So, you’ve got wallpaper, eh? And you’re wondering, can you plaster over wallpaper? It’s a question many homeowners ponder during a renovation. You’re enticed by the idea – a shortcut to smooth walls, bypassing the tedious task of removing wallpaper. But can you really just slap plaster on and call it a day? Well, the short answer is…it’s complicated.
While it’s technically possible to apply plaster over wallpaper, most professionals, including ours, strongly advise against it. Why, you ask? It all comes down to creating a strong, lasting finish. And that’s where plastering over wallpaper often falls short.
Why Plastering Over Wallpaper Is a Bad Idea
You see, wallpaper, especially the older stuff, isn’t exactly the most ideal surface to plaster on. Here’s the lowdown:
Bonding Issues
Plaster needs a porous surface to bond correctly. Think of it like glue needing something to grip onto. Unfortunately, wallpaper often acts as a barrier, creating a scenario where you could find yourself needing to remove a wall. This lack of adhesion means your newly applied plaster might start cracking, peeling, or even detach entirely. Imagine waking up to chunks of plaster on your floor – not the dream renovation outcome, right?
Wallpaper Troubles
Old wallpaper can harbour all sorts of problems waiting to resurface. We’re talking air bubbles, loose sections, and remnants of wallpaper paste that can wreak havoc under a fresh layer of plaster. These hidden nasties can lead to an uneven finish, those dreaded air bubbles in your plaster, and ultimately a plastering job that requires more work down the line.
Moisture Problems
Wallpaper can trap moisture from the plaster, creating a breeding ground for mold and mildew. This means you’re not just risking a shoddy finish but potentially hazardous conditions too. In the short term, it might look okay, but eventually, that moisture will make its way through. This can make it difficult to determine which areas are covered properly.
Preparing Walls for Plastering
Alright, I know what you’re thinking – “But removing wallpaper is a nightmare.” And yeah, I get it. It can be a messy, time-consuming process. But trust me, removing that old wallpaper with a wallpaper steamer or by other means is a small price to pay for a smooth, long-lasting finish. This is especially true when you are plastering a wall. The last thing you want is for your newly plastered wall to be ruined because you didn’t take the time to properly remove the paper.
Can You Skim Coat Over Wallpaper?
This is where things get interesting. You’ll find conflicting advice online, some even claiming you can achieve a professional-looking finish by skimming over wallpaper. Skim coating uses a thinner coat compared to traditional plastering, mainly to smooth out existing walls, but the fundamental issues still remain. You can think of it as trying to apply plaster straight onto a non-porous surface, which is not recommended for many of the reasons we have already discussed. The results could be a bit messy and uneven.
While prepping wallpaper for skim coating might be possible, remember those bonding gremlins we talked about? Yeah, they haven’t magically disappeared. Even a thin skim coat needs something to adhere to properly. And unfortunately, prepping a wall with wallpaper still doesn’t guarantee success.
The Verdict: To Plaster or Not?
So, can you plaster over wallpaper? Technically yes, but should you? Definitely not. While the lure of a shortcut might be tempting, trust the pros on this one. Embrace the satisfaction of a job well done and a smooth, long-lasting finish by tackling that wallpaper removal head-on.
FAQs About Plastering Over Wallpaper
What Happens If You Plaster Over Wallpaper?
The results of plastering over wallpaper can be unpredictable and often undesirable. You might experience issues like poor adhesion, leading to cracks and peeling. You also risk the old wallpaper’s imperfections, such as air bubbles, affecting the plaster’s final appearance. You want to make sure you have a completely dry surface before plastering. Any moisture can ruin your plaster and lead to mould and other issues.
Is It OK to Skim Coat Over Wallpaper?
Even with skim coating, applying it over wallpaper isn’t advisable. Bonding issues and the possibility of hidden wallpaper imperfections resurfacing are real concerns, making it an unreliable method for a long-lasting finish.
Do I Need to Remove Wallpaper Before Plastering?
While you can technically apply plaster over wallpaper, it’s best to remove it. Removing wallpaper ensures the plaster adheres correctly, reducing risks of future problems like cracking and peeling. It’s a necessary step for a professional-looking, durable result. Consider it an investment in a smooth and long-lasting wall finish.
Can You Plaster Over Tiny Bits of Wallpaper?
While it might seem tempting to plaster over small patches of leftover wallpaper, remember that even small sections can compromise the plaster’s adhesion. This could result in noticeable imperfections, and the patch might deteriorate faster than the rest of the wall. It is best to make sure all paper is removed and you have a clean surface to apply your plaster. If you try to plaster over even tiny bits, it is likely to be a plaster fail.
Conclusion
So, can you plaster over wallpaper? We’ve delved into the intricacies of this common DIY question, explored the risks, and learned that a successful plastering job hinges on a solid foundation – literally. Remember, shortcuts might seem alluring but often lead to headaches down the line. Invest the time and effort to prepare your walls properly by removing wallpaper; the reward of a beautiful and long-lasting finish is well worth it.
