Planning guide
Preparing a room for wallpaper installation
Most of what makes an installation look good happens before the first drop goes up.
Wall condition
Wallpaper reveals what is under it. Cracks, nail pops, ridges and patch edges telegraph through thinner papers, especially in raking light. Walls usually need to be smooth, clean, dry and sound.
- Fill and sand holes and cracks; spot-prime repairs.
- Remove loose or flaking paint.
- Address any moisture source first. Paper will not fix a damp wall.
Paint and primer
Fresh paint needs to cure before wallpaper goes on, and the curing time depends on the product. Many wallpaper manufacturers recommend a wallcovering primer, which helps adhesion and makes future removal easier. Gloss finishes can need special preparation.
Check the material on arrival
- Confirm every roll has the same batch number.
- Unroll one and inspect for print defects before anything is cut. Many suppliers will not accept returns of cut rolls.
- Keep rolls in the room so they acclimatise.
On the day
- Clear furniture from the walls, or agree in advance what stays.
- Remove art, curtain rods and shelving you want reinstalled later.
- Expect switch and outlet cover plates to be removed; power to those circuits may need to be off.
- Keep the room at a steady temperature and avoid blasting heat or air conditioning on fresh paper.
For another preparation checklist, see ROMAN’s guide to preparing walls for wallpaper installation.
Other guides
Next step
Tell us about the walls.
Rooms, measurements, the material you are considering and whether anything has to come off first. We will confirm availability for your location and talk through scope.