Choose a primer for wallpaper. Priming the walls for wallpaper before gluing is an auxiliary, but very important material. Types of primers used for wallpaper: which one to choose

Primer for walls under wallpaper is available in retail, and they themselves make it quite often. But many are wondering if it is necessary to prime the walls before wallpapering, and if so, then how to prime the walls before wallpapering.
This topic will be the focus of our article. You will be able to see photos and videos on this topic and do the job correctly.

Before you decide whether you need to prime the wall before wallpapering, let's figure out why you need to prime the walls before wallpapering. After that, you can decide whether it is necessary to prime the walls before wallpapering in your case.

If you are not sure that you can correctly assess what kind of work is required in your case, you can invite the master. He will draw up a work plan, outline them and complete them in a short time.

Whether it is necessary to prime the walls before wallpapering is probably always decided by the room itself. If this is a millet utility room and almost no one is there, then it is quite possible to think why the walls should be primed before wallpapering.
But this is far from correct. After all, the wall is part of the frame of the house and the fungus can then expand throughout the structure.
So:

The primed wall is made even and dry, the primer increases the reliability of the adhesion of the adhesive to the surface. A good primer ensures that the bottom layer remains intact and does not crack, in addition, it will not allow moisture to soak into the walls.
The primer applied to the wall allows it to "breathe", thereby creating a good microclimate, and preventing the fungus from spreading. Do not think that the wallpaper will stick well on the wall without a primer, this is a huge misconception.
Wall primer strengthens the outside of the wall and penetrates the inside. It simply fills the cracks and pores of the surface. It enhances the bonding of surfaces and prolongs the life of the wallpaper (see Wall decoration with wallpaper in the correct design). This is one of the main parameters why a primer is made for wallpaper.

Training

Now we will figure out how to properly prime the walls before wallpapering. Like any job, this one requires preparation. From this will be in many respects the envy of longevity.
So let's take a look at how to prime the walls for wallpaper:

Wall priming is carried out after all the initial stages of work, including the removal of nails and old plaster.
The primer is applied after applying the putty, which has had time to dry.
The primer for walls under wallpaper begins with the fact that the wall is moistened with a special impregnation. This is necessary in order to wash off the dirt and dust that remains after a rough surface treatment, because wallpaper cannot be glued to a dirty wall.
Everyone knows that newspapers were first glued to the wall and wallpaper was already on them, but now the primer has forever replaced printed materials.
After the primer dries, the wall does not get dirty and becomes stronger than before. Thus, the wallpaper lays flat on the wall and holds firmly and for a very long time.
If you got a wall that was previously covered with wallpaper, you need to remove them and wash off the glue. This is done with a metal spatula or scraper and water.

Attention: If the wallpaper does not absorb moisture well and does not lag behind the wall well, then cuts should be made on the wallpaper for better moisture penetration. These days, stores sell a special liquid that quickly removes wallpaper.
This liquid is added to a bucket of water, and wet the wall, leaving it soaked for half an hour. After half an hour, wet the wall again and easily remove the old wallpaper from the wall.

When the wallpaper is removed, it is necessary to properly wash the wall with warm water and clean the surface of the wall with a wide spatula from glue and whitewash.
Often in rooms with high humidity, such as a kitchen or bathroom, mold collects in the corners. This mold must be removed so that it does not appear on the newly repaired wall.
Places where mold has settled should be treated with bleach. As a rule, 200 grams of lime are required per liter of water. It should be noted that when pasting places where there was mold, glue must be bought with a fungicide content.
After removing old wallpaper, glue and mold, it is necessary to meticulously inspect the surface of the walls. Found cracks and irregularities must be puttied. If your apartment is not warm enough, you can make it warmer with a thin layer of Styrofoam. This method will not only make the apartment warmer, but also hide wall defects.
Before you prime the ceiling, you need to get rid of the hook, holes and cracks properly by filling them. If the ceiling consists of drywall, gypsum or other porous surface, then it must be primed in any case.

Primer work

Now we decide how to prime the walls before wallpapering. There are many materials in retail.
Some do it just with pva glue. The walls are also primed before wallpapering with the glue that will be used when gluing the material itself, for this it is simply made more liquid.

Dilution of the primer

Therefore, it is up to you to decide how to prime the walls under the wallpaper. Just before that, the instructions for using the primer should be carefully studied, it can simply be for different surfaces. Although all of it is applied and completely with your own hands.
So:

The primer composition is best diluted in a bucket. The primer is different and before diluting it, you need to read the instructions that are written on the package.
Stir the mixture well so that there are no lumps left. To stir the solution, you can use a drill with a mixer nozzle, in this case a very good composition is obtained. Manually, this quality of the composition is difficult to achieve.
The primer is applied with a wide brush. This is very similar to whitewashing the ceiling (see Ceiling lining: types of material). Having spread an even layer of the composition on the wall, avoiding irregularities and untreated areas.
After you have primed the wall for the first time, you need to give it time to dry. Drying time is usually written on the package. Even if by your standards the surface of the wall after the first primer looks perfect, you still need a second coat of primer.
A lot depends on the quality of the wall on which the primer is applied, which can be impregnated differently on the same wall. When re-priming, the quality will be excellent and there will be no differences. On a completely flat wall, you can work with a paint roller, it is much more convenient and smoother than working with a brush.

