To avoid such surprises, we have listed how you can best prepare your wall for the new mural.
- Remove all remnants of old wallpaper without leaving any residue, because uneven substrates are not conducive to a ‘crease-free’ mural hanging experience. A spiked roller is best suited for this. Note that lukewarm water with added dishwashing detergent is useful for softening residue. Spray on the liquid to loosen particularly stubborn wallpaper residue. Layers of paint can be removed with a heat gun
- Use a spatula or electric scraper to remove wall and ceiling lining. Small tip: if covering an entire room, always start from the ceiling
- A sander will help even out visible irregularities. Holes and small cracks should be filled with putty. A smooth surface makes mural hanging noticeably easier. So any impurities, such as dust and dirt, should also be removed immediately. This is best done with a broom or a coarse brush.
- If you find dry, crumbling wall behind the old wallpaper, a base coat is recommended. However, be sure to make sure that it is compatible with the subsequent mural adhesive. A good base coat can help make the wall more absorbent and thus improve the later adhesion of the mural. To facilitate the mural hanging process for non-woven and paper murals, there are water-soluble special base coats available with which to cover your walls in advance.
Good preparation is therefore key to successful mural hanging. And if you put the work in, not only will you become a master, you may even find real pleasure in this somewhat time-consuming task.
