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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Wallpaper
Custom Wallpaper
Flooring
Proper preparation is essential for a smooth wallpaper installation.
Here’s how to get everything ready step by step:
1. Move/Remove Furniture
• Clear the Space: Move large furniture items like sofas, beds, and cabinets away from the walls. Ideally, place them in the center of the room.
• Protect Furniture: If items cannot be removed, cover them with plastic sheets or cloth to avoid dust or adhesive stains.
• Remove Wall Decor: Take down paintings, clocks, shelves, or any wall-mounted fixtures.
• Switchboards & Fixtures: Unscrew switch plates, sockets, or wall-mounted light fixtures to ensure the wallpaper fits neatly behind them.
2. Covering of Floors
• Floor Protection: Use dust sheets, plastic covers, or canvas drop cloths to cover the entire floor area near the wall.
• Masking Tape: Secure covers with masking tape along the edges to prevent them from slipping.
• Avoid Glue Stains: If using wallpaper adhesive, this will protect floors from accidental spills.
• Extra Precaution: Place a smaller plastic sheet near the adhesive bucket or cutting area.
Gather all necessary tools beforehand:
Equipment Purpose
Measuring Tape - For accurate wall measurement
Wallpaper Cutter/Utility Knife - For precise trimming
Smoothing Brush/Plastic Spatula - To flatten wallpaper
Level/Plumb Line - For straight alignment
Wallpaper Paste/Adhesive - If wallpaper isn’t peel-and-stick
Roller or Paint Brush - For adhesive application
Seam Roller - To press seams firmly
Sponge & Water Bucket - For cleaning adhesive residue
Scissors - For cutting excess wallpaper
4. Batch Numbers
• Why Important? Wallpapers are produced in batches, and each batch may have slight variations in color or texture.
• Check Labels: Always check the batch number on each wallpaper roll before installation.
• Same Batch Only: Use wallpaper from the same batch number in one room or on one wall to maintain uniformity.
• Extra Rolls: Order 10-15% extra rolls from the same batch to avoid mismatches in case of future repairs.
How to Prepare the Wallpapering Surface
A smooth and well-prepared wall surface is essential for flawless wallpaper installation. Proper preparation not only enhances the final look but also increases the lifespan of the wallpaper.
1. Analyzing the Current Condition of the Wall
Before starting, thoroughly inspect the wall surface to identify any imperfections.
· Wall Type Check: Identify whether the wall is cement, plastered, painted, or already wallpapered.
· Cleanliness: Ensure the wall is free from dust, dirt, grease, or mold.
· Surface Flatness: Check if the wall is even or has any dents, cracks, or rough textures.
· Old Wallpaper Removal: If there’s any existing wallpaper, it must be completely stripped off.
· Moisture Test: Check for damp patches using a moisture meter or by touching the wall. Moist walls will damage the wallpaper adhesion.
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2. Filling Small Holes and Cracks
Minor cracks or holes must be filled to ensure a smooth surface.
Steps:
· Clean the cracks with a brush to remove loose dust or debris.
· Use wall filler/putty to fill small holes and cracks.
· Apply filler using a filling knife or spatula.
· Let it dry completely as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
· Once dry, lightly sand the area with fine-grit sandpaper to make the surface even.
✅ Pro Tip: Use lightweight joint compound for small cracks and acrylic fillers for deeper gaps.
3. Special Measures for Damaged Surfaces
If the wall surface is heavily damaged or uneven, take extra care to prepare it.
· Loose Plaster Areas: Remove any loose plaster and re-plaster the wall.
· Damp Walls: Treat moisture with anti-fungal or damp-proof solutions.
· Textured Walls: Sand down or skim-coat textured walls to make them smooth.
· Grease Marks: Wash greasy patches with sugar soap or mild detergent.
· Flaking Paint: Scrape off flaking paint and sand the surface.
4. Applying 2 Coats of Oil Primer (Very Important)
Priming is one of the most crucial steps to ensure perfect adhesion and longevity of wallpaper.
Why Oil Primer?
Oil-based primers create a non-porous, sealed surface that prevents the wall from absorbing wallpaper adhesive, which can cause bubbles and uneven sticking.
Process:
· Clean the surface thoroughly.
· Apply the first coat of oil primer using a roller or brush.
· Let it dry for 8-12 hours.
· Lightly sand the surface after the first coat.
· Apply the second coat of oil primer and allow it to dry for another 12-24 hours.
✅ Pro Tip: Always choose white or light-colored primers to avoid color shadows under light wallpaper.
Additional Tips:
• Avoid water-based primers, as they can cause bubbles.
• Never wallpaper directly on newly plastered walls without priming.
• Prime walls even if they are painted or previously wallpapered.
Final Surface Check Before Wallpapering:
Conclusion
Proper surface preparation is the key to a flawless wallpaper finish. Investing time in priming, filling, and smoothing the walls will ensure the wallpaper adheres better and lasts longer without peeling or bubbling.
Keeping your wallpaper looking fresh is simple with the right care—regular dusting, gentle cleaning, and avoiding moisture can extend its life.
At Decowraps, we not only offer premium wallpapers but also provide expert guidance on maintenance and care. From cleaning tips to fixing minor issues, we’re here to help you keep your walls looking flawless, every step of the way.
Here are some simple dos and don’ts to keep your wallpaper looking fresh and beautiful:
DOs:
1.Dust Regularly – Give your wallpaper a quick dusting now and then using a soft microfiber cloth or a feather duster to keep it clean and fresh.
2.Spot Clean Gently– If you spot a stain, gently dab the area with a soft sponge, mild soap,
and warm water—but don’t soak the wallpaper.
3.Test Before Cleaning – Always test any cleaner on a hidden corner first to make sure it won’t damage or fade your wallpaper.
4.Use a Vacuum Cleaner – For textured or fabric wallpapers, use the soft brush attachment on your vacuum to lift dust without causing damage.
5.Check Seams Occasionally – Keep an eye on the edges—if they start peeling, a small dab of wallpaper adhesive will fix them quickly.
6. Protect from Moisture – In damp spaces like bathrooms, make sure there’s good ventilation to prevent peeling or mold.
7. Follow the Manufacturer’s Advice – Every wallpaper is a little different, so check the care instructions from your supplier for the best cleaning methods.
DON’Ts:
1.Skip the Harsh Stuff – Avoid using bleach, abrasive cleaners, or strong chemicals—they can fade or damage the wallpaper’s surface.
2.Don’t Drench It – Too much water is a no-go. Excess moisture can cause bubbling or make the wallpaper peel away.
3.No Rough Scrubbing – Be gentle—scrubbing too hard can tear delicate wallpaper or wear away the design.
4.Don’t Let Stains Sit – Spills happen! Clean them up quickly to avoid permanent marks, especially on lighter wallpapers.
5.Limit Sun Exposure– Direct sunlight can fade your wallpaper over time, so consider using curtains or blinds to keep it looking vibrant.
6.Say No to Tape – Avoid sticking tape or adhesive directly on the wallpaper—it can peel off the surface when removed.
7.Don’t Pop Bubbles – If bubbles appear, resist the urge to poke them. Use a syringe with adhesive to fix them neatly or call a professional if needed.
A little care goes a long way—treat your wallpaper gently, and it’ll stay looking fresh for years!
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