Soil types

Before deciding how to prime walls for wallpaper, let's just look at a couple of types of mixtures most commonly used for priming a surface.

acrylic primer

This type of primer is able to work with putty, plaster and concrete. Acrylic primer always does its job.

Attention: If the wall surface is poorly treated, then a "deep penetration" primer will work just fine, but a regular primer does its job well too.

So:

The primer for wallpaper should be of good quality, and in order to avoid trouble, you should buy a primer from well-known companies. You should not look at the inscription "for wallpaper", as this is nothing more than a marketing ploy.
In the store you can still find a substance called “wallpaper primer”, which is actually just diluted PVA glue. But you need to know that this composition is several times more expensive than the PVA glue itself.

Attention: Before buying an acrylic primer, be careful and see what would be written on the package that the primer consists of a mixture of acrylic polymers, and not PVA glue.

Acrylic primer per square meter will need 100-200 milliliters. This may depend on how porous the wall is.
The primer is applied with a paint roller, but if there are hard-to-reach places, then for this it is worth working with a wide brush. The primer should dry for about three hours, after which you can start wallpapering.

Primed walls with wallpaper paste

Many are familiar with the option of priming the walls directly with wallpaper glue. Only with this option you should not rush. You need to know that not just any glue, but only a few brands of wallpaper glue is suitable for priming walls before wallpapering.
So:

If the adhesive is intended for priming walls, then this must be written on the package.
On the same package, it should be written how to dilute the glue in order to use it as a primer. If you did not see such an inscription, then this glue is intended only for wallpapering. Maybe this option is suitable in some cases, but still it cannot be compared with an acrylic primer, because working with it is much easier and more pleasant.

Thus, we can safely say that you should not save on a primer for your home and you should not “reinvent the wheel”, because acrylic putty has already been invented and will make your home better. Although it is up to you to decide whether it is up to you to prime the walls before wallpapering.

In order for the wallpaper to look spectacular, to hold securely on the wall, two conditions are necessary - this is the maximum smoothness of the surface and its high adhesion with the finishing material. Therefore, before embarking on wallpapering, it is imperative to carry out preparatory work, which usually includes five stages: choosing a material, cleaning walls from old coatings, treating surfaces with special antiseptic compounds, then repairing identified defects, bringing them to perfect evenness with putty and primer .

Wall primer for wallpaper is made on the basis of different materials. Therefore, in order not to be mistaken with the choice of composition, you need to familiarize yourself with their characteristics in advance.

What is a primer?

A primer or, as this composition is sometimes called, a primer, in fact, is an auxiliary material, but it is he who ensures the success of finishing work, including

The composition is a homogeneous liquid or thick suspension, odorless. It can be transparent or have one or another shade (most often milky), produced in finished form or requiring dilution with water in a concentrated form. After absorption and drying, the composition forms a transparent film on the surface. The composition of the primer may include organic resins and adhesives, film-forming components made on different bases - silicate, acrylic, silicone, latex and other copolymers. In addition, the solution is usually supplemented with various additives and fillers that increase the efficiency of the material and simplify working with it. There is also a primer in the form of a dry powder.

Typically, primers are packaged in plastic buckets or bottles. On the packaging, the manufacturer must place information about the following parameters:

proportions and method of diluting the composition;
solution consumption per 1 sq. m.;
method of applying the material to the surface;
the drying time of the applied solution;
warranty period of validity;
date of manufacture.

The primer must have the following properties:

Great penetration depth into the treated surface.
The ability to increase the adhesion of materials.
Strengthening properties of the surface structure of the material.
Antiseptic qualities - the ability to make the surface resistant to the appearance and development of various forms of microflora - fungus, mold, etc.
A fairly short period of complete absorption and drying.

When choosing a primer composition, it is necessary to take into account the conditions of use that affect the effectiveness of processing:

Surface material to be treated - plaster, drywall, wood, brick or concrete, etc.
Humidity of the room where the primer will be applied;
Type of decorative finish, under which the surface of the wall is treated with a primer - liquid or ordinary wallpaper;
The density of the wallpaper selected for the sticker.

Why is a primer needed?

Due to its specific properties, the primer solution is able to bring the surface of the walls in order and create a reliable basis for applying the adhesive composition:

Deep penetration of the primer into the structural structure of the wall material contributes to the filling of micropores and cracks, holds together dust residues, thereby strengthening the surface.
Antiseptic additives disinfect the wall material and make it resistant to biologically aggressive environments.

