How to Apply Wallpaper Over Plaster Walls? Key Points and Tips to Know Before You Start

*This article contains advertisements.

Are you wondering if you can apply wallpaper over plaster walls? Many people want to change the atmosphere of their room but are unsure how to handle plaster walls. Actually, there are ways to apply wallpaper over plaster walls!

By mastering a few tips and preparations, you can create a wonderful space that looks completely transformed. In this blog, I will explain the steps and precautions for applying wallpaper over plaster walls in an easy-to-understand way. After reading this, you will be able to take on the DIY challenge with confidence!

Key points of this article

1. Explains the necessary preparations and surface treatment before applying wallpaper to plaster walls.

2. Introduces specific steps and precautions for applying wallpaper beautifully.

3. Provides tips and hints for avoiding failure, gained from actual experience.

4. Covers the benefits of remodeling plaster walls with wallpaper and maintenance methods.

▼As an Amazon Associate, the blog administrator earns income from qualifying purchases.

■Benefits and precautions of applying wallpaper over plaster walls

There are several ways to apply wallpaper to plaster walls, but basically, the secret to success is to clean and prepare the surface before starting. Here, I will share the precautions and procedures for applying wallpaper while making the most of the characteristics of plaster walls.

・Understand the difference between the texture of plaster walls and wallpaper

Plaster walls have a charm in their natural texture and warmth. On the other hand, wallpaper has a wide variety of designs and is advantageous for easily changing the image of a room. However, if you apply wallpaper directly to the rough surface of a plaster wall, the adhesion will be weak, which can cause peeling and air bubbles.

Therefore, it is important to first check the condition of the plaster wall and perform surface treatment if necessary. For example, a common method is to remove the plaster, apply putty, and make the surface flat. There is also a method of attaching plywood before applying the wallpaper. By carefully following these steps, the finish will be significantly better!

・Points to check regarding the condition of the plaster wall when applying wallpaper

The condition of the plaster wall greatly influences the success or failure of the renovation. Since wallpaper cannot be applied properly if there are cracks or if sand is falling off, first check the surface. If cracks are noticeable, fill them with putty to make them flat, and if necessary, remove the paint to prepare the base.

Furthermore, it is necessary to check if there is any remaining moisture in the plaster wall. If there is a lot of moisture, the wallpaper may lift. When applying plywood, it is also a key point to start the work only after confirming that the entire wall is dry. At my shop, we ensure customer satisfaction with the finish by performing these preparations carefully.

・Comparison between keeping the plaster wall as is and arranging it with wallpaper

When keeping the plaster wall as is, you can enjoy the texture unique to natural materials. However, if you think, "I want to make it more stylish" or "I want to increase the design appeal," arranging it with wallpaper is the best option.

However, I do not recommend applying wallpaper directly to the surface of a plaster wall. If you use the method of applying plywood, the wall will be firmly fixed, which increases adhesive strength and provides peace of mind. Also, the method of removing the plaster wall and then finishing it flat using putty is a technique often adopted by professionals.

By understanding the merits of both plaster walls and wallpaper and combining them, you can create an ideal space. Just by putting in a little effort, your room will look remarkably beautiful!

For removing plaster walls, this Hakuri Pack is recommended. Just dissolve it in water to make it jelly-like, apply it directly to the wall to soften it, and then scrape it off with a putty knife or scraper. However, since the floor will get dirty, make sure to do the masking properly.

▼I am using Amazon Associates

■Preparation for applying wallpaper over a plaster wall

When applying wallpaper to a plaster wall, the condition of the base has a major impact on the finish. There are various ways to prepare the surface, but it is important to choose the optimal treatment depending on the condition of the plaster wall. Here, I will explain in detail how to prepare efficiently and reliably.

・Method of base treatment to smooth the surface of the plaster wall

When applying wallpaper to a plaster wall, it is generally common to use putty to make it flat. If you apply putty to the entire surface, you can create a smooth and solid base, but since the amount of work increases, there is also a method of smoothing only the surroundings or noticeable parts with putty. With this method, you can shorten the work time while making the finish look clean.

