How to Apply Pre-Treated Wall Papper

All wallpaper requires an adhesive to attach it to a correctly prepared wall. Unlike standard wallpaper that requires a separate adhesive, pre-treated wallpaper has the adhesive applied to its underside. The pre-applied glue needs activation to become sticky enough to hold the paper in place. Combining the correct adhesive activation, the correct wall preparation techniques and the installation technique will ensure the wallpaper remains in place long after installation.

Plastic sheeting
Drywall joint compound
4-inch spackle knife
Fine-grit sanding screed
Damp rag
Primer-sealer
Paint roller
Tape measure
Utility knife
Water-filled tub
Plastic squeegee

Instructions

- 1
  Remove all objects from the wall that is receiving the wallpaper. Ensure there is enough room to work around the wall. Cover the floor surrounding the wall with plastic sheeting.
- 2
  Apply drywall joint compound to all cracks, holes and dents in the wall with the blade of a 4-inch spackle knife. Allow the drywall compound to dry for 10 to 12 hours. Sand all repaired areas with a fine-grit sanding screed. Wipe the entire wall with a damp rag. Allow the wall to dry for an additional two to three hours.
- 3
  Roll a coat of primer-sealer to the prepared wall with a paint roller. Ensure there is an even coat applied to the entire area receiving the wallpaper. Allow the primer to dry for four to six hours.
- 4
  Measure the distance from the floor molding to the connecting point of the wall and ceiling with a tape measure. Add 6 inches to the measured length. Unroll a piece of pre-treated wallpaper meeting the finished length on a stable worktable. Cut the wallpaper to length by dragging a utility knife blade along the paper using one long continuous motion.
- 5
  Roll up the wallpaper. Place it in a water-filled tub. Allow the wallpaper to soak for 15 to 20 minutes.
- 6
  Remove the wallpaper from the tub. Set it adhesive side up on the stable worktable. Fold one-third of the paper on itself. Fold the other end of the wallpaper over itself until the two ends meet. Ensure that the paper does not crease. Loosely roll the paper. Set the paper aside for five to 20 minutes.
- 7
  Unroll the wallpaper. Set the top of the paper 3 inches past the connection between the wall and the ceiling. Press the paper firmly against the wall. Ensure that the wallpaper sits straight on the wall. Pull a plastic squeegee along the paper to remove air bubbles and excess glue.
- 8
  Press the squeegee tight in the corner between the wall and ceiling. Drag the utility knife along the squeegee to cut the wallpaper to height. Remove the cut piece of wallpaper. Repeat the process at the point the paper meets the top of the floor molding.
- 9
  Install the remaining drywall using the described method.

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