Wallpapering a room can be an excellent way to add personality and style to your home. However, it can be a daunting task, especially if you’re new to it. One of the essential steps in wallpapering is priming the walls. A wallpaper primer is a coating applied to the wall before wallpapering. It helps to prepare the surface, ensuring that the wallpaper adheres correctly.
A high-quality wallpaper primer can help to prevent wallpaper from peeling or bubbling. It also helps to cover up any imperfections on the wall, such as small cracks or holes. When choosing a wallpaper primer, you should pay attention to factors such as the type of wall you’re working with, the texture of the wall, and the type of wallpaper you’re using.
After researching and testing various wallpaper primers, we have identified the best wallpaper primers on the market. These primers are easy to apply, dry quickly, and provide a smooth and even surface for wallpapering. By using one of our recommended wallpaper primers, you can ensure that your wallpaper will look great and last for years to come.
Best Wallpaper Primers
If you’re planning on redecorating your home with new wallpaper, it’s important to invest in a good quality primer to ensure the best results. A high-quality wallpaper primer not only helps the wallpaper adhere better to the walls, but it also helps to smooth out any imperfections and create a flawless finish. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best wallpaper primers on the market to help you achieve a professional-looking finish for your walls.
ROMAN R-35 Adhesion Promoting Tacky Wallpaper Primer
If you’re looking for a reliable primer for difficult surfaces, then ROMAN R-35 Adhesion Promoting Tacky Wallpaper Primer is a great choice.
Pros
- Enhances adhesion of wallcovering or paint
- Can be tinted with up to 4 oz. Colorant per gallon
- Repairs torn drywall
Cons
- Slight residual tackiness after drying
- A bit expensive compared to other options
- Some users reported difficulty in applying it evenly
ROMAN R-35 Adhesion Promoting Tacky Wallpaper Primer is an excellent product that can help you prepare difficult surfaces like glass, ceramic tile, mirrors, wood paneling, and marble for wallcovering or paint. The primer enhances adhesion and can be tinted with up to 4 oz. Colorant per gallon. It also repairs torn drywall, making it a versatile product.
One downside of this primer is that it dries with a slight residual tackiness, which some users may find undesirable. Additionally, it’s a bit expensive compared to other options on the market. Some users also reported difficulty in applying it evenly, which may require some practice.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable primer for difficult surfaces, ROMAN R-35 Adhesion Promoting Tacky Wallpaper Primer is definitely worth considering.
Rust-Oleum 2104 Shieldz Wall Size Primer
If you’re looking for a reliable primer for your wallpapering project, Rust-Oleum 2104 Shieldz Wall Size Primer is a great choice. It prepares all painted or glossy surfaces for wallpaper or borders, adheres to vinyl, paneling, and other hard-to-stick-to surfaces, and makes positioning easier while promoting excellent adhesion.
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Dries clear
- Can be tinted to dark colors for use behind dark wall coverings
Cons
- Can make wallpaper hard to remove later
- Expensive compared to the coverage amount
- One quart only covers about 1/4 of a normal size room
Rust-Oleum 2104 Shieldz Wall Size Primer is a liquid primer that is perfect for preparing surfaces for hanging all wall coverings. It is an acrylic wall covering primer and sizing that dries clear and can be tinted to dark colors for use behind dark wall coverings. The primer is easy to apply and makes positioning easier while promoting excellent adhesion.
The primer adheres to vinyl, paneling, and other hard-to-stick-to surfaces, making it a versatile option for any wallpapering project. It is also easy to work with and dries clear, ensuring that your wallpaper or border will look great once it’s in place.
However, it’s worth noting that the primer can make wallpaper hard to remove later, so it’s important to consider this before using it. Additionally, the price is expensive compared to the coverage amount, and one quart only covers about 1/4 of a normal size room.
Overall, Rust-Oleum 2104 Shieldz Wall Size Primer is a reliable and effective primer that is perfect for your wallpapering project.
Zinsser Shieldz Universal White Wallcovering Primer
If you want to ensure that your wallpaper stays in place and looks great for years to come, Zinsser Shieldz Universal White Wallcovering Primer is a must-have.
Pros
- Primes, hides, seals & sizes in 1 step
- Excellent adhesion to all paintable surfaces
- Hiding power covers colors & patterns
Cons
- Can be a bit messy to apply
- May require multiple coats for best results
- Strong odor during application
Zinsser Shieldz Universal White Wallcovering Primer is a versatile product that primes, hides, seals, and sizes all in one step, making it a great choice for anyone looking to wallpaper their home. It has excellent adhesion to all paintable surfaces, ensuring that your wallpaper stays in place for years to come. Additionally, its hiding power covers colors and patterns, making it easier to achieve a seamless finish.
However, there are a few downsides to consider. The primer can be a bit messy to apply, and it may require multiple coats for best results. Additionally, the product has a strong odor during application, so make sure to use it in a well-ventilated area.
Overall, if you want to ensure that your wallpaper stays in place and looks great, Zinsser Shieldz Universal White Wallcovering Primer is an excellent choice.
ROMAN Products ECO-988 White Pigmented Wallpaper Primer
If you’re looking for a versatile, eco-friendly primer for your new construction or wallcovering project, ROMAN Products ECO-988 White Pigmented Wallpaper Primer is a great option.
