Using the correct primer is important to help your peel and stick wallpaper adhere properly. Some surfaces like bare drywall or glossy painted walls require an adhesion promoting primer to give the wall surface enough “tooth” for wallpaper adhesive.
Even though the surface of a paint job may feel dry to the touch, moisture and remaining paint color can still be trapped in the layers and cause bubbling under your wallpaper. This is why testing is so important.
Oil-Based
Although it’s a good idea to prime any wall before painting over it, this step is especially important with wallpaper. Water-based primers soak into the wallpaper’s glue and loosen it, while oil-based primers block that adhesive so the wallpaper can stay up for a long time.
The best primer for wallpaper is a shellac-based one like Zinsser B-I-N Shellac Base. It seals surfaces, blocks stains and odors, and is compatible with both latex and water-based paint. However, it takes longer to dry and may have a stronger odor than a latex primer.
Before applying any primer, you should clean the surface with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust. This will ensure the wallpaper is fully dry and prevent peeling later. After priming, let it dry for a day or two. You should also repair any damaged areas of the wallpaper and make sure it is flat before you begin painting.
Shellac-Based
The right primer is key to a successful peel and stick wallpaper application. You want a primer that not only preps the wall for wallpaper but also protects it from damage during removal.
For a top-rated stain blocking primer, try Zinsser B-I-N Shellac-Base Primer. It dries in 45 minutes and blocks stains, bleed-through and odors. It’s perfect for preparing sound latex-painted surfaces and helps them bond with new wallpaper. For more info I’ll suggest you visit the website wallpaper singapore.
A quality, pigmented shellac primer like ROMAN Pre-Wallcovering Primers is ideal for preparing sound, existing wall surfaces for wallpaper and other wall coverings. They dry to a harder finish than paint and universal primers, which evens the porosity of a wall and ensures good adhesion during installation. They also improve “slip” for easier pattern matching and can be tinted to match any surface. They’re also low-VOC, odorless and easy to clean up with water. They’re formulated with biocides to resist the growth of mold and mildew.
Water-Based
Whether you’re looking to change the room up with a little less commitment or want a renter-friendly design option, removable wallpapers can be your friend. But to make sure the job goes off without a hitch, it’s essential that you prep the wall properly — that means priming and painting the surface like a pro. We spoke to two pros, Elizabeth Rees of Chasing Paper and Heather Shaw Menis of Curio by Fifth & Main, for their tips on how to apply peel-and-stick wallpaper like a champ.
You’ll want to use an oil-based primer, as water-based primers can soak into the wallpaper and loosen its adhesive. The best choice is Zinsser B-I-N Shellac-Based Primer, which will prevent the wallpaper from showing through paint and can be used over any other type of latex paint. It’s also low-odor and dries quickly.
Solid Pigmented
Whether you’re wallpapering over drywall or wood paneling, you need a primer that’s able to hide the color and help the adhesive adhere. A white or pigmented wallpaper primer like ROMAN Products PRO-977 Ultra Prime can be tinted to match the color of your walls, and it dries with a harder finish than latex or universal primers.
If you’re putting up vinyl backed wallpaper (paper on the back with vinyl on the face), or woven grasscloth, a solid shellac can also be used as a priming coat to improve adhesion. It’s odorless and doesn’t create a glossy or matte finish that will interfere with your wallcovering. It will, however, leave behind a small amount of shellac in the paint when you do repaint. This doesn’t seem to have a major impact on the longevity of the paint job, but it’s worth mentioning!
