Wallpapering Newly Plastered Walls: A Step-by-Step Guide

Freshly plastered walls provide an excellent surface for wallpaper, but they need to be properly prepared first. One of the most common mistakes is applying wallpaper directly onto bare plaster.

New plaster must be sealed with sizing paste before wallpapering. This helps prepare the porous surface, improves adhesion and makes it easier to position and hang your wallpaper correctly.

If you've recently had your walls re-plastered, follow these steps before reaching for the wallpaper.

Prepare the Plaster

Before wallpapering, make sure the plaster is completely dry. Fresh plaster should generally be allowed to dry for around 5-7 days, although this can vary depending on the thickness of the plaster and the conditions in the room.

The plaster should appear evenly pink and fully dry before you begin.

Before applying any paste:

Allow the plaster to dry thoroughly.
Check that the surface is evenly pink.
Lightly sand any rough corners or plaster splashes if necessary.
Remove all dust from the walls.

Don't rush this stage. Wallpapering over plaster that is still damp can cause problems with adhesion and may affect the final appearance of your wallpaper.

Size the Wall: An Essential Step

Once the plaster is dry and clean, the next step is to apply sizing paste.

Fresh plaster is highly porous, so wallpaper paste applied directly to it can be absorbed too quickly. Sizing the wall helps seal the surface and creates a better base for hanging wallpaper.

Mix your wallpaper paste to a thin, milky consistency. Stir the mixture thoroughly before starting each new wall to maintain an even consistency.

Using a brush, apply the sizing paste evenly across the entire surface. Make sure you cover the wall consistently, including around corners and edges.

Allow the sizing paste to dry fully before you begin hanging your wallpaper.

Hanging the Wallpaper

Once the wall has been prepared and the sizing paste has dried, you can start hanging your wallpaper.

1. Mark Your First Drop

Take your time with the first piece of wallpaper because it determines how straight the remaining drops will be.

Use a laser level or plumb line to mark a perfectly vertical guide on the wall. Don't rely solely on the corner of the room, as walls and corners aren't always completely straight.

2. Apply the Paste Evenly

Apply your wallpaper paste evenly according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Avoid over-soaking the wallpaper, as excessive moisture can cause the paper to stretch, bubble or become difficult to handle.

3. Smooth the Wallpaper

Position the wallpaper carefully against your guide line and smooth it into place.

Work from the centre outwards to push out air bubbles and achieve a smooth finish. Take your time around seams and edges to avoid damaging the paper.

4. Trim the Edges

Use a sharp blade to carefully trim excess wallpaper around skirting boards, ceilings, corners and other edges.

A sharp blade is important for achieving a clean cut without tearing the wallpaper.

What to Avoid When Wallpapering New Plaster

There are a few common mistakes that can cause problems when decorating newly plastered walls.

Don't Wallpaper Directly Onto Bare Plaster

Fresh plaster is porous and should be properly sealed before wallpaper is applied. Skipping the sizing stage can affect adhesion and make wallpaper difficult to hang.

Don't Use PVA as a Sealer

PVA is not a suitable substitute for proper wallpaper sizing. Use an appropriate wallpaper paste or sizing product instead.

Don't Wallpaper in a Steamy Room Too Soon

Avoid hanging wallpaper in rooms that are particularly warm or steamy before the wallpaper has had enough time to set.

High levels of moisture can interfere with the drying process and may affect the finished result. Give the wallpaper sufficient time to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Need Your Walls Re-Plastered Before Wallpapering?

A great wallpaper finish starts with a properly prepared wall. If your existing plaster is damaged, uneven or unsuitable for decorating, having it repaired or re-plastered first can make a significant difference.

Ontouch Plastering & Rendering provides professional plastering and rendering services across Preston and the surrounding Lancashire areas.

From small plaster repairs to full house re-plastering, our services include:

Domestic plastering
Plastering over Artex
Damp proofing
Domestic rendering
Commercial plastering
Commercial rendering
Small repairs through to full house projects

We're fully insured and undertake both residential and commercial work. Same-day callouts are also available where required.

For new rendering projects, we're approved rendering applicators using premium systems and materials, with a 10-year manufacturer warranty on qualifying new render systems.

Get Your Walls Ready for Wallpaper

Wallpaper can completely transform a room, but achieving a professional finish starts with proper wall preparation. Allow fresh plaster to dry, clean the surface thoroughly, apply sizing paste and take your time when hanging each drop.

If your walls need plastering or repairs before you decorate, Ontouch Plastering & Rendering can help.

Serving Preston and surrounding Lancashire areas, we provide plastering and rendering for homes and commercial properties, from small repairs through to complete projects.

Get in touch with Ontouch Plastering & Rendering to discuss your plastering requirements. Call 07770 810669 for a free, no-obligation quote.