We research in-depth and provide unbiased reviews and recommendations on the best products. We strive to give you the most accurate information. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
Before you begin the process of installing wallpaper, you should know how long your wall is. You can choose a random pattern match, a straight across pattern, or a drop pattern. Once you have your wallpaper cut, you will need to apply the wallpaper paste to the wall or the paper. Apply the wallpaper paste evenly from the center to the edges of the wall. After the wallpaper paste is applied, you should fold the paper loosely and let it sit for 3 minutes. This process is called booking.
Steps
Depending on the type of wallpaper, the installation process may vary. Prepasted wallpapers have dried paste on the back surface. Unpasted wallpapers must be activated by wetting the paste during installation. However, the basic technique for hanging both types of wallpapers is the same. There are four simple steps: measure, cut, activate with water, and hang. If you’re installing a wallpaper in a hostel or dorm room, these steps may vary slightly.
Before installing the first strip of wallpaper, measure the length of the wall. Be sure to leave two inches of the wallpaper roll over the baseboard or ceiling. Once the wallpaper roll is cut to length, smooth it out with a rag to ensure that the edges are even and the wallpaper is level. If it’s a drop match, hold up the next strip up to the first strip to determine where the pattern meets. If it’s not, cut the second strip to size.
Begin by applying a liner to the wall. Pull it slowly from the top of the wall to the bottom. Place a squeegee over the wallpaper, working from the center outward. Repeat this process as necessary until the wallpaper covers the entire area. Remove any bubbles as you go along. You should expect some overlapping with matching panels, but this should be expected. For standard wallpaper, the design repeats every 24 inches.
Tools
Getting started with the wallpaper installation process requires the proper tools. This article will provide you with a guide to tools and supplies for wallpaper installation. These supplies include hand tools, adhesives, and primers. In addition to these essentials, you’ll need to cover the area where you’ll be working so as to avoid accidents or spills. If this is your first time hanging wallpaper, you’ll want to invest in a work mat or sheet to protect your floor and furniture.
You can use a tape measure for a variety of purposes. A yardstick is a traditional tool for measuring the area before applying wallpaper. However, a tape measure has numerous advantages over a yardstick. You can use a tape measure by yourself, and you can even make a tape measure for yourself if you have no prior experience in wallpaper installation. The following are tools that are essential for wallpaper installation. And remember, the right tools can make the entire process easier and more convenient.
A utility knife or a box cutter is useful for cutting wallpaper. You can use this tool to cut wallpaper along the ceiling or along the baseboard. If you’re working with embossed or textured wallpaper, you’ll need a special smoothing brush to get an even cut. A seam roller will flatten seams. And, of course, you’ll need primer, which will help the wallpaper adhere to the wall.
Techniques
Generally, you will need to install wallpaper by either pasting paper onto the wall or soaking it in water. These two methods require more time and space than installing wallpaper yourself. In either case, the instructions for the installation of wallpaper should be carefully followed. During the installation process, it is important to ensure a smooth and even seam between the strips. To prevent the wallpaper from peeling or becoming loose, you should always work in the daylight and keep the wallpaper rolls and tools covered in plastic to prevent them from getting ruined by the water.
If you’re installing wallpaper on a dark wall, do not hang a light-colored wallpaper over it. The contrasting background will show through the minute gaps in the seams. If this happens, use a primer to prevent the extreme tone change. Bubbles occur when the paper fails to adhere in a small area, but doesn’t stick to the wall properly. If you find this type of bubble in your wallpaper, simply use a glue syringe (available at paint stores) to inject a small amount of wallpaper glue into the bubble.
The next technique involves cutting diagonal slits in the seams. While you can wrap the wallpaper around corners, this is difficult and doesn’t work well with traditional wallpaper, as it tends to expand in the future. Rather, cut diagonal slits in the corners to prevent the paper from bulging in these places. This method is best suited for flat walls, since it prevents it from bending. When applying thick textured wallpaper, use a straightedge and a sharp utility blade to cut across the overlapped strip.
Calculating strips
You must calculate strips when installing wallpaper. You need to know the width of the wall to determine how many strips are required. Each strip is 27 inches wide. However, when estimating the width of the wallpaper, you must not include the space between normal sized windows and doors. Then, multiply the length of the wall by 27 inches and you have the total number of strips needed for the entire room. This is the simplest way to calculate strips when installing wallpaper.
Before you start painting, you need to measure the perimeter of the room in inches. Divide the result by the width of the strip. If you are painting a solid color, you will need one inch overhang on both the top and bottom. You will need four rolls for this pattern. To avoid overhang, measure the width of each strip using two short pieces of paper. For solid-color wallpaper, leave about one inch overhang at each edge.
After measuring the length of each strip, you must cut it using the skirting-to-ceiling measurement. Then, trim it by 5cm on both sides. Remember to mark the first strip with a pencil so you can identify the strips in the future. Cut the second strip by matching the first one. Be sure to number the top strip with the pattern on the wall. By following these simple steps, you will be able to hang wallpaper easily in your home.
Smoothing creases
In the process of installing wallpaper, there are times when you may encounter creases. While these are not difficult to remove once the wallpaper has dried, they need to be resolved during the process. Read on to learn how to deal with these creases. In the following guide, we’ll cover the reasons why they happen and what to do about them. Listed below are some tips to avoid creases when installing wallpaper.
When applying wallpaper, start by smoothing out creases with a clean cloth. This is an especially important step when hanging wallpaper on windows or door casings. If you accidentally overlap one strip with another, use a sharp knife to trim the edges of the strip. Afterward, use a smoothing tool to gently smooth the wallcovering into place. If it is still soiled after applying the wallpaper, you can lightly sponge off the excess paste.
Another method for smoothing creases is by using an overlap tool. To do this, you’ll have to fold the paper back on itself and let it activate the adhesive. Book it for three to five minutes. Do not rush the process; it can lead to creases or sections of paper not adhering. So, book the wallpaper thoroughly before applying it. This way, you’ll get a smooth, even surface.
Preparing the wall
The preparation process begins with patching existing holes or rough areas in the wall, filling in texture and mudging over raised areas. Once this preparation is complete, the wall should be cleaned with a mixture of sugar soap or hot water with vinegar. Once this step is completed, you can prime and paint the wall, using a semi-gloss, satin or eggshell paint. Then, 24 hours before you want to hang your wallpaper, wipe the wall with a damp cloth.
Whether you’re using a new wallpaper pattern or removing an old one, you’ll need to prepare the wall before you install it. Dirty or greasy walls won’t allow the wallpaper to stick. Paint is also a major barrier, and removing old wallpaper paste will ensure your wallpaper doesn’t peel. Finally, don’t forget to follow our How to Wallpaper and Hang a Wall Mural article for helpful tips.
To prepare the wall before you install wallpaper, you should first clean it. Depending on the surface, this process may require you to use a strong cleaner to remove dirt, grease, and other buildup. You can also use hot water mixed with vinegar to remove old paint. However, make sure to use a paint remover if the surface is porous. Lastly, you should clean the wall completely of all stains, grease, and oil.
