Is It Safe to Wallpaper Directly Over Plasterboard

When it comes to the treatment of walls for a new and attractive look, one element always comes to the top, which is wallpaper. It is one of the best and most used ways for decorating walls without having a high budget. Most of the homeowners add personality to their walls with exciting designs and prints of wallpaper.

However, most of the modern homes have plasterboard walls that raise a question: Is It Safe to Wallpaper Directly Over Plasterboard? It is a valid question because plasterboard has different characteristics compared to other walls. Plasterboard is softer compared to walls, and this can absorb water from the wallpaper paste. Putting the wallpaper on the plasterboard can be risky if the proper care is ignored.

Now, the good news is that you can put wallpaper on the plasterboard, but for that, you will need to follow the right steps. If you are also planning to paste a wallpaper on Plasterboard, then this blog is only for you, because in this blog, we are going to discuss everything about the wallpaper on Plasterboard.

What is PlasterBoard?

Paperboard is a type of board which made with gypsum between two thick paper sheets. This board is used for walls and ceilings due to its lightweight, affordable, and easy-to-install features. Here are some exclusive features of Paperboard:

• Ideal for decoration
• Easy to absorb moisture
• Smooth surface
• Lightweight
• Quick Installation
• Eco Friendly

Step-by-Step Guide on Safely Wallpapering Over Plasterboard

Here is a detailed guide on wallpaper over plasterboard:

Step 1: Check the Wall Condition

Before beginning, inspect the plasterboard carefully. Check for:

• Cracks, dents and holes
• Visible seems on the board
• Uneven area

If there are any unwanted appearances and cracks on the wall, then you must fill them with fillers and make the place smooth. As we all know, wallpaper shows all appearances clearly.

Step 2: Make the Wall Clean

Now clean the wall with a soft brush where you inspect the holes and grooves. You can also use a damp cloth. Always ensure the wall is:

• Dust free
• Completely dry
• Free from grease or fingerprints

Step 3: Apply a Primer

As you know, plasterboard absorbs moisture and water. If we directly paste wallpaper, then it will absorb all the moisture from the paste, and the wallpaper starts peeling off, which also affects the wall. To prevent damage to all, do this:

• Apply a primer or diluted PVA Solutions
• Spread it evenly
• Let it dry

Step 4: Smooth the Joints

If there are any seams in between the plasterboard, then fill them with joint compounds and make the joints smooth. Additionally, you should cover screws and nuts with filler to give an even look to the surface. After that:

• Let it dry
• Clean the board again with a damp cloth

Step 5: Choose the Right Wallpaper and Paste

Not all the wallpapers are designed for plasterboards, that's why choosing the best and perfect one is important as the paste. For this, you can consider the following wallpapers and pastes:

• Wallpapers: Vinyl, textured, and paper wallpaper.
• Paste: You can use standard paste for light wallpaper, whereas heavy-duty adhesive for vinyl wallpaper.

Step 6: Paste the Wallpaper

After choosing the right paste and wallpaper, just apply the wallpaper. One thing always ensures that without a primer, you can't safely paste your wallpaper on the plasterboard. Follow the following steps to paste the wallpaper:

• Cut the wallpaper to size and cut some extra from the top and bottom.
• Apply the paste to the wall or the wallpaper
• Position the wallpaper on the top
• Use a wallpaper roller to remove bubbles
• Trim the extra wallpaper edges clearly

Step 7: Let it Dry

Don't use any type of tool to dry the wallpaper. Let them dry naturally. Always ensure that the wallpaper dries naturally; there should be no direct sunlight on it. It can shrink your wallpaper.

What Common Mistakes Should You Avoid While Pasting Wallpaper over Plasterboard?

While applying the wallpaper to the plasterboard, you should avoid some mistakes. Let's see:

Skipping the Primer: Primer is the main foundation or base of the wallpaper for plasterboard, and some people don't use it. This may cause peeling and damage the walls.

Ignoring Joints and Screws: Plasterboards are connected with some screws and joints. Sometimes people ignore them while applying the wallpaper to it. Due to this, bumps and uneven surfaces seem to form in the wallpaper, which looks imperfect.

Overusing Paste: Too much adhesive can also cause slipping, oozing glue from the spaces, and a longer drying time that looks messy from the side walls. Always apply a small amount of paste.

Not Smoothing Out Air Bubbles: Smoothing out air bubbles is most important, and some people ignore it and keep it the same while drying the wallpaper. It is also a common mistake that results in uneven texture appearing on surfaces.

Trimming Carelessly: During the wallpaper application to the plasterboard, people cut off extra and trim more from the corners, which looks cheap and also reduces its long-term performance.

Conclusion

Wallpaper on plasterboard can completely transform the place's vibe. From the living room, kitchen, bedroom, to the office, it is important to achieve a smooth surface of wallpaper. By avoiding some common mistakes and following a detailed and step-by-step process. In this blog, we have discussed everything that will help you apply wallpaper on plasterboard perfectly.

FAQ about Wallpaper Directly Over Plasterboard

What type of material do we need for Wallpaper on Plasterboard?

For plasterboard board, always choose the lightweight and medium-weight wallpaper, such as vinyl and paper-based wallpaper. This type of wallpaper prevents excessive weight on the plasterboard.

Which adhesive is perfect for pasting wallpaper over plasterboard?

For the perfect pasting of wallpaper over plasterboard, you should use ready-mixed PVA and non-woven wallpaper paste. These two pastes provide the best pasting of all types of wallpapers.

Should we ignore small cracks on plasterboard for pasting wallpaper on it?

Never; you should not ignore small cracks on plasterboard because they can grow larger over time. Before pasting the wallpaper, you should fill it with filler or primer and make the board smooth and strong.

Which room is perfect for installing plasterboard with wallpaper?

Plasterboard with wallpaper is good for living rooms, bedrooms and hallways because these places have low humidity.