Is Your Wall Ready for Wallpaper?

We’d love to help! Just send us a few clear photos or a quick video of your wall to hello@sckribbles.com, and we’ll take a look.

The ideal surface is:

Smooth, primed with wallpaper-specific primer, fully dry, and free of residue.

A properly prepared wall is:

Smoothly sanded (and skim-coated if needed to remove texture or imperfections)
Primed with a high-quality wallpaper primer (not just paint primer)
Completely dry and cured (especially important if recently painted or primed)
Free from dust, oils, moisture, or residue

Before you apply wallpaper, it’s important to make sure your wall is truly suitable — even if it looks fine at first glance. Some surfaces can seem ready but may prevent wallpaper from sticking properly, leading to bubbling, peeling, or complete failure.

Things to Watch Out For:

Dusty or chalky walls – Even a light layer of dust can prevent the adhesive from bonding properly.
Textured or uneven surfaces – Wallpaper performs best on smooth, flat walls.
Fresh paint – Paint must be fully cured (not just dry) before applying wallpaper.
High humidity – Steamy bathrooms or kitchens without proper ventilation can cause adhesion issues.
Product residue – Hairspray, deodorant, steam, fragrance, or cooking oil can leave an invisible film that prevents proper adhesion.
Unsealed drywall – Needs to be primed or painted before wallpapering.
Old wallpaper or glue residue – Can affect adhesion and create an uneven surface.
Cracks, flaking paint, or mold – These need to be properly repaired before installation.

We’re here to help you get the best possible result—just send over your images and we’ll let you know if anything needs attention before you start.

Pro Tip (for Bathrooms):

Peel-and-stick wallpaper is not recommended for steamy bathrooms without excellent ventilation. It works best in powder rooms or well-ventilated spaces, and should be kept away from direct water zones (like behind sinks or tubs).

“The contractor said it was fine…”
Some installers may overlook proper wall prep or downplay issues to secure the job, only to blame the wallpaper later. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Ignoring them can end up being a costly mistake.

How to prepare for the best results

Here are two proven wall prep options — whether you’re going for a flawless professional finish or a simpler DIY-friendly approach:

Option 1: The Fancy, Professional Route

Skim Coat + Sand + Prime

This is what professional wallpaper installers often recommend for the best possible result.
A skim coat is a thin layer of joint compound applied to your wall to smooth out any texture or imperfections.
Once dry, the surface is sanded to a smooth finish.
Finally, a wallpaper primer is applied to seal the surface and improve adhesion.

✅ Best for: Textured walls, luxury wallpapers, or if you want a super-smooth, long-lasting result.
❗ Note: This method takes more time and effort (or you may want to hire a pro).

Option 2: The Simple, Good-Enough Prep

Sand + Prime

Lightly sand the wall to smooth down any rough spots or texture.
Then, apply a wallpaper primer or a paint/primer combo made specifically for the type of wallpaper you want to install.
Make sure the surface is dust-free, dry, and fully cured.

✅ Best for: Painted walls that are already in decent shape, or quick DIY projects.

Is Your Wall Ready for Wallpaper?