How to Waterproof Wallpaper in a Bathroom: Step-by-Step Guide
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If youâve been around a while, youâll know that to wallpaper or not to wallpaper is an ongoing debate in our household, but when I finally won out in our recent bathroom renovation, I admittedly did wonder how to waterproof wallpaper in a bathroom for lasting results.
Being that itâs, ya know, paper, it doesnât on the face of it seem like a great idea in a small, steamy room, (especially since we love to shower with the temperature set to scalding and not a degree cooler), right?
So then I wondered if there was something like an equivalent of polycrylic but for wallpaper and after doing some research, I found out that there is!
Itâs called decoratorâs varnish and itâs exactly what I was looking for: a sealer thatâs supposed to waterproof and protect wallpaper from moisture.
I tested it out on a scrap piece before committing to the full wall in case of any discoloration or other damage, but it was totally fine and looked exactly the same as before!
Once Iâd done my test, I went for it and used a brand new paintbrush to go over the wallpaper in two coats a couple of hours apart.
The varnish comes in a glossy version and âdead flatâ, so make sure you get the flat finish if, like me, youâre going for a matte, not-even-there look.
TBD on how it holds up (and Iâll plan to update down the line either way) but Iâm optimistic this is the trick to waterproofing bathroom wallpaper.
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