Prepping Your Walls

This is the least glamorous step and the most important. A perfectly hung wallpaper will still look poor over a bad wall — and a well-prepped wall makes hanging far easier. Spend the time here.

The goal

Your wall needs to be four things: clean, dry, smooth, and sound.

Step 1 — Clean

Wipe the wall down to remove dust, grease and cobwebs. Kitchens especially can have a greasy film that stops paste gripping. Let it dry fully.

Step 2 — Repair

Fill any holes, cracks and dents with filler.
Once dry, sand smooth so you can't feel the repair with your hand.
Wipe away the sanding dust.

Bumps and lumps show through wallpaper, so this is worth doing properly.

Step 3 — Sound surface

Press and check the existing surface. If there's old flaking paint or loose old wallpaper, it has to come off — paste won't hold new paper onto a surface that's letting go. See How to Remove Wallpaper if there's old paper to strip.

Step 4 — Seal if needed (sizing/priming)

Fresh plaster or filler is very absorbent and will suck the moisture out of your paste. Seal it first with a suitable primer or size so the paste grips properly and you can still slide the paper into place.
Glossy or previously painted walls may need a light sand and a suitable primer so paste can grab.

If you're unsure what your wall needs, check the advice on your wallpaper's product page, or ask us.

Step 5 — Switch off and unscrew

For safety and a tidy finish, turn off the power and loosen (don't fully remove) socket and switch faceplates so you can tuck paper neatly behind them. Turn power back on only once everything is dry.