Priming the surface improves the adhesion of wallpaper by creating a barrier that is specially formulated for this purpose, ensuring a longer-lasting installation. It also aids in the eventual removal of the wallpaper when it’s time to give the room a fresh look.
It’s vital to understand, however, that primers aren’t all alike, and that you will be setting yourself up for failure if you select a primer that is unsuitable for your particular application. The primer you use must be designed for the type of surface that the wallpaper will be installed upon.
One of the most important considerations is whether you’re working with a porous or non-porous surface. Most walls used for wallpaper installation are porous—that is, the surface contains tiny pores that can absorb liquid and gas. Varieties of porous walls include drywall, plaster,and latex painted walls. When wallpapering on these types of surfaces, you should select a primer that indicates its suitability for porous walls (such as ROMAN’s PRO-999 Rx-35 Sealer/Primer).
By contrast, non-porous walls are completely smooth and cannot absorb liquid or gas. Examples of non-porous surfaces include glass, plastic, and sealed wood. These walls present a trickier surface for secure wallpaper adhesion, and for that reason, a special type of primer is needed. You should purchase primer that has been formulated for non-porous surfaces (such as (such as ROMAN’s PRO-935 R-35).
These are not the only considerations that you should keep in mind when selecting primer for wallpaper. The particular type of surface you’re dealing with—drywall, tile, etc.—may require a specialized primer. Fortunately, ROMAN Products has primers for nearly any kind of surface.
To help you find the best primer for wallpaper, ROMAN has put together a brief infographic that will explain the differences between our products. If you’re wondering what type of primer to use on drywall, on glass, or on wood paneling, this infographic has the answers to these questions and more.
