Wall Preparation Instructions – READ SECOND
For the best possible results when installing our wallpaper or wall decals, proper wall preparation is CRUCIAL. This ensures a long-lasting, flawless finish. Follow these steps carefully to achieve the perfect adhesion.
WALL PREP - STEP 1: Sand the Walls
Before applying our wallpaper or wall decals, you must lightly sand the walls with 240-grit or finer sandpaper. This removes any texture and ensures the surface is smooth. The smoother the surface, the better the adhesion. This step is critical for ensuring the best contact between the wallpaper or wall decals and the wall, which helps prevent peeling or bubbling.
WALL PREP - STEP 2: Apply Viponds Self-Adhesive Prep Coat
You MUST use Viponds prep coat over your paint—this is not optional! Here’s why:
Most paints, even if they appear suitable for removable wallpaper, are either washable or stain resistant or contain Teflon additives, which create a repellent surface that prevents wallpaper from adhering properly.
Vipond’s Self-Adhesive Prep Coat is specially formulated to enhance adhesion of our
removable wallpaper and wall decals to internal and external surfaces. It’s a low-VOC, water- based formula that dries quickly with minimal odour. The matte finish ensures it doesn’t alter the look of your walls, making it ideal for both wallpaper and decals.
Important:
- Viponds prep coat doesn’t replace the need for well-prepared, properly painted walls—it ensures the wallpaper sticks.
- For smaller decals, our wallpaper and decals may adhere to washable paints, but we do not guarantee it. For wallpaper and large arch decals, always use prep coat, regardless of the type of paint.
How Much Prep Coat Do You Need?
1L of prep coat covers 14–16 square metres (sqm). To calculate the area of your walls, use this formula:
Width (in metres) × Height (in metres) = sqm
Example:
- Wall dimensions: 3m width × 2.5m height = 7.5sqm.
- For two coats, you’ll need 15sqm of prep coat, which requires 1L of product.
Most standard walls will require more than 1 litre of Viponds Self-Adhesive Prep Coat—typically around 2-3 litres. To ensure smooth progress and complete coverage, it’s a good idea to purchase a little extra. More prep is desirable over not enough.
It’s your responsibility to ensure you order enough prep coat based on your measurements. We are not liable for under-ordering and therefore the wallpaper not adhering.
How to Apply the Prep Coat:
1. Prepare the Wall
- Scrape off any loose or flaking paint.
- Fill any holes, sand smooth, and dust off the surface.
2. Sand the Wall
- Lightly sand with 240-grit or finer sandpaper to remove texture and ensure a
smooth surface.
3. Apply the Prep Coat
- Use a 4mm nap mohair or synthetic roller to apply the first coat of Viponds prep
coat evenly over the entire wall.
- Be sure to cut in around edges, corners, window and door frames, and skirting
boards. For decals, don’t just paint where the decal/s will go—paint the entire
wall corner to corner.
- Wait for at least 2 hours for the first coat to dry, then apply a second coat.
4. Dry and Cure
- Let the prep coat cure for at least 24 hours or until the prep coat is completely
dry before installing wallpaper or decals.
- After 24 hours or when the wall is completely dry, wipe the wall with a lint-free damp cloth, then a dry cloth to ensure the surface is clean and ready.
Tips and Additional Information:
- Plasterboard/Gyprock Walls: These need to be at the very least primed and undercoated before applying the prep coat.
- Painted Walls: For washable paints, our decals may adhere, but we make no guarantees. Prep coat is essential for wallpaper and larger decals.
Important Considerations for Renters:
Renters also need to ensure their walls are properly prepared, as they may not have
control over wall conditions or paint type. Always check with the landlord or consult a
professional before applying our products.
Key Takeaways:
- Prep is essential for proper wallpaper adhesion. Use Vipond’s Self-Adhesive Prep
Coat—it’s non-negotiable!
- Always measure carefully and order the correct amount of wallpaper and prep coat.
- Viponds prep coat is the best practice, even if you think you’re paint is suitable. Proper prep ensures long-lasting, flawless results, and it’s the best way to guarantee your
wallpaper or decals will adhere perfectly.
Condition of Sale:
It is a condition of sale that customers agree to purchase and apply Viponds Prep Coat as per Vipond's instructions prior to the installation of our wallpaper and wall decals.
If any issues are encountered after installation, we will require evidence that the walls were properly prepared with Vipond's Prep Coat beforehand. Failure to follow this requirement may result in the inability to provide support or warranty for the product.
Proper wall preparation ensures the best possible outcome and longevity for your wallpaper and decals.
Purchase Viponds Prep Coat here: