Shoreline walls and what they usually need
Much of Shoreline was built in the 1950s through the 1970s, and many homes have been updated since. That means walls with a history: old wallpaper under paint, patched holes from decades of shelves and pictures, and different paint sheens layered over each other. Newer townhomes near the light rail stations usually have painted drywall, sometimes with orange peel texture.
Common conditions and fixes
| Condition | Typical preparation |
|---|---|
| Wallpaper under paint | Removal, adhesive wash-off, repair |
| Glossy or semi-gloss paint | Cleaning, light sanding, wallcovering primer |
| Orange peel or knockdown texture | Skim coat for thin, dark or reflective papers |
| Nail holes, anchors, dents | Patching and sanding |
| Hairline cracks | Crack repair before primer |
| Bathroom walls with stains | Check moisture, stain-blocking primer |
Why primer is not optional
A wallcovering primer controls how the paste grabs, gives time to align seams and lets the paper come off later without tearing the drywall. On bare joint compound or flat builder paint, paste soaks in unevenly. See our guide to skim coating before wallpaper for more on smoothing textured walls.
Damp seasons and drying time
Joint compound and primer dry more slowly in cool, damp months. Keeping the room heated helps the schedule. Our article on wallpaper and seasonal humidity explains what to expect.
How preparation fits the project
- Photos and description of the current walls.
- Review of the surface and the wallpaper you chose.
- Estimate listing the preparation steps.
- Removal and repairs, then primer.
- Wallpaper installation on the prepared wall.
If old paper has to come off first, see wallpaper removal.
Photos that help
A wide shot of each wall, a close-up of the surface with a flashlight held at a low angle, and close-ups of cracks, patches, seams or bubbles in the paint.
Other services in Shoreline
Questions
Do all walls need a skim coat before wallpaper?
No. Smooth walls usually need only patching and primer. A skim coat is for texture or damage that would show through the paper.
Can wallpaper go over semi-gloss paint?
After cleaning, light sanding and a wallcovering primer, yes. Paste does not bond reliably to bare glossy paint.
How long does wall preparation add?
From a few hours for patching and primer to one or two extra days for a skim coat, depending on drying conditions.