How to Cover a Stainless Steel Wall

Paint

• 1

  Rub the wall with 320-grit sandpaper or fine steel wool. Scratch the surface lightly to give the primer some texture to grab onto.

• 2

  Wash the wall with dish soap, warm water and a sponge. Remove all grease and sanding dust with this solution. Rinse well and dry thoroughly with a towel.

• 3

  Apply a 100-percent acrylic primer to the wall using a sponge roller for the main wall and a bristle paintbrush for the edges. Choose a primer designed for use on stainless steel. Allow the primer to cure according to package instructions -- at least four hours. Use a primer tinted to match your paint to provide better color coverage.

• 4

  Paint the wall in the same way as you apply the primer. Use a water-based enamel paint. Allow the paint to cure according to package instructions. Apply a second coat.

Wallpaper

• 5

  Prepare the wall by roughing the surface with 320-grit sandpaper and washing it with dish soap. Rinse the wall and dry thoroughly.

• 6

  Apply a 100-percent acrylic, adhesion primer to the wall using a sponge roller and bristle paintbrush. Allow the primer to cure according to package instructions.

• 7

  Hang the wallpaper by arranging the wallpaper in order. Line the wallpaper up on the wall so the pattern matches. Apply a damp cloth to the wallpaper to activate the glue. Smooth the surface with the cloth to remove air bubbles. Trim any excess with a sharp knife after the wallpaper is completely hung.