How to Protect Wallpaper

Even the fanciest of wallpaper can sustain damage if not cared for properly.

Protecting that wallpaper so it will last is something every homeowner wishes to do.

1. Lay a plastic covering all over the floor in the room where you are going to protect the wallpaper. Tape to the baseboards of the walls if necessary to keep from slipping. This will protect your floor or carpet from stains.

2. Use painters tape to protect edges of the ceiling or wall that are not covered in wallpaper. Apply the tape to the corners of the wall around the paper so excess varnish is not splattered against walls without wallpaper.

3. Apply two coats of polyvinyl varnish on the wallpaper using a paintbrush or paint roller. Because the varnish will dry clear and roll patterns will not be visible, using a paint roller will save you considerable time. Use thin coats to avoid globs of varnish rolling down the wall. Polyvinyl varnish can be purchased at any home improvement store, but you should always make sure to buy an interior varnish. Exterior varnishes are for protecting outdoor structures, such as decks.

4. Make sure varnish is fully dry before removing floor covering and painters tape.

Tip

Many wallpapers come with protection already over the designs. Ask your vendor if your wallpaper is protected before going through the hassle of painting varnish over it.

Warning

Some varnishes in liquid form may give off fumes. Make sure to open all windows in the painting area for proper ventilation. Stop if you feel light-headed.

Varnish will protect the wallpaper from liquid messes and small water damage, but it is not designed to shield wallpaper from major damage, such as the impact of thrown objects.