Wallpaper is back in vogue – and it’s much easier to hang than you think! The secret behind a beautiful wallpapering project is proper prep. Just follow these tips from the wallcovering experts at Zinsser:

A clean wall is the first essential step. Remove dirt, grime, grease, old wallpaper adhesive and any other contaminants that could interfere with the adhesion with a simple soap and water solution. If the old wallpaper adhesive gives you a hard time, try using a wallpaper removal product, like DIF(R) Fast-Acting. Available in a ready-to-use spray – it dissolves the glue quickly, making wall cleaning easy. Here’s a tip from the pros: Wallpaper does not hide chipping paint or holes in the surface of the wall. Make sure to sand chipping paint and repair holes before hanging your wallpaper.

Be sure to apply a primer. Wallpaper needs a smooth, sealed surface to look its best, so be sure to prime and seal your surface before hanging paper. A primer designed for wallcovering prep, like Shieldz(R) Universal, primes, hides, seals and sizes in just one coat, creating a perfect surface for hanging the paper. Priming also makes wallpaper easier to position, improves its adhesion, and makes it easier to remove at redecorating time. Plus, Shieldz protects against the growth of mold and mildew under the wallpaper, so it’s great for use in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and other high humidity areas.

Choose the correct adhesive. Different types of wallpaper can require different adhesives. Zinsser’s SureGrip(R) Universal Wallcovering Adhesive is the one adhesive that is great for hanging any wallpaper on any surface. Hanging pre-pasted wallpaper? SureGrip Spray-On Paste Activator takes the mess out of hanging pre-pasted wallpaper by eliminating the need for a water tray.

For more “tips” on making wallpaper hanging easy or more helpful home improvement tips, visit www.zinsser.com. – Courtesy of MS.