To prime or not

[bferraro]

I am wallpapering over newly painted sheetrock walls, painted with Benjamin Moore Matte paint. This is new construction. A friend, in a similar situation, papered right over the painted surface. Can I do this, or is it absolutely necessary to prime the newly painted surface.

[Dave D]

Your question can be answered simply by saying...Yes. Priming, priming with a wall covering primer made for wall covering, is essential for a successful installation. For ease of installation, longevity of the project and ease of removal you need to prime. There are several good primers on the market and easily available. Most paste and paper manufacturers make recommendations for what to use with their product... don't ignore them.

Dave

[HangingInThere]

Just in case you were looking for a second opinion I thought I'd add my two cents worth...

Dave is spot on...prime with a wallcovering primer. I would even be so bold as to suggest Ultra Prep from Roman Adhesives...it's not failed me!

Your friend who papered over a paint that was not specifically designed for wallcovering could be in a very precarious position. Perhaps the adhesive used for the wallcovering will not pull the paint from the wall, however, an improper substrate quite often shows up with seams opening. Perhaps the paint is already compromised, even though the wallcovering is not falling from the wall. I've seen first hand the nightmare of such a scenario... It was a homeowner install that cost an arm and leg to rectify!

[Chris Nelson]

Your question can be answered simply by saying...Yes. Priming, priming with a wall covering primer made for wall covering, is essential for a successful installation.


YES YES and YES!!:llama:

[bferraro]

Thank you Dave, Hanginginthere and Chris. I knew this to be true, but had to convince someone of this fact. So, on to priming.