You can't stick wallpaper on such walls! The surface must be “treated” and protected from further development of microflora with an antiseptic primer

The primer provides excellent adhesion of wallpaper adhesive to the wall and finishing material, preventing peeling of wallpaper sheets at corners and joints.
The film formed on the surface does not allow wallpaper paste to be actively absorbed into it, which significantly reduces its consumption.
The primer significantly evens out the tone of the wall, which is very important when gluing light wallpapers.
The solution is able to mask small flaws on surfaces and make them smooth, which simplifies and speeds up wallpapering.
After coating with a primer, the surfaces remain "breathable", that is, capable of passing vapors - this is extremely important for creating a favorable microclimate in the apartment.

The main types of primers

All existing primers can be divided into three categories - by solubility, by the material on the basis of which they are made, and also by purpose.

According to the type of solubility of the primer, they are divided into:

Primers based on organic solvents, made on the basis of alkyd resins (glyphthalic), polyurethane and latex.
Water-soluble primers, deep penetration. These include acrylic, latex, silicate and silicone formulations.
Mineral materials produced on the basis of lime, gypsum and cement.

Type of primer	The purpose of the material to be applied to the surface	Drying time (hour)
Alkyd	Metal, concrete, reinforced concrete and wooden surfaces	10 ÷ 14
Acrylic	Plaster, wood, chipboard, fiberboard, brick.	2 ÷ 4
Polyurethane	Absorbent and non-absorbent, including heavily dusty	24
Silicone	Concrete, plaster, lime-sand	4 ÷ 5
Latex	Plaster, drywall, brick, wood, concrete and aerated concrete, as well as other porous surfaces.	1 ÷ 2
silicate	Lime, concrete, mineral, etc. Do not apply on gypsum-containing substrates.	24
Mineral	Plaster, concrete, brick.	24

High-quality wall preparation will be ensured if all materials for it are made by one manufacturer. They, having good compatibility with each other, will give an excellent end result.

Classification according to the purpose of primer mixtures:

universal water-based;
specialized - anti-corrosion and antibacterial;
deep penetration - up to 10÷15 mm;
antifungal;
insulating;
concrete contact.

To cover the walls for pasting them with wallpaper, the following primers are most often used, sold in finished form or requiring dilution:

universal;
latex;
acrylic;
alkyd;
wallpaper adhesives.

The choice of primer composition by consistency

The primer can also be divided into covering or deep, that is, according to its property to remain on the surface of the wall, creating a film and leveling flaws, or to penetrate deep into the structure and strengthen it. Therefore, it is worth figuring out which primer is better to choose in terms of consistency - how it will work will directly depend on this property.

Primers are produced in the form of a liquid transparent and thick white solution. Each of them has a specific purpose, its own advantages and disadvantages.

Deep penetration liquid mortars are designed to strengthen the outer layer of the wall and bind dust. Some of these primers contain special substances that can quench alkalis.

The positive qualities of liquid primers include their affordable price and the ability to penetrate into the wall structure 25% deeper than thick primers can.

The negative qualities of such a solution are their transparency, possible heterogeneity of application, since it is difficult to apply layers without overlap. As a result, the surface will have glossy and matte areas, which means that they will differ somewhat in adhesiveness.

Thick primers that are white in color are not only designed to strengthen the surface of the wall and bind dust - they are able to close small flaws in the wall, creating a smooth surface. Some of these primers also contain antiseptic and alkali quenching additives.

The positive properties of thick primers include their ability to fill the micropores of the surface with the formation of a white substrate for decorative finishing. In addition, the composition can even out the heterogeneity of the porous surface, bringing it to perfect smoothness.

The negative aspects in the use of a thick primer can only be attributed to its significantly lower penetrating ability compared to a liquid primer.

From the foregoing, we can conclude that, no matter what composition the primer is bought, it is better to choose its thick version, since it creates ideal conditions for gluing wallpaper.

Experienced craftsmen most often use both options - the first layer is applied with a deep penetration liquid primer, and the second with a thick one that brings the surface to the ideal.

How do different types of primers work?

To make the right choice, you need to know how different types of primers work when applied to the surface of the walls.

This type of primer is made using polymer binders based on styrene-acrylate dispersion. Acrylic primer is well suited for preparing interior surfaces for finishing work. The material does not give sharp unpleasant odors, dries quickly enough and is suitable for application under any type of wallpaper.

At the same time, such a primer facilitates work and gives the walls the qualities necessary for further finishing:

The hygroscopicity of the surface is reduced.
The appearance of new cracks is prevented.
Increases the life of the decorative coating.
The film formed by the soil is able to protect the surface from mechanical damage (this is especially important for drywall), and also make it resistant to temperature extremes.
Significantly reduced adhesive consumption.

