Help required with new wall coverings

[Downaski]

Hi everyone!

Can someone share some tips for new wall coverings on existing services? Also, what’s the best way to prep the walls to make sure the new covering lasts?

[FatimaandAhmed]

Hi Downaski!

Getting the walls ready is actually the most important part of the job, just like cleaning your face before putting on makeup.

First, grab some soap and water and clean those walls really well. You'd be surprised how dirty they can get over time! Look closely at your walls and find any holes or cracks - even the tiny ones. Fill these up with wall filler (it's like putty) and once it's dry, rub it smooth with sandpaper. This might make a bit of a mess, but don't worry - that's normal. Before you put anything new on the walls, you might need to use something called primer. Think of primer like glue - it helps your new paint or wallpaper stick better to the wall. This is really important if your walls are shiny or dark, or if you've just fixed lots of holes.

When you're ready to put up your new wallpaper or paint, take it slow - there's no rush! If you're using wallpaper, start near a window and work your way to the door. If you're painting, it's better to do two thin coats instead of one thick one. It's just like painting in a coloring book - stay inside the lines and be patient.

[Downaski]

Great tips! When it comes to choosing wall fillers and primers, are there specific brands or types you recommend?

[FatimaandAhmed]

For wall fillers, you'll want to choose based on what you're fixing. For those everyday small holes and cracks, a ready-mixed lightweight filler is your friend - it's easy to use and dries fairly quickly. It's like spreading soft butter! But if you've got deeper holes (maybe from old anchors or where you've removed fixtures), look for a "deep hole" filler that won't shrink as it dries. The powder ones you mix yourself are great for bigger jobs - they're cheaper and you can mix just what you need, though they take a bit more work to prepare.

When it comes to primers, it's really about what's already on your walls. If you're dealing with old, painted walls, a good water-based primer-sealer is perfect - it sticks well to most surfaces and dries quickly. For those tricky surfaces like glossy paint or walls with stains, you'll want what's called a "problem surface primer" - it's like giving your walls a fresh start. These might cost a bit more, but they're worth every penny because they help prevent problems later.

If you're not sure what to get, take a photo of your wall and show it to someone at your local hardware store - they usually know their stuff and can point you to the right products for your specific situation.

[Downaski]

Thanks for the tips!