Most surfaces are easier to prepare than previously papered walls, but any irregular surface needs special attention.
Painted walls
Scrape and sand painted walls until they are smooth, and then dust them off. Degloss the walls by using sandpaper or an extra-strong solution of TSP (or a nonphosphate substitute) or ammonia and water.
Repair and wash the walls. Once the surface is dry, apply primer sealer unless you know the paint is alkyd.
Mildewed surfaces
If you are not sure whether you have mildew stains, try to wash them with a solution of detergent and water. If this is ineffective, the stains are likely mildew.
Wearing eye protection and rubber gloves, sponge on a solution of half bleach and half water and then a solution of TSP (or a nonphosphate substitute) and water, and rinse well. Let the surface dry completely--at least 24 hours. Then apply a coat of alkyd primer sealer mixed with a fungicide additive.
New plaster walls
Before papering, you will have to wait until the new plaster has cured thoroughly--this can take between one and four months. Consult with your contractor for the recommended time. Neutralize the new plaster by washing it with vinegar, and then apply two coats of high-quality primer sealer.
New wallboard
All wallboard joints should be taped, spackled, sanded, and then dusted with a short-napped soft brush. Remove the last particles of dust with a damp sponge. Finally, apply primer sealer.
Uneven surfaces
Cinder block, concrete, wood paneling, textured plaster, and textured paint are uneven surfaces that will have to be smoothed before applying any wallpaper. For light to moderate unevenness, or for a small area, apply nonshrinking spackle or wallboard taping compound. When the wall is dry, sand the area and apply primer sealer. You can also smooth such a surface by hanging liner paper, available where you buy wallpaper. If a surface is severely uneven, it should be plastered over.
Copyright Sunset Publishing Corporation
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