The wallpaper needs moisture to make the adhesive stick properly on the wall. However, the moisture in the walls is not beneficial for it.
Is It Better to Paint or Wallpaper First? It is better to paint first because it hides the flaws on a wall, locks the moisture, gives a smooth finish, and enhances the color of the wallpaper. When applying wallpaper, ensure that you have done cleaning and priming.
Furthermore, it is better to go for satin, egg-shell, and semi-gloss types of paints. The latex type cannot help you achieve a better result.
Why is it better to paint first?
The walls can get damaged if you do not prep them before applying wallpaper. It adds more to the interior as it represents the theme.
Moreover, it can affect the whole look of the room if even a small part of it is damaged.
Hides wall damage
The neat walls represent cleanliness and neatness in the room. It is better to color before the wallpaper because it can hide minor and significant visible flaws.
It is essential to hide them because they can ruin the wallpaper. Moreover, it is not an easy task to change them again and again.
It is better to perform the protective procedures before applying them. For example, the flaws can be holes drilled for inserting nails in the wall.
It is not unusual to have them as you hang paintings and mirrors on them. Furthermore, dents, deep scratches, or scrapped areas on it can tear the wallpaper.
It should be properly leveled so that the wallpaper can stick to it evenly without any gaps. It can tear them if not treated right away.
Locks moisture
The walls are porous, and they can absorb moisture in them. This moisture can damage them, which causes cracks in them.
Moreover, it can damage the wallpaper if you apply it first. You will have to spend money for no good reason.
It will be more efficient to paint it first with the type of paint which locks the moisture. In addition, the moisture is an open invitation for molds which can deeply damage them.
You can apply primer first for more effectiveness and a longer life span of wallpaper. It can cost money, but it will save you from spending it again and again.
Smooth finishing
The smooth finishing is what makes them last longer. It also makes it look flawless and helps in better sticking to the wall.
Moreover, the adhesive on its back will not work well if the texture of the wall is rough and grainy. The little bumps can become a hurdle in your process of applying it.
The surface which is not prepared well before applying them can cause you to face challenges after some time.
You do not want to spend money on excellent quality wallpaper to get it ruined after a while. The procedure of painting it first can take some time, but it will be worth the time and money.
The grainy and textured wall means it is dry for wallpaper installation. Therefore, you need to level the textures of it first with the help of the primer.
Enhances the color
Most of you have ignored this aspect if you have applied paint first but did not give much thought to the color.
You would have thought that the color does not matter, but it does matter. This is because the wallpapers are seen through and can reflect the color beneath them.
It can be more visible if there is bright sunlight in the room or lights on the wall. It can change its actual color to some extent.
Furthermore, the overall result does not look good in the end. However, it can change the perspective and theme you had planned for your room.
You do not want to spend money on getting paint that turns out to be the wrong color. Instead, it is better to get a color that matches the base color of the wallpaper.
How to paint before applying the wallpaper?
The process of painting before applying it is not hard, but it takes time. You need a few things to start the process.
The first step is to remove any nails, hooks, and switch plates that can cause hurdles in the installation of wallpaper.
It needs to get smooth as it can ensure better sticking of it on the wall, and it is better to fill the holes and sand the dents in it.
The second step is cleaning to remove any dirt and dust particles that can become more visible after applying paint.
You need trisodium phosphate to clean it if there is the presence of any grease and dirt. It is better to dilute TSP before using it to clean.
However, you can clean the wall with a solution of hot water and vinegar. This tip is for cleaning the already-painted walls.
Next, apply primer to hide the flaws and to give a smooth finish. It is better to apply primer before as it can help to support the coating.
Furthermore, let the primer dry before the application of paint. It is better to wait for a month for it to dry correctly.
It is essential because applying wallpaper on a freshly colored surface cannot stick well.
Can you paint over the wallpaper?
You can paint it if you want to have a change in your room. However, it is not possible to remove it without damaging the surface.
However, it is not going to be an easy task, even if it is possible. Therefore, it is better not to waste time when you can paint over it.
All you need to do is clean the surface to remove particles. Then, take out nails and hooks to fill them afterward.
Furthermore, apply primer over it to conceal the textures of the wallpaper. It is essential to have a final smooth finish before coloring it.
Now, you need to get the desired color for your wall. It is better to start with the outlines first with the tip of the brush, as you do not want it to stain the ceiling.
Start the process of painting them with the rollers, as it helps in fast and smooth application. Examine the edges of the wallpaper and check for any visible lines.
You need to scratch those visible lines when the surface is still wet. It can remove the coating from those spots, but you can apply it again on those areas.
Things to consider before applying the wallpaper
The paint you are going to get should not be latex. The latex can make them more porous and breathable. It can cause moisture build-up and molds afterward.
Furthermore, the adhesive on the back of it can pass into the walls, which can ruin the internal layers.
It can further damage the coatings and wallpaper itself. These are minor things to consider, but they can cause significant problems.
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