paint. Small dents, nail holes, texture, or drywall joints can become visible after installation, especially with luxury wallpapers, grasscloth, silk, linen, and other natural wallcoverings.

A properly prepared wall provides:

  • Better wallpaper adhesion
  • Smooth, professional-looking finish
  • Easier installation
  • Cleaner seams
  • Longer wallpaper lifespan
  • Easier future wallpaper removal

How to Prepare Walls for Wallpaper

For the best results, follow these essential steps:

1. Remove Existing Wallpaper

Old wallpaper, adhesive residue, and loose paint should be completely removed before installing new wallpaper.

2. Repair Surface Imperfections

Fill all nail holes, dents, cracks, and damaged drywall areas using joint compound or drywall filler.

3. Skim Coat the Wall, If Necessary

Textured walls, orange peel finishes, knockdown texture, or repaired surfaces should be skim coated to create a perfectly smooth finish.

4. Sand the Surface

After repairs are dry, lightly sand the wall until it becomes smooth and free of visible imperfections.

5. Clean the Wall

Remove all sanding dust, grease, and dirt using a damp microfiber cloth. Clean walls help primer and wallpaper adhesive bond properly.

6. Apply a Wallpaper Sealer Primer for Porous Surfaces

A high-quality wallpaper primer, such as Roman RX-35 or Roman PRO-999, creates the ideal surface for installation, improves adhesion, protects drywall, and makes future wallpaper removal significantly easier.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common wall preparation mistakes:

  • Installing wallpaper over textured walls
  • Skipping the primer
  • Applying wallpaper to fresh paint before it has fully cured
  • Leaving dust on the surface
  • Ignoring drywall repairs or visible imperfections
Back to blog