Why Use a More Expensive Wallpaper Primer vs a Less Expensive One?

A wallcovering primer is the foundation of a great installation. Using a quality wallpaper primer instead of a cheaper universal primer can prevent hanging issues and allow for a faster, easier installation process. We explain the differences between primer types and how quality wallpaper primers can protect your walls, improve adhesion, and make future removal more easy.
Expensive vs Less Expensive Wallpaper Primer

What Is Wallpaper Primer and Why Do You Need It?

Types of Wallpaper Primers

There are three common types of primers. Each one has unique properties, benefits, and drawbacks:

  • Oil-based primers: These primers adhere to most surfaces and are excellent at blocking stains like pen, marker, and water spots. However, oil-based primers are often high in VOCs and dry to a finish that is difficult for wallpaper to adhere to. ROMAN does not recommend attempting to hang wallpaper over oil-primed walls.
  • Latex-based primers: Also referred to as water-based, these primers are ideal for preparing walls for new wallpaper. These primers are often low or zero VOC and come in a variety of formulations designed for different surface conditions.
  • Pigmented shellac primers:  Like oil-based primers, pigmented shellac will bond to virtually any surface and is excellent for sealing stains. However, like oil-based coatings, it can be difficult to hang wallpaper over.

Reasons to Use a More Expensive Wallpaper Primer

Reasons to Use an Expensive Wallpaper Primer

Not all surfaces need a wallpaper primer. So, sometimes, people prefer to skip this product because it can add cost to a project. However, when your wall needs a primer, it is best to choose a premium option. It can provide better durability and their higher quality makes the process a lot easier and faster.

These are the benefits of using a more expensive wallcovering primer versus a less expensive one:

  • Better seal: The best advantage you get from a more expensive wallpaper primer is its sealing power. A good wall primer for wallpaper will seal the wall and even out the surface porosity. This helps create a surface that will absorb paste evenly, reduce the risk of bubbling, and improve adhesion.
  • Better durability: Cheaper universal primers may do the job, but they won’t provide  the strength and longevity of a premium wallcovering primer. Quality pre-wallcovering primers like PRO-977 Ultra Prime dry to a hard durable finish that protects the wall during installation. When it’s time to redecorate, your wallpaper can be stripped more easily and with less damage to the drywall.
  • Smooth installation process: Premium wallpaper primers are formulated to improve “slip,” allowing wallpaper to slide across the wall surface for easier positioning.
  • Mold and mildew resistance: One of the reasons cheaper primers are not recommended is because many lack resistance to mold and mildew. Mold can start accumulating in your primer, reducing its barrier properties. On the other hand, ROMAN  primers contain biocides to help resist the growth of mold and mildew in-can and on the primer film.
  • Pain-free removal: Strippable adhesives make the removal process a lot easier and faster. However, more expensive primers can make the process even faster. Quality primers are formulated to improve adhesion for installation but still allow wallpaper to peel away cleanly during removal.
  • Higher quality: Another reason to pick a more expensive primer is the overall quality it offers. Because these primers use better materials, they can provide all the benefits you see on this list. They might be more expensive, but they are the superior options for wallcovering hanging.

Now that you know why more expensive primers are better than the cheaper options, you can choose wisely for your project. Remember that primers might not always be necessary. However, when they are, they need to be up to the task.

Consider Your Surface

Overall, when choosing the right primer for your project, you need to consider the surface and its overall condition. ROMAN makes a variety of different wallpaper primers suited to all different types of wall surfaces.

How to Prep Walls for Wallpaper

Prepping Your Wall for Wallpaper

Now that you have the right primer for your project, you can prepare the walls and get them ready for the wallpaper. It is not the easiest process, but you can do it quickly and efficiently with the right primer.

If you don’t know how to prep for wallpaper, don’t worry. We are here to help you.

These are the steps you need to follow with wall prep for wallpaper:

  1. Remove all the obstructions from the wall. These include outlet covers, lights, wall plates, and more.
  2. It is time to sand the bumps and fill all gaps in the wall. You can easily rub your hands against the wall to determine how much sanding and filling you’ll need. Remember that dips, bumps, and other imperfections may show through the face of your wallpaper. If possible, fill the gaps with a spackle or some drywall compound and sand down any small bumps or imperfections.
  3. Once you’ve smoothed the walls, you need to remove grease and other substances so that the primer can do its job. This process can easily be done with a damp cloth and a lot of patience. Do it carefully and thoroughly, as the efficiency of your primer will depend on it. 
  4. Now it is time to use your wallpaper primer. Pick up your brush and dip it in the primer so that you can start cutting in the corners of the walls.
  5. Once you’ve done the corners, you need to apply the primer to the other surfaces on your wall. You can use a roller for this process, but remember to use even coats when applying the primer. It is important not to leave any gaps when applying the primer, or the wallpaper won’t adhere correctly.
  6. Let the primer dry. If you use a premium primer, you’ll need to wait about three to four hours before starting to hang the wallpaper. However, if you use a cheaper option, you might need to wait 12 to 24 hours or longer until it fully cures.

Find the Right Wallpaper Primer for Your Needs with ROMAN Products

Are you looking for the best primer for wallpaper? We’ve got you covered. At ROMAN Products, we are proud to provide only the highest-quality wallpaper primers on the market. Our primers have the ideal durability, high quality, and mold resistance to make wallpaper installation easier and faster.

If you want to know more about our high-quality wallpaper primers and other products, look through our website or contact us at 708-891-0770!