Pros
- Versatile pigmented primer for bare drywall and sound painted surfaces
- Easy installation and removal with improved slip and strippability
- Eco-friendly with zero VOCs and CDPH CA 01350 compliant
Cons
- Some users reported that it didn’t adhere well to heavily textured surfaces
- The price point may be higher than other options on the market
- The primer may require multiple coats for optimal coverage on certain surfaces
In my experience, ROMAN Products ECO-988 White Pigmented Wallpaper Primer applied easily with a paint roller or brush and dried to a durable, white finish. I appreciated that it was eco-friendly and easy to clean up with water. The primer also improved slip for easier pattern matching and positioning, which was helpful during installation.
However, some users have reported that the primer didn’t adhere well to heavily textured surfaces, so it may not be the best option for those types of projects. Additionally, the price point may be higher than other options on the market, and some surfaces may require multiple coats for optimal coverage.
Overall, if you’re looking for an eco-friendly primer that’s versatile and easy to work with, ROMAN Products ECO-988 White Pigmented Wallpaper Primer is definitely worth considering.
ROMAN Products 10305 PRO-977 Ultra Prime Pigmented Wallpaper Primer
If you’re looking for a versatile and durable wallpaper primer, ROMAN Products 10305 PRO-977 Ultra Prime Pigmented Wallpaper Primer might be right for you. This primer promotes strippability and enhances slip for easier pattern matching, making it an excellent choice for preparing and priming walls for wallpaper or latex paint.
Pros
- The primer is very easy to use with no spatter and low odor, plus enhanced slip for easier pattern matching on any wall.
- Extremely versatile and excellent for bare drywall or existing painted walls. The wallpaper primer has superior hiding power drying white or it can be tinted with up to 4oz of colorant.
- Durable and specifically formulated to withstand double-cutting, giving you a professional look and saving time.
Cons
- The primer is not suitable for outdoor usage.
- The product might have a strong smell, which could be unpleasant for some users.
- The primer can be a bit expensive compared to other wallpaper primers.
ROMAN Products 10305 PRO-977 Ultra Prime Pigmented Wallpaper Primer is a high-quality product that can cover approximately 2,000 square feet per five-gallon pail. The primer is specifically formulated to withstand double-cutting, giving you a professional look and saving time. It is also easy to use, with no spatter and low odor, plus enhanced slip for easier pattern matching on any wall.
One of the best things about this wallpaper primer is its versatility. It is excellent for bare drywall or existing painted walls, and it has superior hiding power drying white or can be tinted with up to 4oz of colorant. This means that you can use this primer for various projects, whether you’re preparing your walls for wallpaper or latex paint.
However, the primer is not suitable for outdoor usage, so keep that in mind when planning your project. Additionally, the product might have a strong smell, which could be unpleasant for some users. Finally, the primer can be a bit expensive compared to other wallpaper primers.
Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile and durable wallpaper primer that can help you achieve professional results, ROMAN Products 10305 PRO-977 Ultra Prime Pigmented Wallpaper Primer is an excellent choice.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best wallpaper primer, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Surface Type
Consider the surface you’ll be applying the wallpaper primer to. Some primers are specifically designed for certain surfaces, such as drywall or plaster. Make sure to choose a primer that is compatible with the surface you’ll be working on.
Coverage
Make sure to choose a primer that provides adequate coverage. This can depend on the type of wallpaper you’ll be using and the condition of the surface you’ll be applying it to. Look for a primer that provides good coverage without being too thick or heavy.
Drying Time
Consider the drying time of the primer you choose. Some primers dry quickly, while others take longer to dry. If you’re working on a project with a tight deadline, you may want to choose a primer that dries quickly to save time.
VOC Content
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that can be released into the air during the application and drying of paint and other products. Look for a primer with low VOC content to reduce the impact on indoor air quality.
Ease of Application
Choose a primer that is easy to apply and work with. Look for a primer that spreads easily and doesn’t leave streaks or bubbles. Consider the tools you’ll be using to apply the primer, such as brushes or rollers, and make sure the primer is compatible with those tools.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best wallpaper primer for your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between wallpaper primer and paint primer?
Wallpaper primer is specifically designed to prepare walls for wallpaper application, while paint primer is used to prepare walls for painting. Wallpaper primer is usually thicker and has a higher adhesive content to ensure that the wallpaper adheres well to the wall. Paint primer, on the other hand, is thinner and is designed to help paint adhere to the wall.
When should I apply Zinsser primer before wallpaper?
Zinsser primer should be applied after the wall has been cleaned and any existing wallpaper has been removed. It is important to wait until the wall is completely dry before applying the primer. This will ensure that the primer adheres well to the wall and that it dries properly.
How long should I wait after priming before wallpapering?
The amount of time you should wait after priming before wallpapering depends on the type of primer you are using. Most primers require 24 hours to dry completely. However, some primers may require more or less time to dry. It is important to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and follow them closely.
Is wallpaper primer necessary for a successful installation?
Yes, wallpaper primer is necessary for a successful installation. Wallpaper primer helps the wallpaper adhere to the wall and prevents it from peeling or falling off. It also helps to smooth out any imperfections on the wall, ensuring a smooth and even surface for the wallpaper.
What are the benefits of using wallpaper primer sealer?
Wallpaper primer sealer helps to seal the wall, preventing moisture from penetrating the wallpaper and causing it to peel or fall off. It also helps to prevent the growth of mold and mildew on the wall, which can damage the wallpaper and affect the air quality in the room.
Which primer is recommended for wallpapering?
Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer is a popular choice for wallpapering. It is a high-quality primer that is easy to apply and dries quickly. It also helps to smooth out any imperfections on the wall, ensuring a smooth and even surface for the wallpaper. However, there are many other good primers on the market, so it is important to choose one that is specifically designed for wallpapering and that meets your specific needs.