Wallpaper - sizing walls General decorating topics, questions and answers. find help, tips and advice on completing your decorating projects

[Dino M]

I am a complete novice when it comes to wallpapering.

It is only one wall which is straight, so no corners or anything like that to deal with.

I have stripped the wallpaper off then washed the plastered wall down with hot soapy water.

I would like to know when I should size the wall before papering, do I have to size the wall and leave it an hour, few hours, overnight.

Sorry if it seems a silly question, but I have never papered before.

[chris_on_tour2002]

quite simply, the size must be totally dry. you can tell by appearance and feel usually, on exposed bare plaster as it will darken when wet and return to its normal appearance when dry. also it will not feel at all sticky. usually takes at least an hour or two, depends on what you are going onto, the absorbency of the wall, the strength of the sizing mix you are using and ambient conditions. if unsure just leave it overnight. that should be plenty of time.