Hanging wallpaper can seem like a daunting task. Follow these guidelines to make the process as easy as possible.
Gather Supplies
Whenever you’re embarking on a home improvement project, it is always best to have everything you’ll need on hand before you commence. When preparing to hang wallpaper, you will of course want your paper unpacked and several sheets unrolled. Beyond that, you’ll need tools such as a level, tape measure and razor blades. You’ll also want a bucket for the paste and a paint roller with which to apply it. Make sure to have a smoother for when you apply the paper to the walls.
Prepare the Walls and Paper
Once you have your supplies on hand, you can begin prepping your walls. Placing a layer of primer on them ensures that paint won’t show through, and can help your paper to bond securely with the walls. This will also make it easier to remove the paper down the road.
Measure out your room and trim the length and width of your paper accordingly. You’ll want the length to be roughly 4 inches longer than your walls. Position the paper face down, then use a paint roller to apply a thin layer of paste to the back. Carefully fold the paper over itself, lining up the edges but not creasing the roll. This is called booking, and it allows any curl in the paper to relax while the paste fully activates.
Apply the Paper
After the wallpaper has been booked, it’s time to start hanging. Begin in a corner near the door, and overlap roughly 2 inches at the ceiling and one-eighth inch at the corner. Lightly press to hold the paper in place, unfold the rest, then use a level to check that the sheet is parallel to the corner. When you have the alignment correct, use the smoother to tuck the paper against the ceiling and then smooth all the way down to the floor. Once each sheet is hung, use a straight edge to push tightly between the paper and the ceiling or floor and use a razor to trim the excess. Continue around the room, lining up the pattern as closely as possible. A professional tip is to save the area above the room’s door for last, as any difficulty in lining up the pattern for the final piece will be less noticeable.
With preparation and care, hanging wallpaper isn’t as tricky as it may seem. By following these tips you’ll be papering like a professional.