How to prep walls for peel and stick wallpaper

Preparing your walls before applying peel and stick wallpaper is an essential step to ensure a smooth and long-lasting finish. Proper preparation will not only help the wallpaper adhere better but will also make it easier to remove if you decide to change it later on. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to prep your walls for peel and stick wallpaper:

Clean the Walls: Before applying peel and stick wallpaper, make sure your walls are clean, dry, and free of any dust, dirt, or debris. Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the walls, and let them dry completely.

Smooth out Any Imperfections: If your walls have any bumps, cracks, or holes, you'll need to fill them in and sand them down. Use spackle or putty to fill in any holes or cracks, and let it dry completely. Sand the walls until they are smooth and even.

Prime the Walls: Applying a primer to your walls before applying peel and stick wallpaper can help the wallpaper adhere better and can also make it easier to remove later on. Apply a thin coat of primer to the walls, using a roller or brush. Let the primer dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Measure and Cut the Wallpaper: Measure the height and width of your wall to determine how much wallpaper you'll need. Add a few inches to the measurements to ensure you have enough wallpaper to work with. Cut the wallpaper to the appropriate length, leaving a few extra inches at the top and bottom to allow for trimming.

Test a Small Area: Before applying the wallpaper to the entire wall, test a small area to ensure it adheres properly. Apply a small piece of wallpaper to the wall and let it sit for a few hours. If it doesn't stick properly, you may need to re-prime the walls or choose a different type of wallpaper.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your walls are properly prepped for removable wallpaper. This will help ensure a smooth and long-lasting finish that will add a pop of color and style to your home décor.