Wallpaper onto plasterboard without skimming

Overboarding and Prep Advice If you are going with this method, here are the steps and materials you need to get it right: Screws: Since you are using 12.5mm plasterboard, make sure to use 45mm drywall screws. This length is necessary to get through the new board, the old plaster and lath, and anchor securely into the joists above. Board Type: Make sure to buy square edge plasterboards (without a tapered edge). This helps keep the surface flat so the joints aren't visible under the wallpaper. Filling: Before you do anything else, you need to fill in any gaps between the boards and patch over all the sunken screw heads to create a completely flush surface. Priming: Apply one coat of primer to the entire ceiling. This is essential to seal the bare plasterboard so it doesn't suck all the moisture out of your wallpaper paste. Wallpapering: Once that single coat of primer is fully dry, you can go ahead and have fun with the wallpapering! Just check how many plasterboards you need and decide if that is in your budget.

Overboarding is a common and cost-effective solution, provided the existing lath and plaster ceiling is still securely fixed to the joists. If the ceiling is loose or at risk of collapsing, it should be removed before any new boards are fitted. While it is possible to wallpaper directly onto plasterboard, it isn’t generally recommended. A skim coat provides a much smoother, more durable finish and gives far better results when decorating. If you decide not to skim, you’ll need to tape and fill all joints and screw heads, sand them smooth, and apply a suitable plasterboard primer before hanging wallpaper. Bear in mind that any imperfections in the joints are much more likely to show through the finished wallpaper than they would on a skimmed ceiling.