The concentrated composition is very easily diluted with water without loss of its qualities.

Acrylic primer, depending on its physical qualities, can be divided into five types:

With the effect of deep penetration into the structure of the wall - it is usually used for "weak" and porous surfaces.
Adhesive, enhancing the adhesion of the decorative material to the base.

A universal composition used for any type of surface and giving it high moisture resistance. Used for interior work.
An impregnating primer capable of leveling loose surfaces or smoothing out small flaws on them.
A special solution designed for a specific type of material.

Acrylic primer is usually applied in one to two coats, depending on the condition of the surface, using a paint roller. Hard-to-reach places, such as corners and areas around radiators, are processed with a soft brush with artificial bristles.

The surface dries out two to four hours after applying the composition, after which it will be possible to proceed to pasting the walls with wallpaper.

The advantage of this type of soil can be called its versatility, as it is suitable for processing surfaces of any quality, even dilapidated.

If the wallpaper is planned to be glued on a wall lined with drywall, the primer is applied twice - before covering it with putty and already on the puttied surface. This method of pre-preparation of the wall will not allow for the future removal of wallpaper, when it is time to replace them, to remove them together with the GKL cardboard layer, thereby keeping the surface unharmed.

From a wall treated with an acrylic primer, old wallpapers will easily come off after being treated with warm water or a special agent, without damaging the putty layer.

Consumption of acrylic primer may vary - it depends on the component composition, wall construction material, surface quality, their porosity, etc. The average consumption is from 150 to 250 grams per square meter.

Latex is a natural ingredient derived from the sap of the rubber tree. It has such qualities necessary for finishing materials as water resistance, elasticity, strength, good resistance to stretching and compression.

Natural material is quite expensive, and today a synthetic substance is used in building materials that has the properties of natural latex. It is also used in the production of latex primers. This type of primer is most often an opaque liquid substance, which, when dried, creates a thin film on the wall surface, which ensures good adhesion of the wall with decorative materials.

The latex primer lays evenly on the surface and dries quickly, but has a lower adhesive power compared to the acrylic material. The primer is used to strengthen loose and collapsing wall surfaces - drywall or old plaster, and helps to improve their waterproofing qualities.

Latex primer is an excellent solution for loose surfaces

The latex primer adheres well to wood and fibreboard, all types of concrete and natural stone, and is excellent for wet areas, as it creates conditions for damp resistance of surfaces.

Tury Acrylic Latex Prices

Tury latex acrylic

The average consumption of this material is 350÷500 grams per square meter.

Alkyd primer

The alkyd type of primer has the properties of a paint, forming a film on surfaces of various types. Such a composition fits perfectly on wooden and concrete surfaces, filling the pores of the upper layer of the material structure. This prevents the wood from swelling and moisture from penetrating the concrete walls.

Alkyd primers make surfaces moisture resistant and resistant to mold or mildew colonies. Often this type of material is used as a base for a second latex or acrylic primer coat or for acrylic-based paint.

Alkyd compounds do not have the qualities of deep penetration into wall materials, but they perfectly prepare surfaces for further processing. They are often used to cover reinforced concrete structures - making them more susceptible to finishing decorative materials. In addition, the primer perfectly blocks rust from metal inclusions that may be in concrete slabs. Rust can eventually show up through pasted wallpaper and ruin the entire look of the decorative finish.

It will not be possible to fix plastered, gypsum or plastered primers with alkyd primers, so this must be foreseen when purchasing this material.

Alkyd primers are produced in metal and plastic packages, ready for use. The material is applied in one or two layers with a roller and brush, the layer thickness can be 1÷2 mm.

If necessary, dilute the thickened primer, xylene or white spirit is used.

The consumption of alkyd primer is 100÷150 grams per square meter. Complete drying of this material usually occurs 24 hours after its application at a temperature of at least 20 degrees.

It should be noted that this material has a very affordable price compared to other primers. It is possible to use such primer under wallpaper only as a last resort, and it is better to use primers made on other bases, which will strengthen the surface of the walls and create higher adhesive qualities of the surface.

Universal primer

This type of primer is suitable for strengthening all types of surfaces, including shabby and crumbling. The universal primer is based on acrylic copolymers with the addition of resins that enhance the quality of the material. This primer is diluted with water and has the property of deep penetration into the structure of the processed materials, making them moisture resistant and adhesive with any finishing materials.

The best choice - primers of universal action

The universal primer is suitable for treating walls both outside and inside the room, increasing their resistance to various types of influences and increasing the life of the decorative coating.

Such a primer is well applied to foam and aerated concrete walls, plasterboard sheets, reinforced concrete structures and other surfaces.

