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.
Before You Install: Check Your Rolls
Order the full quantity of wallpaper needed for your project in one go. This ensures every roll comes from the same production run and avoids the color and shade variation that can occur between separate print runs.
Before installation begins, every roll should be checked against the others to confirm they match. This is the installer's responsibility and should happen before any cutting or hanging takes place.
Once wallpaper has been installed, it is considered checked, accepted, and approved by the installer and the customer. Sckribbles is not responsible for the cost of removal or reinstallation if rolls with a visible mismatch or fault were installed without being checked first.
If you notice any concern with a roll, color, or finish before installation, stop and contact us at hello@sckribbles.com before proceeding.
Are Your Walls Ready?
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, primed, or plastered)
- 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.
- Fresh or unprimed drywall. Drywall must be primed (not just painted) and fully cured before wallpapering. Wallpaper applied directly to bare or fresh drywall will not adhere properly and may damage the surface on removal.
- 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.
- 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.
Wallpaper Installers
"The contractor said it was fine…"
Some installers may overlook proper wall prep, skip checking that rolls match, or downplay issues to secure the job, only to raise concerns afterward or blame the wallpaper. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and confirm wall readiness and roll consistency before installation begins.
Installation of the wallpaper is taken as confirmation that the wall and the rolls were checked and found acceptable. Skipping these checks can result in a costly mistake that is not covered by Sckribbles.
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: Full Preparation – Skim Coat + Sand + Prime
A skim coat is a thin layer of joint compound applied to smooth out texture or imperfections. Once dry, the surface is sanded to a smooth finish, then sealed with a wallpaper-specific primer. This is the professional standard for luxury wallpaper installations.
Best for: Textured walls, luxury wallpapers, and projects where a flawless, long-lasting finish is the priority.
Note: This method requires more time and skill. We recommend hiring a professional installer for best results.
Option 2: Standard Preparation – Sand + Prime
Lightly sand the wall to smooth down rough spots or texture, then apply a wallpaper primer. Ensure the surface is dust-free, dry, and fully cured before hanging.
Best for: Painted walls in good condition, or straightforward residential projects where a high-quality finish is still expected.
We Want This to Go Beautifully
Most installations go perfectly, and a little preparation is usually all it takes. If you're ever unsure about your wall, your rolls, or anything in between, send us a photo before you start. We'd always rather help you get it right than see you run into trouble. After all, we want your wallpaper to look as beautiful on your wall as it did in your imagination.