Posted on: August 29, 2013 by admin

Image Source: Small Notebook

One of the primary reasons why certain people avoid wallpaper is because of the nightmarish removal process (see here) they believe they will have to endure years into the future.

Everyone seems to have horror stories when it comes to removing old wallpaper, be it for themselves or someone else.

Typically, this process involves you not only ripping down the wallpaper, piece by piece, but ripping down entire sections of your wall that you will have to plaster back together when you're finished (click here to see how). 

Fortunately, it does not have to be difficult

job if the correct installation steps are taken in the beginning.

Any experienced paperhanger will gladly explain to you that if the walls are properly prepped to begin with, then subsequent removal of the wallcoverings being hung up will be a piece of cake.

The secret to properly prepping walls is using shellac. If you coat the walls with a shellac-based primer then not only will your wallpaper easily glide onto your walls but later it will peel right off, without much effort.

Historically, shellac was made from the resin of a lac bug (hence the name) found in Thailand, however, most shellac primers are now synthetically produced to cut down on its manufacturing costs. 

There are several types of wallpaper primers on the market but we recommend shellac because it possesses great insulation properties and seals out moisture.

It creates good smooth barrier between the wallpaper and the actual wall. This means that the paste on the back of the paper will not soak into and bond with the actual wall itself.

Prepping your walls with shellac will add at least 20-30 minutes to the job, depending on how big the room is, but you will find that it's well worth the additional time. The outside of your walls will be as smooth as glass allowing your wallpaper to glide right over it, and later down the road, the stripes of paper will peel right off with the tug of your hand.

You can usually find shellac-based primers at any home improvement store including Home Depot, Lowe's or Sherwin-Williams. If you are hiring a wallpaper installer to hang your paper then we suggest you ask him to use shellac as well.

Let’s be honest—wallpaper can be a nightmare if you skip proper prep. Ever seen those gorgeous Pinterest fails where wallpaper peels, bubbles, or shows stains underneath? Yeah, that’s what happens when you don’t prime correctly. But here’s the good news: shellac primer is the unsung hero of wallpaper projects. It’s not just another step—it’s your insurance policy against costly mistakes.

Wall Prep: The Make-or-Break Step Most People Rush

Before you even crack open that can of shellac, your walls need some serious TLC. Think of it like painting a car—you wouldn’t slap on a fresh coat over rust and dents, right? Same logic applies here.

1. Scrub Like You Mean It

Grease, dust, and old adhesive are the enemies of good adhesion. Skip the quick wipe-down and go full deep-clean mode:

• Mix warm water with a degreaser (TSP substitute works great) and scrub every inch.

• Rinse with clean water—residue = bad news.

• Let walls dry completely. Trapped moisture = peeling wallpaper later.

2. Patch Like a Perfectionist

• Cracks and holes? Fill them with a flexible spackle (not the cheap stuff that shrinks).

• Sand smooth with 120-grit paper—no bumps allowed.

• Wipe away dust with a tack cloth. Leftover grit = lumpy wallpaper.

3. Sand Glossy Surfaces (Yes, Really)

That shiny paint might look nice, but it’s basically Teflon for wallpaper paste. Lightly sand with 220-grit to rough it up—just enough to dull the shine.

Shellac Primer: Why It’s the Gold Standard

Most primers are like bandaids—they kinda work, but not for tough jobs. Shellac? It’s the surgical-grade solution. Here’s why:

✅ Stain-Proof Magic – Smoke, water marks, crayon art from the previous owners? Shellac locks it in so stains never bleed through. 
✅ Moisture Warrior – Humid bathroom? Steamy kitchen? Shellac won’t let moisture wreck your wallpaper. 
✅ Universal Grip – Works on plaster, drywall, even knotty wood paneling. No more guessing if your primer will stick. 
✅ Future-Proof Removal – Shellac creates a protective layer so when you (or the next homeowner) peel off the wallpaper, the wall stays intact.

Applying Shellac: Pro Tips They Don’t Tell You

1. Ventilation is Non-Negotiable

Shellac smells like strong alcohol (because it is alcohol-based). Open windows, run fans, and for small spaces, wear a respirator—not just a flimsy dust mask.

2. Work Fast, But Don’t Rush

• Shellac dries in minutes, so cut in edges first, then roll quickly.

• Overlap strokes slightly to avoid streaks.

• If you miss a spot, wait for the first coat to dry before touching up—don’t try to fix wet shellac (it gets gummy).

3. The “Tape Test” for Dryness

Wait at least an hour (longer in humidity), then press masking tape to the wall. If it peels cleanly, you’re good. If it lifts shellac, wait longer.

Biggest Shellac Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

❌ Skipping Repairs – Shellac isn’t spackle. Fix flaws first. 
❌ Thick Coats – Thin is better. Too much = sticky mess and slow drying. 
❌ Wallpapering Too Soon – Impatience causes bubbles. Wait overnight if you can.

Is Shellac Worth the Extra Effort?

Absolutely. Think about it:

• Spend 2 extra hours prepping → wallpaper lasts years without issues.

• Skip prep → risk peeling, stains, and a redo that costs 10x more time/money.

For high-impact walls (accent walls, bathrooms, kitchens), shellac isn’t just smart—it’s essential. And for rentals or homes you plan to sell? It’s a selling point ("Wallpaper? Oh, it’s professionally prepped—easy to change later!").

Ready to Nail Your Next Wallpaper Project?

For more no-BS tips and real-life tutorials, check out WallpaperUpdate.com—where we give you the real tricks contractors use (without the markup).

Bottom line: Shellac isn’t just another step. It’s the difference between a wallpaper job that lasts months and one that lasts decades. Don’t gamble—prime right.