This composition is also applied in one or two layers, and its consumption is minimal and amounts to only 100 ÷ 120 grams per square meter of area.

Priming with wallpaper paste

Some masters believe that before wallpapering, it is enough to treat the wall with casein-based wallpaper glue. Of course, you can use it, but such a treatment, which does not have the properties of a primer, will not be able to solve the problems of strengthening the surface, increasing its moisture resistance, acquiring antiseptic qualities and smoothing out small flaws.

Priming with glue does not require special skills - it is enough to dilute the adhesive composition correctly, according to the instructions, wait until it is infused, and then apply it to the surface of the walls with a roller. In order for the wallpaper to hold well, you need to wait about a day, and only then proceed to sticking decorative paintings.

Other wallpaper adhesives can be used to cover the walls. In some of them, the instructions even provide recommendations for observing the proportions when mixing it with water for exactly priming surfaces.

If you decide to use this particular option to prepare the walls, then when choosing an adhesive, you should pay attention to the instructions for use. It should indicate that the composition can be used as a primer. If there is no such clarification, then it is better to abandon this idea, since such processing can adversely affect the decorative material. In this case, compositions on a different basis should be considered.

The average consumption of wallpaper glue for priming walls will be 70 ÷ 100 grams per square meter.

PVA glue as a primer

PVA is a universal adhesive, and it is used for many needs, including for construction work. It has been used as a primer since Soviet times, since then it was simply impossible to find a real primer on sale. The adhesive is a dense white emulsion produced on a polyvinyl acetate basis, it is non-toxic and has no unpleasant odor.

When making a primer for wallpaper from it, chalk, gypsum, drying oil or alabaster are often added to the composition - these components are designed to increase the strength of the primer and help fill and compare porous surfaces.

Making a primer from PVA glue can be called an economical way, but this composition has one serious drawback that can seriously spoil the appearance of the decorative coating. The fact is that over time it tends to change color from white to yellow. This yellowness can appear through light thin wallpaper with spots, and then you will have to completely change the entire finish.

PVA glue is diluted with water in proportions of 1: 2 to the consistency of liquid kefir. This process must be carried out in a warm room and with active stirring.

It is necessary to prepare the primer in small portions, otherwise it quickly loses its adhesive qualities. After the development of the finished primer, the next portion is made.

Many are attracted to the use of PVA as a primer due to its affordable price, ease of manufacture of the composition and environmental friendliness of the material. But if high-quality expensive wallpapers are used for decoration, then it is better not to risk it and use professional primer solutions.

Prices for different types of primer

Primer

How to properly prepare the walls for wallpaper

Before applying the primer, it is necessary to carry out preparatory work with the walls. So, if there are still old wallpapers on the walls, you need to start by removing them.

Removing old wallpaper

There are several ways to remove the old wallpaper from the wall:

With the help of a spatula, with which dry wallpaper is hooked and torn off in small pieces. This method is the most unfortunate, since the work will take too long, and along with the paper, part of the plaster or putty applied to the wall may separate.

Removing wallpaper "dry" - a long and tedious task

The second option is to wet all pasted surfaces with very warm water several times. In this case, the wallpaper will move away from the wall and be removed from it much easier. But it will take at least one day for a really good soaking of all surfaces in the room with water.

The third option is to expose the finishing material to hot, moist air. For this, an iron with a steam function or a special tool that builders use is quite suitable.

However, due to one repair, probably no one will spend money on such a device, so some companies offer services to perform such work. Their implementation today costs about 35 to 60 rubles per square meter. The price depends on the level of complexity of removing the old coating.

The fourth, most optimal option is to purchase a special wallpaper remover.

Today, several companies offer such products. The method and proportions of dilution of the composition can be found on the packaging, and such a bottle will be enough for a large room.

Usually, the solution is diluted in a bucket, then it is poured into a spray bottle and all walls are sprayed from which it is necessary to remove the old decorative coating. The time that must be waited after finishing the application of the composition is also indicated in the instructions.

After this period, you can proceed to the removal of wallpaper. To do this, you will also need a spatula, but not to scrape dried paper from the wall, but simply to pick up the corner of each of the canvases. Wallpaper will be easily separated from the surface in one piece.

First coat of primer

After removing the old decorative material, flaws will definitely be found under it that need to be eliminated. If the recesses and cracks are large, they may need to be expanded and repaired with putty, and with a wide spread of defects throughout the wall, it will have to be plastered completely. However, before applying repair compounds either to the identified defects or to the entire wall, they must be treated with a deep penetration primer.

The work is carried out with the help of a roller, which is dipped into the primer, poured into a special bath. The solution is carefully applied to the surface, starting from the bottom of the wall and gradually rising up to the ceiling. Using this technique, you can significantly save on the primer, since if you start applying from the ceiling, then most of the liquid collected by the roller will be on the floor.

