How to Prepare Your Walls Before Installing Wallpaper

Want to change your interior? Wallpaper is a stylish way to do that. But that’s not all. You can’t directly install a gorgeous wallcovering. Wall preparation always comes in handy. This makes a flawless finish that lasts. You need this for the unique Dubai climate conditions.
Interior designers in Dubai never miss it. Wall preparation is more than a step. This is what leads to proper wallpapering.
This blog dives into how to prepare your walls before installing wallpaper.

Why Wall Preparation Matters?

Before wallpapering, your wall must be:

• Clean
• Smooth
• Dry
• Free of damage

You get this without preparing the wall:

• Poor adhesive
• Bubbling
• Peeling
• Visible imperfections
• Shorter lifespan of the wall covering

Your wallpaper can’t grip the wall well if you don’t prep. You can actually damage the wall this way. Clean, dry, and sound walls are essential. These can cause poor wallpaper adhesive:

• Debris
• Grease
• Mildew
• Loose paint

You may face these issues in the hot climate of Dubai. The moisture conditions can affect the wall surfaces. Proper preparation improves the final look. This also makes the removal easy. Your drywall also doesn’t really get damaged this way.

What Are The steps For Preparing Your Walls For Wallpaper?

You can follow these wallpaper installations in Dubai. This is a practical workflow for you:

Clear the Room & Protect Surfaces

First, you really need to remove the furniture. You could also cover it with sheets.
You can use drop cloths to protect the flooring

Remove Old Wallpaper and Loose Paint

Completely remove all:

Existing wallpaper
Flaking paint
Debris

You cannot apply wallpaper over old adhesive. Avoid putting it on old peeling surfaces.

Fix Holes, Cracks & Imperfections

Use patching compound to fill:

• Dents
• Nail holes
• Cracks

Let the area dry before starting to sand. You need to really sand the patched areas smooth. A perfectly flat surface means there are no bumps.

Sand Smooth

You can use fine-grain sandpaper for the preparation. This is to level the rough patches for an even texture. Smooth walls improve the adherence more.
Clean Walls Thoroughly
Your wallpaper isn’t bonding properly because of:

• Dust
• Grease
• Grime

Make sure to wipe down the walls with a damp cloth. You can also use a mild detergent if you want.

Prime the Surface

Prime seals the porous walls. Your glue adhesive gets improved. Prime also gives you a uniform base colour. This is useful if you’re using lighter wallpapers.

Check & Treat Moisture

Your wallpaper can be ruined just by moisture. This is a big leading factor in mould. To avoid this, use a moisture meter. A plastic sheet test comes in handy. Simply treat the walls before wallpapering.

Allow Adequate Drying Time

You should check that all cleaning has dried. This includes the patching and priming. Check at least 24 hours before the wallpaper goes up.

Tips For Wallpaper Preparation

1. Use moisture-resistant adhesives

Your wallpaper’s glue can weaken with Dubai’s humidity. Want to go by the designers? They recommend high-quality adhesives against:

• Peeling
• Bubbling
• Edge lifting

2. Let the wallpaper acclimate before installation

Put wallpaper rolls in the room a day before you install. This is to help the material adjust to the temperature.

3. Order extra wallpaper for accuracy

You should offer 10 to 15% extra wallpaper. This allows pattern matching better.

4. Choose the right primer

Your adhesive gets better with:

• A wallpaper-specific primer
• Moisture blocking primer

FAQs - How to Prepare Your Walls Before Installing Wallpaper

Is wall preparation necessary before wallpaper installation?

Yes, it is essential for:

• Durability
• Adhesion
• Visual quality

Can wallpaper be installed over textured walls?

No. You should skim textured walls smooth first.

Can wallpaper handle Dubai humidity?

Yes. You can make it work with wall prep.

Do I need professional installers in Dubai?

These are recommended for:

• Luxury finishes
• Large areas
• Humidity-prone spaces

How much extra wallpaper should I use?

You should have at least 10 to 15% extra wallpaper.

Can I wallpaper newly painted walls?

Wait 3 to 4 weeks for the pain to ste first.

Can I skip wall preparation?

You risk:

• Peeling
• Bubbles
• Mold
• Visible imperfections