The Affordable Last Step To Take That Helps Wallpaper Last For Years To Come

Hanging wallpaper is not the world's easiest task, so it's always a relief to finish the job. You may not be eager to take on more labor afterwards, but your wallpaper's look and durability will likely benefit if you do. If you'd like your wallpaper to be long-lasting, washable, and dirt-resistant, consider applying a topcoat. Depending on the amount of space covered with wallpaper, you could secure this extra protection for $50 or less, making it an affordable way to ensure your wallpaper looks great and endures for years. Considering that the right wallpaper can actually make your home easier to sell, you'll want to keep it in the best possible condition.

One of the biggest reasons to design with wallpaper is to display beautiful, vibrant colors and patterns; topcoats with UV protection can help keep those colors from fading, especially if they are exposed to direct sunlight. If you have humidity or moisture in your home, or your kitchen or bathroom is wallpapered, top-coating is a protective barrier against wallpaper wetness. 

A topcoat will make it easier to wipe smudges and stains from your wallpaper; sometimes wallpapers claiming to be washable aren't all they're cracked up to be (however, if you're happy with the washability of your wallpaper, you may not need top-coating). Top-coated wallpaper tends to resist dirt and may be an excellent option if kids are in your home often. Some topcoat products also provide fire and mold resistance. Top-coating also works for murals, the wall treatment trend taking over in 2026.

Three major categories of affordable wallpaper topcoat products are available, along with a fourth option that straddles two categories. Aqueous plastic dispersions, also known as "elephant skin," are liquid, transparent coatings. Most brands are made in Germany and available in the United States for about $15 to $20 per liter. Liquid laminates are high-performance coatings often used to protect art prints and even outdoor signage; some provide UV protection. Liquid laminate products sell for about $40 for a quart. The third type is water-based polyurethane, which is known for rapid drying and a milder odor than other coatings. It is also the least expensive and easiest to find option; you can find it at a paint, hardware, or home-improvement store for $12 to $23. Be sure to use a water-based polyurethane, as oil-based ones often yellow. 

Decorators varnish is the fourth type and a hybrid. It contains polyurethane but is similar to laminate products in providing UV and moisture protection. It sells for about $35 per pint, and multiple coats of it are recommended.

Just as you choose the right wallpaper for your space, you'll want to select the best coating for it. You can review the labels carefully, but you may want to test the products in an inconspicuous place in your wallpaper before using them. Some products claim they are suited to all types of wallpaper, but may not be. Apply your wallpaper topcoat just as you would paint (in fact, you may see topcoat products referred to as "transparent paint"). Use a brush for edges and corners, and a small roller for the rest. Wallpaper should be completely dry after hanging before you apply the topcoat.