Tidying up wall surfaces

After the surface is primed and dried, all cracks, “sinks” and recesses are sealed with a spatula. If necessary, plastering of the entire surface is carried out.

Leveling the wall with plaster

Sometimes too large surface defects do not allow you to limit yourself to minor repairs or applying a thin layer of putty. How to do it correctly - in a separate publication of our portal.

If only a minor repair of individual sections of the wall is sufficient, and you can do without plastering the entire surface, they proceed to puttying work. The main task is to make the surface under the wallpaper sticker as even and smooth as possible.

Prices for mixtures for leveling walls and ceilings

Mixtures for leveling walls and ceilings

Priming prepared surfaces before wallpapering

When the puttied smooth walls are well dried, they proceed to priming them for gluing a decorative coating.
For work, a roller with a long handle and with a “fur coat” made of velor, short pile or foam rubber, as well as a tray-tray into which the primer composition will be poured, is again prepared.
If it is necessary to dilute the solution to the desired consistency, this is done in a plastic bucket, from which it is convenient to pour it in portions into the tray, approximately 0.5 ÷ 0.7 liters each.

A roller is dipped into the liquid, then on the corrugated surface of the bath it is necessary to squeeze out the excess from the roller in order to prevent unjustified loss of material. Then you can proceed to applying the composition to the walls. As mentioned above, the process is carried out from the bottom up.
Thus, large planes of walls are processed.
Next, a brush is taken, preferably with artificial soft bristles, and all hard-to-reach places are processed with it - corners, the area under windows, near pipes and radiators.
It is very important to cover the entire plane with a primer, without missing individual sections, otherwise the wallpaper will move away from the wall in these places.
If necessary, the surfaces are covered with another layer of primer solution, after the first has completely dried.
After finishing the priming work, the walls must be well dried at room temperature for a day. In the characteristics of some primers, the time for their drying is determined at 2 ÷ 4 hours, but nevertheless, in order to avoid unforeseen problems with the finishing material, it is recommended to postpone wallpapering for 24 hours.
After this time, the masters advise to conduct another test, which will help to obtain a high-quality and durable decorative coating. Wallpaper should be glued to a well-dried wall surface. To find out the degree of their drying, a piece of dense plastic film is taken, approximately 100 × 100 or 150 × 150 mm in size, and tightly glued to the wall using pieces of masking tape. A hermetically sealed space should form under the film, and the film remains in this position until the morning. If in the morning it turns out to be dry inside, you can safely proceed to wallpapering. If condensation has formed under the film, then you should wait some more time and allow the walls to dry completely.

So, the process of applying a primer is quite simple. The main thing is to make the right choice of materials, and, relying on the developed technologies, to carry out all the preparatory work. Only in this case, the primer will be effective, and the wallpaper will ideally lie on the surface of the walls and will not peel off over time.

Video: tips on choosing and applying a primer for wallpaper

Primer under wallpaper is one of the most important elements of repair. Many masters ignore the need for priming the walls, going directly to the finish. However, in practice, neglecting this stage adversely affects the result and the life of the wallpaper.

Why prime the walls - let's trust the experience of the pros

If a primer will be used for liquid wallpaper, which includes quartz dust, then before using it, it is worth pre-leveling the walls with an acrylic composition. So you insure against roughness and gaps, and the material on the prepared surface will lie more evenly. To summarize, it can be noted that liquid wallpaper also needs a primer. Moreover, in order to apply this type of finish, it is worth monitoring the color and consistency of the impregnation. Otherwise, you may spoil the appearance of the surface.

Why not everyone uses impregnation - let's weigh the pros and cons

Ignoring the need to apply soil, in the first place, is due to the reluctance to spend money. Plus, most manufacturers of adhesives guarantee high-quality adhesion of wallpaper to their products. In fact, the use of a primer is not always considered a necessary measure.

Firstly, you can not use impregnation when performing temporary home repairs, or when the wallpaper itself was not originally designed for long service life. Secondly, the primer can be omitted when you want to stick light paper wallpaper. At the same time, the primer significantly increases the adhesion of materials. As a result of its use, the finish will be fixed faster and more reliably on the base. Impregnation easily and quickly penetrates even the smallest pores of the wall, thereby preparing a perfectly flat surface for applying glue.

Priming the walls before wallpapering is necessary to improve adhesion, that is, good adhesion of the surface to the canvas. Otherwise, the wallpaper will soon fall behind the walls. A primer for walls for wallpaper is presented in specialized stores in a fairly wide range, so you should approach the choice of material responsibly, based on the characteristics of a particular room. For surface treatment before wallpapering, you can use both universal compositions and highly specialized products.

