Historic Home Wallpaper Installation

Service Overview

Historic homes require a specialized approach to wallpaper installation that respects original construction while delivering beautiful, lasting results. At Sky Wallpaper Installation, we understand the unique challenges of working with older plaster walls, lath-and-plaster construction, and period-appropriate materials. Our preservation-minded techniques ensure your historic home maintains its character while receiving a stunning new wall treatment.

• Expert assessment of plaster wall conditions and stability
• Gentle surface preparation that preserves original plaster
• Period-appropriate pattern selection and sourcing assistance
• Specialized adhesives formulated for plaster surfaces
• Repair and stabilization of damaged plaster before installation
• Documentation of wall conditions for preservation records

Our Process for Historic Homes

1. Detailed Wall Assessment: We examine plaster condition, identify areas of concern, and document the current state of your walls.
2. Plaster Stabilization: Loose or crumbling plaster is carefully repaired using compatible materials that match original composition.
3. Gentle Surface Preparation: We use non-invasive techniques to prepare surfaces without damaging delicate plaster or original finishes.
4. Primer Selection: Specialized primers designed for plaster ensure proper adhesion without moisture damage.
5. Careful Installation: Our installers work methodically, accounting for the irregularities common in historic walls.
6. Quality Assurance: Final inspection ensures the wallpaper sits beautifully despite any wall imperfections.

Working with Older Walls and Plaster

Plaster walls in historic homes present challenges that modern drywall does not. The surface may be uneven, contain hairline cracks, or have areas where the plaster has separated from the lath behind it. Our team is trained to identify these issues and address them appropriately before any wallpaper is applied.

We use breathable adhesives that allow moisture to pass through naturally, preventing the trapped moisture that can cause plaster deterioration. For walls with significant irregularities, we apply liner paper first to create a smooth, stable base for the decorative wallpaper. This approach protects both the original plaster and the new wallpaper investment.

Preservation Mindset

Our approach to historic homes is guided by preservation principles. We believe that any work done on a historic property should be reversible whenever possible, should not damage original materials, and should respect the architectural character of the building. We work with homeowners, preservation societies, and architects to ensure our installations meet both aesthetic goals and preservation standards.

Materials and Surfaces

• Traditional paste-the-wall papers compatible with plaster
• Reproduction patterns from historic wallpaper archives
• Hand-printed papers using traditional techniques
• Liner papers for stabilizing irregular surfaces
• Breathable, reversible adhesives for preservation compliance
• Natural fiber wall coverings (grasscloth, silk, linen)

Areas We Serve

We provide historic home wallpaper services throughout the Phoenix area, including neighborhoods with significant historic housing stock:

• Mesa, AZ — Historic downtown districts and early 20th century homes
• Scottsdale, AZ — Mid-century modern and territorial style properties
• Tempe, AZ — University-area historic bungalows
• Glendale, AZ — Historic Catlin Court and surrounding areas
• Chandler, AZ — Original townsite historic properties