But there is a product that is simple to apply and that helps with both wallpaper application and removal: wallpaper primer. Wallpaper primer helps you hit that sweet spot where the wallpaper sticks well to the wall but not so firmly that removal will damage the surface.
What Wallpaper Primer Does
Wallpaper Installation
Wallpaper primer fills pores in absorbent surfaces, creating a smoother surface for sliding the wallpaper into position. Flat, matte, or uncoated walls—and even eggshell gloss paints—can create a drag that makes it harder to slide wallpaper and position it. Wallpaper primer allows more of the wallpaper glue to do its job, rather than being immediately absorbed by the wall’s pores.
Wallpaper Removal
By providing a shield between the wallpaper glue and the wall, wallpaper primer makes removal easier. Wallpaper glue tightly bonds with its substrate. The more pores available, the greater the bond. Wallpaper primer fills those pores. Wallpaper primer will not make wallpaper removal completely effortless nor will it ensure that the lower surface remains in pristine condition. But wallpaper primer does make a difference between taking down wallpaper or taking down wallpaper along with lots of paper facing and gypsum core.
How to Know If You Need Wallpaper Primer
Water absorption is one of the key factors in determining whether you should use wallpaper primer. So, it helps to test out the wall with a small amount of water to gauge the rate of absorption. With clean, clear water in a bowl, flick a few drops of water onto the wall and rub in some of the drops. If the wall turns dark, that means that the surface is quickly absorbing water and likely requires wallpaper primer. Other factors influence the decision, including paint gloss, age and condition of the paint, and the presence of primer or dust.
Flat or Matte Paint Gloss
Flat or matte paints always need wallpaper primer. Glossy and semi-gloss paints in good condition do not absorb moisture well, so they may not need wallpaper primer. Paint glosses in the mid-range may or may not need primer. Satin and eggshell glosses have enough sheen to shed some water for a limited time. With these glosses, it’s safest to use wallpaper primer.
Old or Poor Condition Paint
Even glossy surfaces that are older can benefit from the application of wallpaper primer because they may have lost some of their gloss. Over time, paint breaks down, especially when subjected to UV rays, even indoors.
Uncoated Walls
Use wallpaper primer on any bare, uncoated surface, especially unprimed, unpainted drywall.
Primed Walls
Walls that have only paint primer should be primed with wallpaper primer. Paint primer is flat, so it will readily soak up the wallpaper glue.
Dusty Walls
Walls that are dusty with drywall or plaster dust can benefit from wallpaper primer. While you should always try to clean off as much dust as possible before applying wallpaper, the wallpaper primer can help absorb and neutralize the dust and help the wallpaper glue stick better.
Applying Wallpaper Primer
To apply wallpaper primer, you’ll need many of the same tools you’d use to apply wallpaper: sandpaper, a paint tray and liners, a paint roller with covers, a paintbrush, a putty knife, a screwdriver, and clean rags. You’ll also need wallpaper primer and drywall compound or spackle.
