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Wallpaper is an excellent way to add a touch of style and sophistication to any room. Whether you prefer bold patterns, soft textures, or subtle prints, wallpaper is a versatile and affordable wall treatment option.
However, installing wallpaper can be a daunting task, especially for those who are new to the process. To help you achieve a flawless finish, we have put together a list of 10 expert tips for a successful wallpaper installation.
From preparation to maintenance, these tips will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that your wallpaper lasts for many years to come.
Whether you're a seasoned decorator or a first-time wallpaperer, these tips will help you achieve professional results.
So, let's get started
Clean the wall surface thoroughly to remove any dirt, grease, or other contaminants that could prevent the wallpaper from sticking properly. Use a cleaner specifically designed for wallpaper preparation, or mix a solution of mild detergent and water. Rinse the wall with clean water and allow it to dry completely.
Repair any cracks, holes, or dents in the wall to create a smooth surface for the wallpaper. Use a joint compound or spackling paste to fill any gaps, and sand the area smooth with fine-grit sandpaper.
Allow the wall to dry completely before starting the installation process. This is essential as any moisture could cause the wallpaper to buckle or blister.
Prime the wall with a wallpaper primer or sealer if recommended by the wallpaper manufacturer. This will help to ensure that the wallpaper adheres properly and lasts for many years. Use a roller or brush to apply the primer evenly, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Measure the height and width of the wall to determine how much wallpaper you will need. Consider the pattern repeat, which is the length of wallpaper that it takes for the pattern to repeat, and add extra to your calculations for waste and trimming.
Cut the wallpaper to size, allowing for a small overlap on the ceiling, floor, and corners.
Plan your cuts so that the wallpaper pattern matches at seams and corners. You may need to measure and mark each strip of wallpaper to ensure an accurate match.
If you're using a large pattern, make sure to measure and cut the wallpaper so that the pattern will match up at seams and corners. Use a straightedge or a T-square to guide your cuts, and a sharp blade to make clean, precise cuts.
Book the wallpaper by laying it flat and folding it in half, then in half again to make creases. This helps the wallpaper to relax and makes it easier to handle. It also helps to eliminate any curling or distortion that might occur during the installation process. Leave the wallpaper folded for 15-20 minutes before unfolding it and starting the installation process.
Apply wallpaper paste to the back of the wallpaper, following the manufacturer's instructions. The paste helps the wallpaper to adhere to the wall and prevents it from peeling or separating.
Use a wallpaper brush or roller to spread the paste evenly and ensure that it is absorbed into the wallpaper. Work from the center of the wallpaper strip to the edges, using a circular motion to distribute the paste evenly.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended amount of paste, as well as the recommended drying time before hanging the wallpaper.
Hang the first piece of wallpaper in a corner, aligning the top edge with a level line.
Make sure that the wallpaper is straight and the pattern is centered on the wall. Use a measuring tape or a laser level to check that the wallpaper is level and straight.
Use a wallpaper brush or smoother to eliminate air bubbles and wrinkles as you hang the rest of the wallpaper. Start in the center of each strip of wallpaper and work your way out to the edges, pressing out any air bubbles and smoothing out wrinkles as you go.
Pay special attention to the corners, where the wallpaper tends to pull away from the wall. Apply extra paste in these areas and use a wallpaper brush or smoother to ensure that the wallpaper is well-adhered.
Continue hanging the wallpaper, following the same steps as for the first piece.
Make sure that the pattern matches at seams and corners, and use a straightedge or a T-square to guide your cuts as needed.
Avoid stretching or pulling the wallpaper as you hang it, as this could cause the wallpaper to wrinkle or tear.
If you need to cut around windows, doors, or other obstructions, measure and mark the wallpaper carefully and use a sharp blade to make clean, precise cuts.
Use a sharp blade to trim the excess wallpaper from the edges, following the line of the baseboard or crown molding.
Be careful not to cut too deeply into the wall or the wallpaper, as this could damage the wallpaper or the wall surface.
Use a wallpaper brush or smoother to ensure that the wallpaper adheres well to the edges and corners, especially in areas where you have trimmed away excess wallpaper.
When you reach the end of a roll of wallpaper, add a new roll and match the pattern as closely as possible.
Use a seaming iron to join the two pieces of wallpaper together. The seaming iron helps to activate the paste and fuse the two pieces of wallpaper together.
Apply a thin layer of paste to the back of the new piece of wallpaper, making sure that the edges match the first piece of wallpaper.
Use a wallpaper brush or smoother to eliminate air bubbles and wrinkles, and ensure that the wallpaper is well-adhered.
After you have finished hanging the wallpaper, use a wallpaper brush or smoother to remove any remaining air bubbles or wrinkles.
Clean any paste residue from the wallpaper surface with a damp sponge or cloth.
Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this could cause the wallpaper to tear or wrinkle.
Allow the wallpaper to dry completely before adding any furniture or decorations to the room.
To ensure that the wallpaper lasts for many years, it is important to maintain it properly.
Clean the wallpaper regularly with a damp cloth or sponge to remove any dust or dirt.
Avoid using abrasive cleaning products, which could damage the wallpaper surface.
If the wallpaper becomes damaged, such as from a puncture or tear, patch it promptly to prevent it from spreading.
In summary, wallpaper installation can be a straightforward and satisfying process when you have the right tools and knowledge. Our 10 expert tips provide you with a comprehensive guide to successful wallpaper installation, from preparation to maintenance. We hope that this blog post has been helpful in guiding you through the process and that you will be able to achieve a flawless and long-lasting wall treatment with confidence.
The basic tools you'll need for wallpaper installation include a wallpaper smoothing tool, a sharp utility knife, a measuring tape, a pencil, a ladder, a straight edge, a plumb line, and a wallpaper pasting table or large flat surface. You may also need a steamer or wallpaper stripper if you're removing old wallpaper.
Vinyl wallpaper is the best type of wallpaper for beginners as it is durable, easy to clean and install, and can be easily removed. It's also a great option for high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
If you going to prepare the wall for wallpaper installation, you'll need to remove any old wallpaper, patch any holes or cracks, and wash the wall with a mild soap solution to remove any dirt and grime. You should then let the wall dry completely before installing the wallpaper.
when you calculate the amount of wallpaper you need, you'll need to measure the height and width of each wall in your room and add 10% extra to allow for waste and pattern matching. It's important to order enough wallpaper to complete the entire project, as color and pattern variations can occur between batches.
if you match the pattern of your wallpaper, it's important to align the first strip of wallpaper at the ceiling and then measure down to the floor to determine where the pattern should meet. This measurement should then be transferred to the next strip of wallpaper before it's trimmed and hung. Repeat this process for each strip of wallpaper until the entire wall is covered.
