Preparing a wall for graphics
Self-adhesive graphics stick to whatever is on the surface of the wall, including dust, soft paint and damp. Most failures trace back here, and they cost far less to fix before the graphic goes up.
Work back from fitting day.
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| As early as you can | Find out what the wall is and what paint is on it. Look for damp and cracks. |
| A few weeks before | Fill, sand and paint. Ask the paint maker how long it needs to cure, as it may take weeks, not days. |
| A week before | Do a test patch with a piece of the actual material, or a sample. |
| The day before | Clean the wall, then leave it to dry fully. Turn the heating on if the room is cold. |
| On the day | Wipe away dust, clear the area and check that the wall is dry. |
Your wall, by type.
| Surface | Verdict | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Smooth, sound silk or eggshell paint | Usually good | Clean and test |
| Matt emulsion | Varies | Chalky paints can release; test it first |
| Wipeable or stain-resistant paint | Be careful | Some repel adhesives; check with a test patch |
| Fresh paint | Wait | Solvents still leaving the paint can cause bubbles and lifting |
| New plaster | Wait | It must dry and be sealed and painted |
| Textured or woodchip | Poor | Skim it smooth, or use a board or a different product |
| Brick, block, bare concrete | Poor | Ask about boards or a specialist material |
| Wallpaper | Poor | Strip it; adhesive pulls at the paper |
Four quick tests.
- The tape test. Press a strip of masking tape on the wall and pull it off quickly. If paint comes with it, so will your graphic.
- The palm test. Rub your hand across the wall. If it comes away dusty or chalky, the adhesive will not reach the paint.
- The torch test. Hold a torch flat against the wall in a dark room. Every bump and filler patch shows up, and most will show through thin film as well.
- The sample test. Stick on a sample in a hidden place and leave it for a couple of days. Check the corners for lifting. Then peel it off and see what it does to the paint.
Damp is a different problem.
Do not try to cover it. If a wall feels cold and wet, shows staining or smells musty, find the cause and get it dealt with by someone qualified. Graphics on damp walls lift and can trap moisture. For rooms that are humid by nature, read materials for damp rooms.
Cleaning properly.
Use mild detergent or sugar soap, rinse with clean water and wipe dry. Soap left behind is as bad as grease. Avoid household sprays with silicone or polish, since they leave a film that adhesive cannot grip. Sanding dust is the classic last-minute mistake, so vacuum and wipe the wall after any repair.
Once the wall is ready, go on to installing wall graphics. If the surface is doubtful, our note on smooth walls explains why it matters so much. Tell us the paint type and the age of the wall when you ask for a price.
Surfaces carrying print.
Your questions.
Do I need to prime a wall before a graphic?
A wall needs a sound painted finish, and new plaster should be sealed and painted first. Follow the paint maker's system.
Which paint is best under a graphic?
A smooth, durable paint with a slight sheen often works well, but products differ. A test patch is more reliable than a general rule.
Can graphics go on tiles?
Clean, flat tiles may take a graphic, although the grout lines will show. Tell us the size of the tiles and we can suggest an approach.