However, if the plaster wall is old, has many cracks, or sand is falling off, it is certain to remove everything before proceeding with the work. If you apply wallpaper directly over an old plaster wall, the adhesion will weaken, and peeling or lifting will easily occur. Therefore, by removing it and creating a new base, the durability of the wallpaper will also increase.

This method is recommended especially for plaster walls that have been used for a long time or in places where moisture tends to accumulate. To gain the trust of customers, it is safer to reset the old plaster wall once.

・Necessary tools and materials: Introducing items that are easy for beginners to acquire

It is convenient to have the following tools ready for preparation:

• Scraper for removal: Necessary for removing old plaster walls.

• Putty and putty knife: Essential items for creating a flat base.

• Sandpaper: Used for finishing putty and smoothing the surface of the plaster wall.

• Sealer: Applied to the base to increase adhesive strength.

• Roller or brush: Used for removing air bubbles when applying wallpaper.

Many of these are easy for beginners to handle and can be readily obtained at home centers or online. The removal scraper, in particular, is useful for completely removing old plaster walls.

・Troubles that occur when the base is insufficient and how to prevent them

If the base is not properly prepared, problems such as the wallpaper peeling off or seams lifting are likely to occur. If you proceed with the work without removing the old plaster wall, the wallpaper may peel off along with the base material.

To prevent such problems, it is important to first thoroughly check the condition of the plaster wall. If the surface is prone to crumbling, it is ideal to remove it all, level it out, and then use a sealer or putty.

Also, even if you are applying putty partially, working carefully, especially on the edges and seams of the wallpaper, will significantly improve the appearance after completion. If you are aiming for a reliable finish, careful base preparation is essential!

It takes a little extra effort, but by properly preparing the base, the beauty of the wallpaper will last longer, and the overall atmosphere of the room will be much better.

Basically, a finishing putty is sufficient. If the dents are severe and noticeable, the putty may shrink, so using a base putty followed by a finishing putty is recommended.
However, even without going that far, beginners can sufficiently use the putty below.

▼Using Amazon Associates

■Steps and tips for applying wallpaper to a plaster wall

When applying wallpaper to a plaster wall, the choice of adhesive determines the finish. We especially recommend "Looa Mild" wallpaper paste for beginners. It is easy to obtain and handle, so it is often used in professional settings. In this chapter, we will also share tips on how to apply it using Looa Mild.

▼Using Amazon Associates

・Recommendation for using Ruamild for base coating

When applying wallpaper over a plastered wall, performing a "base coating" (sute-nori) significantly increases adhesive strength. Base coating is the process of applying a thin layer of paste before hanging the wallpaper and letting it dry. This extra step removes fine dust and debris from the plastered wall and improves the adhesion of the paste.

Ruamild can be diluted with water, making it ideal for base coating. It is easy to apply and provides a clean finish. It is also recommended for beginners because it is easily available at home improvement stores and online.

▼Read also

・How to apply base coating and the actual wallpaper

1. Prepare the base coating
   Dilute Ruamild with water and apply it evenly over the entire plastered wall using a brush or roller. Once dry, the wall surface becomes smoother, making the next step easier to perform.

2. Applying paste for the actual installation
   Once the base coating is completely dry, adjust the Ruamild to a slightly thicker consistency and apply it to the back of the wallpaper. This paste spreads well, making it easy to apply evenly.

3. Hanging the wallpaper
   Apply the wallpaper starting from the top. Working while using a roller to remove air will help prevent peeling and air bubbles.

・Benefits of Ruamild

Ruamild is a water-based wallpaper paste that is easy to handle and can be easily washed off if it gets on your hands. The fact that it has little odor is also a nice feature. Additionally, it has a moderate drying time, which gives you time to make minor adjustments to the wallpaper while working.

Furthermore, it is affordable and attractive because even those who are hanging wallpaper for the first time can use it with confidence. It has a proven track record of being used by professionals, so its reliability is excellent!

・Points to note

When applying the base coating, it is important to apply it thinly and evenly. Also, ensuring sufficient drying time will make the next step go smoothly. You can confidently tackle hanging wallpaper on a plastered wall by using Ruamild, so please give it a try.

At first, there is no need to buy the 18kg box; it is recommended to buy a few 2kg containers to see how much you use, which is more economical. If you don't have Ruamild, Aminol is also a good alternative.

In this way, just by choosing the right paste and incorporating a base coating, the finish will be significantly better! Please give it a try.

▼I am using Amazon Associates

■ Remaking a plastered wall into wallpaper: Real-life experiences and results

Remaking a plastered wall with wallpaper is a task anyone can succeed at if they follow the steps. Here, I will explain tips for a better finish and how to handle problems when they arise, incorporating cases I have experienced as a professional.

・Interior case study of my own home remade from a plastered wall to wallpaper

At a client's request, I performed a makeover by applying standard vinyl wallpaper over an old sand-plastered wall. The condition of the wall was not good, with noticeable cracks and crumbling. First, I repaired the cracks with putty and applied a base coat of glue using Loua Mild over the entire surface. After that, I applied thick vinyl wallpaper to create a modern and bright wall finish.

After completion, the client was thrilled, saying, "I can't believe this is the same old sand-plastered wall!" They were especially satisfied with the durability and ease of cleaning of the vinyl wallpaper.

・How to deal with peeling edges and corners

While vinyl wallpaper is durable and easy to handle, edges and corners can peel due to aging or humidity. In such cases, I recommend using "Joint Calk," a type of caulking agent used as a wallpaper adhesive.

▼ I use Amazon Associates

Joint Calk is an adhesive that can be used on vinyl wallpaper; it is flexible and prevents the wallpaper from peeling due to expansion and contraction caused by drying. It is easy to use: just apply a thin layer to the peeling area and press the wallpaper down to blend it in. It is barely noticeable after drying, and the finish is natural.

Also, because excess Joint Calk can be easily wiped off with a damp cloth after application, it is a feature that makes it easy for beginners to use. If corners or edges start to lift, you can rest assured that you can repair them with this item.

・Maintenance methods after applying vinyl wallpaper over a plastered wall

Regular maintenance is important to make the wallpaper last longer after the makeover.

1. Cleaning with a soft cloth
   Vinyl wallpaper is easy to clean, but using a hard brush can cause scratches. It is recommended to wipe it with a dry cloth or a soft, wrung-out damp cloth.

2. Humidity management
   High humidity can reduce adhesive strength, so please use a dehumidifier or ensure proper ventilation.

3. Repair with Joint Calk
   If edges or corners start to peel, repairing them early with Joint Calk can prevent the peeling from spreading.

By incorporating these measures, you can keep your wall, remade from plaster to vinyl wallpaper, looking beautiful for a long time. Enjoy your comfortable space with just a little effort and maintenance!

Regarding Joint Caulking, there are types A and M, but either one is fine. If I had to choose, I recommend M. For whitish wallpaper, 'ivory' is definitely recommended. If that is not available, use white.

▼ I use Amazon Associates

▼ Read this as well

■ Summary of how to apply wallpaper over a plastered wall: Key points and tips to know before you start

I have summarized the important points for applying wallpaper over a plastered wall below.

✅ Smooth the surface of the plastered wall before applying wallpaper
✅ Use a primer to increase the adhesion between the plastered wall and the wallpaper
✅ Choose wallpaper according to the type of plastered wall
✅ Pay attention to how you choose the wallpaper adhesive
✅ Carefully check the level and position when applying the wallpaper
✅ Gather the necessary tools in advance to work efficiently
✅ Work carefully when applying to ensure no air gets trapped
✅ Constantly check the condition of the plastered wall during work
✅ Take time to match the wallpaper pattern
✅ If you are a beginner, make use of removable-type wallpaper
✅ Understand the procedure for removing wallpaper once it has been applied
✅ Periodically check the condition of the wallpaper and perform maintenance
✅ If you make a mistake, it can be handled with partial repairs
✅ Take advantage of the benefits of remaking a plastered wall
✅ Choose wallpaper while being conscious of the overall balance of the interior

▼ Read this as well