At the moment, the opinion that it is not necessary before wallpapering is erroneous. Real masters confidently assert that surface treatment with a special composition cleans and strengthens it, making it resistant to pollution. As a result, the surface pasted over with wallpaper looks better - smoother and more accurate, and the work itself is easier and simpler. Moreover, applying a primer is a simple job that even a beginner can handle with their own hands. So, why do you need to prime the walls before pasting?

To clean the treated area from building dust;
Blockage of small cracks and pores in the walls, which facilitates the work of pasting them with wallpaper with your own hands;
Significant reduction in the consumption of the adhesive composition;
The adhesion of the adhesive to the surface is improved;
Some types of primers contain additives that help protect against moisture, preventing mold and mildew from developing;
Plastered surfaces do not crumble after applying the primer;
The walls under the primer "breathe", which provides an optimal indoor climate.

It is the treatment of the walls with a primer before each stage of repair work that ultimately guarantees their high quality. Priming is a simple process and does not require the call of professional craftsmen. Even an inexperienced person is able to apply a special composition to the walls with his own hands before gluing the wallpaper. Another question is which primer to choose for specific purposes?

Glyptal primer is used for metal and wood. Its drying time is twenty-four hours.
Acrylic primer, most often white, is considered a universal tool for treating surfaces from a wide variety of materials. However, it cannot be used for metal walls. Such mixtures dry quickly - up to five hours and are completely odorless. After application, you can glue any kind of wallpaper.

The primer under the wallpaper can be both liquid and dry. Liquid mixtures are a ready-made version of the cultivating soil, but they are far from always better than dry ones. The latter must be diluted with water before use. This method, used before wallpapering, will save money, since dry mixes have a lower cost compared to ready-to-use ones.

When buying a primer, one should take into account such an important indicator as material consumption. Here, the initial state of the surface and its total area are taken into account, because in some cases, walls will have to be processed more than once before wallpapering.

How to prepare the walls for applying a primer?

Only after careful preparation of the surfaces, you can proceed to the final stage of their repair - priming and wallpapering. For this you need:

Completely remove existing paint, lime or wallpaper.
Remove all protruding nails, screws, protrusions, etc.
If necessary, you need to putty individual areas, perform plastering by calling the master or doing the work yourself.

With your own hands, walls for wallpapering can be treated with diluted PVA glue. This will significantly save money on the purchase of expensive funds.
Before pasting plastered surfaces, it is better to apply a deep penetration primer on them. You can also find highly specialized compositions for chalky coatings on sale.
Before priming walls with fungus or mold, they are treated to prevent the development of pathogens. These products disinfect and provide further surface protection.

Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying the second primer coat. The time for this is selected depending on the type of primer, which can be read in the instructions. Wallpaper can be glued only after the second layer has completely dried.

Thus, choosing a primer and treating surfaces with it with your own hands will not be difficult even for an inexperienced person in the repair business. It will become much easier to glue wallpaper, and the quality of finishing work will remain at the highest level, no matter what composition is chosen.

Before wallpapering, it is advisable to prepare the surface. The application of special compounds promotes high-quality adhesion of materials and increases the period of operation of the coating. If you do not know which primer to choose for wallpaper, you should study in detail the characteristics and technology of applying the mixture.

The need to use primers

Primer for walls under wallpaper is available in loose or liquid form. It is pre-applied before finishing. It is necessary to prime the surface for a number of reasons:

the possibility of creating a monochromatic coating;
isolation of dust particles under the composition layer;
the ability to envelop the pores - the primer allows you to get a perfectly smooth wall, without cracks and chips;
increasing the reliability of the setting of the finish;
ensuring the quality of fixation and adhesion of wallpaper;
increasing the resistance of materials to wear, moisture and fungal environment;
glue savings - it lays down in an even layer, since the wall becomes less porous.

Advice! If there is mold on the wall, then after applying the primer with antibacterial properties, it will disappear.

Soil selection criteria

Ground slurry is one of the main materials in professional and home construction. To understand which mixture is better to purchase, you need to clearly establish the purpose of its use.

Material penetration rate

Standard compositions go into the surface layer by 2-3 mm. The deep penetration primer is distinguished by the ability to hit 5-10 mm, which is important for porous materials.

On a note! Concentrated saturated mixtures penetrate 2-3 cm, which allows you to create an even coating.

Release form

You can choose a high-quality primer for wallpaper in the following consistency:

liquid. The composition is homogeneous, applied immediately after opening the container, dries quickly;
dry. The powder mixture is diluted with water according to the instructions.

Important! The proportions of materials can be found on the packaging.

Consumption

In order to qualitatively prime walls with an area of 1 m 2, you will need in medium proportions:

acrylic composition - from 50 to 100 ml;
alkyd primer - from 100 to 150 ml;
mixtures with a deep level of penetration - 100-150 ml;
glue with a priming effect - 100-150 ml;
specialized emulsion for liquid or non-woven wallpaper - about 200 ml.

On a note! The denser the material, the greater the consumption of impregnation.

