Is it possible to glue wallpaper on gypsum plaster without putty?

Many homeowners are curious about whether they can skip the putty step and apply wallpaper straight onto gypsum plaster when finishing walls. Although this method appears to have the potential to save time and effort, is it really a good idea?

Because of its easy application and smooth finish, gypsum plaster is widely used. But it’s crucial to think about whether this surface by itself will guarantee a long-lasting and eye-catching wallpaper installation.

This post will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of applying wallpaper directly onto gypsum plaster without the need for putty and discuss whether this technique is suitable for your walls.

Aspect Details
Preparation Yes, but the plaster surface must be smooth, clean, and free of dust.
Durability Without putty, the wallpaper may not adhere as well, leading to potential peeling over time.
Appearance Directly gluing to plaster can result in visible imperfections and uneven surfaces.
Best Practice Applying a layer of putty creates a better base for wallpaper, ensuring a smoother finish.

Wallpaper on plaster without putty

Many homeowners fix things on their own. They also have to deal with inquiries that experts can handle.

There are two answers to the question of whether wallpaper can be glued to plaster without putty: yes and no.

Below is a discussion of when and how to apply wallpaper adhesive.

Is it possible or not

In essence, the building crew turns over their facilities—which are devoid of putty. Plaster walls with a coarse texture. Can wallpaper be glued onto them?

You must take into account both the level of satisfaction with the work and the quality of the plaster used in order to respond to this question. You shouldn’t glue the wallpaper down without first processing it if the plaster is made of cement. Regardless of density, large grain will cause issues with the canvas’s tight fit.

Additionally, wallpaper cannot be finalized on gypsum plaster. This is due to a few factors:

  1. The rough base absorbs moisture. The applied glue will not hold the canvas for a long time and it will soon fall off.
  2. The color of the plaster can show through the finishing material, thereby spoiling the appearance with dark spots.
  3. In most cases, cracks appear on the rough base. They have different nature, but the consequences are the same: the wallpaper either tears in these places, or peels off.

With these explanations, you are able to respond to the question in detail: no. Putty is not always necessary when adhering wallpaper to plaster, though. Additionally, after completing some preliminary work, you can do this.

When you can glue

When applying a fresh decorative coating in place of an outdated one. In other words, the surface needs to be free of outdated wallpaper. After moistening the surface, the spatula is used to carefully remove it without harming the rough base.

Without leaving any trace, old canvases are removed. If any fragments remain, they are soaked in water, allowed to sit for five to ten minutes, and then easily removed.

The room is now properly dried and ventilated. Check for fractures. Once located, they are enlarged, primed, and sealed with serpyanka tape. It won’t permit any more deviation.

It is necessary to treat any metal objects (such as screws and nails) that are visible on the surface. To ensure that there is no rust left, this is painted using ordinary paint.

Using a soft brush and a dry cloth, remove all the dust left on the cracks after the solution has dried. There is a deep penetration primer applied to the surface. It is advisable to repeat this twice.

Once the task is completed, you can start the gluing procedure.

When it is impossible

Cement mortar is frequently used to plaster the walls and ceilings of newly constructed homes (apartments, houses).

When using glue, the cement will absorb all of the moisture. There will be no wallpaper adhesion to the surface. Furthermore, gray spots will eventually develop on the decorative finish, detracting from the overall look.

Thus, a number of tasks must be completed before moving on to the main process.

  1. Clean the base. Seal holes and cracks. Clean from dust.
  2. Coat metal objects with rust protection and the entire surface with primer.
  3. After which the walls are putty.
  4. The last preparatory stage is re-priming.

Plasterboard, also known as "dry plaster," is frequently used to level cement walls. However, it also requires a number of tasks to be completed in order to get ready to glue the canvases together.

Surface requirements before gluing wallpaper

Prior to applying wallpaper, the wall needs to be in good enough condition to enable long-term and effective wallpaper installation.

  1. There should be no cracks, cracks, holes on the surface. They are reinforced, plastered.
  2. If there are metal objects that cannot be removed, they are covered with protection (regular paint) from rust.
  3. Coating with a primer is a must. This will protect the surface from moisture and provide good adhesion.
  4. In most cases, the surface is covered with putty. This protects the walls and ceiling from moisture and cracks. And the wallpaper does not develop dark spots. The coating has a long warranty period.
  5. Before gluing the wallpaper, you must select the appropriate glue. Each type of wallpaper has a designated glue.

The rough base is covered with putty mixtures prior to gluing. Primers are applied following grouting, and finishing is done last.

What happens if you glue it onto plaster without decorative putty

Affixing wallpaper to a cement foundation. This poses a risk to the following outcomes:

  • water from the glue will be absorbed into the base – the wallpaper will not last long, it will fall off;
  • when the cement absorbs water, it becomes dark gray. After that, heights appear on it – they will appear on the wallpaper. The appearance will be spoiled;
  • old plaster often has chips and cracks. If a finishing coat is applied to them, the wallpaper will tear after drying or in these places there will be a void visible on the surface.

