Your Wall Preparation ChecklistUpdated 3 hours ago

The excitement of a new wallpaper project is hard to contain, but rushing the process can lead to major frustration. Bubbling, lifting or peeling often happens when your wallpaper is applied to a wall that isn’t quite ready.

Why Your Walls Need to Wait

Fresh paint may feel dry to the touch in just a few hours, but its chemical curing process takes much longer—usually 3 to 4 weeks. During this time, solvents and moisture are still escaping. If you apply wallpaper too soon, you're essentially trapping these vapors, which can cause the wallpaper to lift away from the wall later.

Mandatory Pre-Installation Protocol

• Enforce the Curing Mandate: Patience is a virtue here! Wait a minimum of 3 to 4 weeks after the final coat of paint before you begin.
• Clean the Surface: Use a slightly damp cloth to wipe down the entire wall. Remove all dust, grease, and household residue. Make sure the wall is completely dry before application.
• Repair Imperfections: Fill any cracks or holes and sand them smooth. Any bumps or divots will show through your wallpaper and can ruin the bond.
  
  

Don't just trust what your eyes tell you. Use these simple checks to be sure your wall is ready after painting:

• Finger Test: Gently press your finger on the surface. If it feels sticky or tacky, the paint is still curing.
• Water Bead Test: Flick a few drops of water onto the wall. If the water beads up, the paint is likely cured. If it soaks in, wait longer.

Wall Texture: Assessing Your Wall

Peel-and-stick wallpaper needs a smooth, non-porous surface to form a strong bond. Heavily textured walls create tiny air pockets that prevent the adhesive from making full contact. This can lead to the paper falling off entirely.

First, assess your wall’s texture:

• Lightly Textured Walls: Wall Blush may adhere well, but for best results, apply a high-quality primer to help seal the surface. During application, a handheld roller tool can help push the adhesive into the texture for better contact.
• Heavily Textured Walls: We highly recommend against direct application. The most reliable method is to apply a skim coat to smooth the surface or to sand down the wall. 
  
  

Mandatory Sample Test

Always test a small sample of your wallpaper in a discreet area. If the sample fails to adhere, peels, or looks distorted, a skim coat is a must.

Paint Finish Compatibility:

Did you know your paint finish can impact your wallpaper’s adhesion? A weak bond often occurs when wallpaper is applied to a surface that’s either too glossy or too porous.

Why Paint Finish Matters

• Highly glossy surfaces lack the tiny "grab points" needed for the adhesive to bond.
• Flat or porous finishes can absorb the adhesive material, leaving a weak bond on the surface.
  
  

Compatibility Guidelines

• Best Finishes: Satin, Eggshell, or Semi-Gloss finishes offer the perfect balance. They provide enough "grip" for the adhesive while still allowing for clean removal or repositioning.

• High-Gloss or Glossy Paint: Lightly sand the wall to create a slight texture, then clean it thoroughly.
• Porous or Flat Finishes: A high-quality primer is essential. It seals the wall so the adhesive stays on top where it can form a strong bond.