Color

The transparent primer does not change the shade of the wall surface. Covering pigmented primer under the wallpaper allows you to get a pure white color.

Read also: Insulation of frame houses: mandatory and additional requirements for insulation

Composition type

The use of various components for a specific type of finish explains the presence of several varieties of impregnations.

Acrylic emulsions

A versatile and popular mortar for brick, plywood, wood or concrete walls. Acrylic primer is not suitable for ferrous metal structures. Its benefits include:

quick drying period - in 6 hours;
no pungent odor;
ease of dissolution in water;
reducing glue consumption.

Important! Acrylic protects the finish from mechanical damage.

Alkyd materials

Alkyd primer suitable for metal surfaces, woodworking, chipboard and fiberboard anti-rot, compatible with glass. It removes rust, eliminates the likelihood of corrosion. Drying speed - from 10 to 15 hours.

Advice! Under wallpapering, it is worth taking a primer, which includes chromates.

latex primer

If you care about the environmental friendliness of your home, stop at latex materials. The suspension is produced on the basis of rubber juice, so it:

increases elasticity, elasticity and resistance of wall-paper to compression;
prevents access of moisture to the surface;
suitable for loose and loose walls.

This type of primer is an expensive material, and the quality of the coupling with decorative finishes is worse than that of acrylic.

Glyptal impregnation

Such a primer is suitable for metal, plastic walls reserved for gluing any wallpaper. The high strength and resistance of the mixture to corrosion makes it look like enamel. The composition dries completely in 8-12 hours.

Mineral primers

Suitable for surface treatment of walls made of concrete, expanded clay concrete, bricks and gas blocks. The basis of the primer layer is cement, lime or gypsum, which can crumble if improperly diluted with water. The drying time of the material is 3-14 hours.

Perchlorovinyl mortar

If the repair is started in winter or late autumn, this primer of the walls under the wallpaper is justified. The composition allows you to prepare brick and concrete for finishing in a short time, it has good adhesion and antiseptic characteristics.

Advice! The soil is toxic, so wear a mask when working.

Phenolic Blend

Provides resistance to wood decay, and metal - to corrosion. Dries completely in 12 hours.

Universal primer

The white emulsion is suitable for painted, plasterboard substrates, masking stained areas and evens out the tint of the coating.

Properties of mixtures

If you need a specialized primer for walls for any wallpaper, but which one to choose, there is no solution, pay attention to the characteristics:

insulation. Resins, oils, adhesive components of the soil form a waterproofing film. The finished finish does not get wet even when washed;
corrosion protection. Metal walls can be treated with a phosphating, passivating, tread mixture. They create a film or fill the pores with zinc dust;
mold resistance. This material serves to bond the surface and improve the quality of adhesion. It removes fungi or even eliminates them;

Important! Non-contact solutions are not suitable for use before wallpapering.

How to use primers for different types of surfaces?

Which primer is best for walls under wallpaper depends on the base material. Before buying, pay attention to the type of mixtures.

Read also: Mounting foam: types, advantages and disadvantages, scope, rules of work

liquid finish

In terms of consistency and composition, liquid wallpaper is similar to decorative plaster, but is made on the basis of cellulose or silk fibers.

A high-quality wall treatment will be provided by a white primer for liquid wallpaper or an absolutely transparent suspension. The material is applied in 3-5 layers - so spots will not appear.

Quartz primers require leveling with acrylic primer. This is necessary to reduce the risk of tears or roughness, smooth laying of the material.

Advice! Control the color and consistency of the impregnation to make the finish look beautiful.

Emulsions for non-woven wallpaper

A special primer for non-woven wallpaper will help to qualitatively prepare the base:

acrylic. Surface leveling is carried out with a composition diluted with water. It is applied with a brush or roller. The product has no smell, so you can not protect the respiratory system;
alkyd. A pigmented primer for white wallpaper is the best option for a perfect finish. Brown or gray slurry may show spots;
latex. Due to the ability to envelop the pores, the emulsion provides crack closure, which reduces the amount of glue and improves the quality of adhesion of materials;
special glue for non-woven wallpaper. The product must be diluted with water, adding it twice as much as usual. Glue is added, stirring continuously. The solution is infused for 10 minutes, then mixed again and evenly applied with a roller.

The workflow begins with the preparation of the wall surface, then the soil is prepared, applied with the first layer, and after drying - with the second.

Priming impregnations for the material

The thick wood from which the walls are made can absorb moisture, warp or rot. Thin rails with poor-quality fasteners are deformed when exposed to water. Before wallpapering, the surface is treated with an antiseptic, then an alkyd primer for wood should be used, applied in 2-3 layers. Upon completion of drying, the base is painted and finished.

Plastered surfaces, walls made of brick, concrete, foam blocks are coated with mineral and silicate impregnations.