Sometimes you should use Zinsser Gardz before hanging wallpaper. People get mixed up and think Gardz is a substitute for normal size or primer, and it is in a way. But Gardz does so much more!
Picture this scenario; you strip a room ready to re-wallpaper. You now need those walls as smooth and clean as possible, however no matter how much you sand them, you keep getting little grains of dirt coming off the wall. These might show through your finish paper. The answer is to apply a coat of Zinsser Gardz! Just a quick coat, allow to dry and then sand again. Your surface will be as smooth as a baby’s backside and as stable as a nun in rehab!!
Sometimes this method is the only way to get a good finish with your wallpaper.
Key Benefits of Using Zinsser Gardz
There are other benefits too. As well as being a water-based stabiliser, Zinsser Gardz is a breathable alkaline primer. Meaning it has the capability of neutralising any alkali from say, lime plaster. Let’s just say it locks any nasties into the plaster and gives the perfect base for you to hang your wallpaper. Another advantage is when you come to strip your paper again further down the line, there is less chance of you damaging your walls. The paper will come off easier and your walls will be in better nick. Future decorating projects should be a lot easier. You can also use Zinsser Gardz to seal plasterboard if your walls are only jointed.
Gardz is easy and quick to apply, gives an even drying rate for your paste across the whole wall and gives you slip when applying your finish paper.
The Drawbacks of Using Zinsser Gardz
If you want to use Zinsser Gardz when wallpapering, you need to be aware of a couple of things. The drying rate of your paste will be decreased because the moisture has nowhere to escape. The other issue is a biggie, adhesion of paper to wall is also affected. You need to use a stronger paste, or do what I do and throw a cup of PVA in with it. It is probably best to avoid starch based paste as it contains a lot of water. You souldn’t have any issues if you use something like Beeline Ready Mixed.
Should you use Zinsser Gardz?
If it is an old house and the walls are in bad nick you should crack on and use it. If not, then there is no point in using Zinsser Gardz before hanging wallpaper.
Where to Buy Zinsser Gardz
You can buy Zinsser Gardz from loads of different outlets including Crown, Dulux and Johnstone’s Decorating Centres, as well as of other different trade outlets. You can also pick it up online by clicking here.
FAQs
Can you use Zinsser Gardz before wallpapering?
Zinsser Gardz is a fantastic primer for your walls and ceiling before applying wallpaper. It seals the plaster and creates a little bit of ‘slip’, making it easier to hang the wallpaper. You will need to use a strong paste, but any ready-mixed is usually fine.
Can you wallpaper over Zinsser primer?
Wallpapering over Zinsser Gardz or Zinsser Peel Stop is fine. Wallpapering over any of the other Zinsser primers is slightly more difficult, just because they’re waterproof. This means wallpaper paste is less likely to stick. Abrade the Zinsser primer to create a key, and then prime with diluted wallpaper paste. Allow to dry before hanging the wallpaper. This will avoid any adhesion issues that may otherwise occur.
Can you put Gardz over wallpaper glue?
Yes, Zinsser Gardz is often used over wallpaper glue to seal it in before painting or re-wallpapering.
How many layers of Zinsser Gardz?
One coat of Zinsser Gardz is usually enough to seal any porous surface.
Can you use Zinsser Gardz on new plaster?
Zinsser Gardz is brilliant on new plaster, regardless of whether you’re wallpapering or painting. It seals the plaster and makes a great base for other materials.
I’ve got an old 20’s house, and the plaster is ok (previously papered). I was preparing to use Gardz then fibreliner on top (pasted with power adhesive).
Do you think there will be adhesion problems or will the paste be strong enough?
Perhaps I should skip the Gardz and just size with a watered down mix of adhesive?
I’d say, if you’re going to use gardz (which will have its benefits), then you should go with a grippier paste with less water content than flake. Especially with fiberline because it won’t absorb any excess moisture like pulp paper does. Personally, I’d use the gardz, then use beeline redtop. That would avoid any problems
Thanks for the quick reply Mike, really helpful.
As I’ve already got some power adhesive left over from my brothers house, I think I might try a small sample patch to see if sizing + power adhesive works well, if not I’ll try Gardz + beeline Red top.
I gather from your article Gardz is good where the plaster is quite loose, which it isn’t really here, it’s just old and got plenty of filler and the like!
Does that seem sensible?
Thanks again,
Hello, would I still need to use PVA with Halls Beeline – vinyl wallcovering adhesive yellow top paste?
Many thanks.
You should be ok. Maybe prime the gardz with a thin coat of paste and allow it to dry before you paper
Thanks Mike, really helpful.
Jackie