Putty and primer are applied to the surface as a result of these factors. The finishing coat is only glued after that.

Is it worth priming

Both the surface and the finishing coat are shielded by the primer.

First of all, it provides defense against different bugs, fungi, and mold.

Second, the combination offers robust defense against moisture seeping into the rough base. Thus, the composition of the adhesive doesn’t change.

Thirdly, the mixture covers the base evenly with glue that does not flow. The primer encourages strong adherence.

You must select the mixture before using it. Numerous varieties contain antiseptics. This choice is appropriate for the initial priming, which is eliminating midges and fungus. In addition, a deep penetration primer shields the rough base from adverse impacts.

For the second priming under the trellis, use Pufas – white along with "Moment," "Knauf Tiefengrund," and "Ceresit CT 17."

It is important to carefully prime the base, making sure that no areas are left unfinished or dry. Use a brush if the roller is unable to reach.

What kind of glue to use

The longevity of the pasted wallpaper is determined by how carefully the finishing glue is chosen. Every adhesive solution is meant for a particular kind of wallpaper.

If the covering is thin, use methyl cellulose-based paper glue. PVA glue is used to attach heavy wallpaper.

Fiberglass finishing coating is bonded using a mixture designed just for this purpose. Its composition is designed to be covered in this way. Only a solvent can be used to remove this glue.

The adhesive mixture is created in a dry state. It is diluted with water and left for a specific amount of time to allow for swelling, per the instructions.

Although directly adhering wallpaper to gypsum plaster without the need for putty is feasible, it’s not always the optimal option for achieving a smooth and durable surface. Tiny flaws in the plaster surface could show through the wallpaper, and the plaster itself could absorb excessive adhesive, resulting in poor adhesion and possible peeling over time. Applying a thin layer of putty before wallpapering can ensure the best results by improving the wallpaper’s overall durability and producing a more even surface.

Which wallpaper is best to use

Can they be glued to plaster? is a question whose answer depends on the option selected. Usually, one of the following three options is selected:

  1. Paper web – quick erasure and fading. Difficult to glue, because they swell quickly. There is one advantage – their low cost. They do not glue to the plaster stand, even when using a primer. Only temporarily, before gluing a more durable coating.
  2. Non-woven fabrics – composition: cellulose and polymers. They are dense, so if the base is made of gypsum plaster, coated with a primer, then they can be glued.
  3. Vinyl – two-layer fabric. Heavy, dense trellises. Glue to surfaces covered with putty and primer.

Other varieties of canvases that are less common in the construction industry but add character to the room’s interior are as follows: Photo canvases, liquid wallpaper, 3D wallpaper, and canvases with diode components.

Every kind has different needs for the approximate foundation. Study the usage instructions, the glue base, glue, special primer, and the room humidity before attempting to fix them.

Water and cellulose are combined to create liquid wallpaper. You have to prep the surface in order to fix them. This kind of trellis does not show unevenness because it is affixed to unplastered walls.

Luminous wallpaper comes in various varieties. from the addition of diodes to the use of powdered phosphorus. All of the requirements must be met by the surface. For plastering and priming, it can be covered, but for other types, the base needs to be smooth and perfectly level.

Tips and recommendations

Inquiring as to what surface is suitable for wallpaper adhesive, the professionals advise reading the following advice and suggestions:

  1. When gluing the canvas to the plaster covered with a primer, drafts, open windows and doors are not allowed.
  2. Dry and hot air from the heater contributes to the wallpaper falling off. Therefore, during the drying of the surface, it is necessary to limit the use of heaters.
  3. Plaster has many negative aspects, so before applying the glue, you should carefully prepare the base.

If you follow these easy guidelines, wallpaper applied on plaster will last longer than typical.

It is possible to paste the rough base without puttying. For strength and duration of action, only a few preparatory steps need to be completed.

It is possible to glue wallpaper directly onto gypsum plaster, but there are some things to keep in mind. Though it offers a smooth surface, puttied walls are less porous than gypsum plaster. This may result in uneven adherence and make it more difficult to remove the wallpaper afterwards.

Before wallpapering, it’s a good idea to apply a layer of putty if you want a finish that will last. It produces a smoother surface, lessens the absorbency of the plaster, and facilitates easier wallpaper changes in the future.

Applying wallpaper adhesively to untreated gypsum plaster is an easier and faster option for some. But it’s crucial to use the appropriate adhesive and make sure the plaster is clean and completely dry. In the end, the decision is based on the intended outcome and the plastered wall’s state.

Video on the topic

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Elena Sokolova

Architect and interior designer with a deep interest in traditional and modern methods of wall finishing. On the site I share tips on choosing materials and techniques that help create a cozy and stylish space.

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