---
title: How do I prepare the wall and ceiling for wallpapering?
description: Proper wall and ceiling preparation is the key to a flawless wallpaper finish. Learn how to clean, prime and smooth your surfaces for the best results.
---

[Skip to content](https://support.meinewand.com/en/how-do-i-prepare-the-wall-and-ceiling-for-wallpapering#main-content)

- [English](https://support.meinewand.com/en/how-do-i-prepare-the-wall-and-ceiling-for-wallpapering)
- [Deutsch](https://support.meinewand.com/de/wie-bereite-ich-wand-und-decke-fuer-das-tapezieren-vor)
- [Français](https://support.meinewand.com/fr/comment-préparer-les-murs-et-les-plafonds-pour-la-pose-de-papier-peint)
- [Italiano](https://support.meinewand.com/it/come-si-preparano-le-pareti-e-i-soffitti-per-lapplicazione-della-carta-da-parati)

English

Show submenu for translations

[![MEINEWAND Onlineshop](https://support.meinewand.com/hs-fs/hubfs/meinewand_logo@2x.webp?width=488&height=78&name=meinewand_logo@2x.webp)](https://www.meinewand.com/en)

Open main navigation

Close main navigation

- - [English](https://support.meinewand.com/en/how-do-i-prepare-the-wall-and-ceiling-for-wallpapering)
    - [Deutsch](https://support.meinewand.com/de/wie-bereite-ich-wand-und-decke-fuer-das-tapezieren-vor)
    - [Français](https://support.meinewand.com/fr/comment-préparer-les-murs-et-les-plafonds-pour-la-pose-de-papier-peint)
    - [Italiano](https://support.meinewand.com/it/come-si-preparano-le-pareti-e-i-soffitti-per-lapplicazione-della-carta-da-parati)

  English
  
  Show submenu for translations
- [Contact us](https://support.meinewand.com/en/contact)

[Contact us](https://support.meinewand.com/en/contact?hsLang=en)

 Hello. How can we help you?

- There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

1. [Help Center](https://support.meinewand.com/en?hsLang=en)
2. [Wallpaper and Murals](https://support.meinewand.com/en/wallpaper-and-murals?hsLang=en)
3. [Surface preparation](https://support.meinewand.com/en/wallpaper-and-murals?hsLang=en#surface-preparation)

# How do I prepare the wall and ceiling for wallpapering?

## Proper wall and ceiling preparation is the key to a flawless wallpaper finish. Learn how to clean, prime and smooth your surfaces for the best results.

To ensure your **[wallpaper](https://www.meinewand.com/en/wallpaper)** looks beautiful and lasts for many years, careful preparation of the walls and ceilings is essential. Please follow these steps:

### 1. Clean the surface

Make sure the surfaces are **smooth, clean, free of grease and dust, and completely dry**.  
Any remains of old wallpaper should be removed without residue.

### 2. Apply primer

To equalize absorbency and stabilize sandy plaster substrates, we recommend applying a [**water-based primer (deep primer)**](https://www.meinewand.com/en/brillux-tiefgrund-elf-595-5l)before wallpapering.

### 3. Use wallpaper primer

To prevent colour irregularities from showing through the wallpaper, apply a**[pigmented wallpaper primer.](https://www.meinewand.com/en/pufas-tapetengrund-weiss)**

- Standard wallpaper primer is white.
- For wallpapers in bold colours, it is advisable to tint the primer with colourants beforehand. This way, even slightly opened seams will remain almost invisible.

### 4. Alternative: lining paper

Instead of wallpaper primer, you may also use a **[lining paper (smooth underlay wallpaper)](https://www.meinewand.com/en/sanderson-wallpaper-makulaturtapete-weiss-100-g-m)**, which provides an evenly absorbent surface.

### 5. Level out uneven surfaces

On very uneven walls or challenging substrates such as unplastered masonry, textured plaster or wood, the entire surface should first be **filled and levelled**.

- Fill holes or cracks with a **[gypsum-based filler](https://www.meinewand.com/en/pufas-glaett-und-fuellspachtel-5kg)**.
- Smooth out rough areas and irregularities carefully.

---

👉 With this preparation, you create the perfect foundation for your wallpaper to truly unfold its full effect.

 

- [Common Questions](https://support.meinewand.com/en/common-questions?hsLang=en)
- [Wallpaper and Murals](https://support.meinewand.com/en/wallpaper-and-murals?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [General questions about wallpaper](https://support.meinewand.com/en/wallpaper-and-murals?hsLang=en#general-questions-about-wallpaper)
    - [Wallpaper types](https://support.meinewand.com/en/wallpaper-and-murals?hsLang=en#wallpaper-types)
    - [Wallpaper Needs](https://support.meinewand.com/en/wallpaper-and-murals?hsLang=en#wallpaper-needs)
    - [Surface preparation](https://support.meinewand.com/en/wallpaper-and-murals?hsLang=en#surface-preparation)
    - [Wallpapering Tips](https://support.meinewand.com/en/wallpaper-and-murals?hsLang=en#wallpapering-tips)
    - [Videos: Process wallpaper](https://support.meinewand.com/en/wallpaper-and-murals?hsLang=en#videos-process-wallpaper)
- [Paints](https://support.meinewand.com/en/paints?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [General questions about our colors](https://support.meinewand.com/en/paints?hsLang=en#general-questions-about-our-colors)
    - [Paint selection: Which paint for which surface](https://support.meinewand.com/en/paints?hsLang=en#paint-selection-which-paint-for-which-surface)
    - [Surface preparation](https://support.meinewand.com/en/paints?hsLang=en#surface-preparation)
    - [Processing and tips](https://support.meinewand.com/en/paints?hsLang=en#processing-and-tips)
- [Professional Paints by Brillux + Eco Paints by Kreidezeit](https://support.meinewand.com/en/professional-paints-by-brillux-eco-paints-by-kreidezeit?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [How to choose the right paint](https://support.meinewand.com/en/professional-paints-by-brillux-eco-paints-by-kreidezeit?hsLang=en#how-to-choose-the-right-paint)
- [Fabrics](https://support.meinewand.com/en/fabrics?hsLang=en)
- [Terrastone](https://support.meinewand.com/en/terrastone?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [General information about Terrastone](https://support.meinewand.com/en/terrastone?hsLang=en#general-information-about-terrastone)
    - [Surface preparation for Terrastone](https://support.meinewand.com/en/terrastone?hsLang=en#surface-preparation-for-terrastone)
    - [Terrastone processing](https://support.meinewand.com/en/terrastone?hsLang=en#terrastone-processing)
    - [Terrastone Finishes](https://support.meinewand.com/en/terrastone?hsLang=en#terrastone-finishes)
    - [Technical data sheets](https://support.meinewand.com/en/terrastone?hsLang=en#technical-data-sheets)
- [Decals](https://support.meinewand.com/en/decals?hsLang=en)
- [Sample Center](https://support.meinewand.com/en/sample-center?hsLang=en)
- [Service Center](https://support.meinewand.com/en/service-center?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Service Forms](https://support.meinewand.com/en/service-center?hsLang=en#service-forms)
    - [Information](https://support.meinewand.com/en/service-center?hsLang=en#information)
- [Business Customer Area](https://support.meinewand.com/en/business-customer-area?hsLang=en)

[![MEINEWAND Onlineshop](https://support.meinewand.com/hs-fs/hubfs/meinewand_logo@2x.webp?width=488&height=78&name=meinewand_logo@2x.webp "MEINEWAND Onlineshop")](https://www.meinewand.com/en)

www.meinewand.de Help Center

Copyright © 2026, MEINEWAND