Hanging wallpaper is more complex than painting, and the cost of hiring skilled professionals isn’t cheap, making DIY an attractive option for saving money. Here are some tips on how to meticulously hang wallpaper and avoid common rookie mistakes.
The Resurgence of Wallpaper
Twenty years ago, wallpaper was mostly seen in visits to grandma’s house. However, fashion trends evolve, and in recent years, wallpapers have become quite popular again. Whether adorning an entire apartment, just one room, or, perhaps most strikingly, just one wall, knowing how to hang wallpaper properly is essential.
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Let’s uncover a significant truth – wallpapering is more demanding than painting, and mistakes are easily made and challenging to rectify afterward. As with most home tasks, thorough preparation is paramount.
Necessary Tools and Materials
Firstly, gather the tools and materials you’ll need:
- Wallpaper adhesive
- Brush and roller for applying adhesive
- Roller and plastic smoother for flattening wallpaper
- Scalpel, measuring tape, and a level
- Optional: a longer metal measuring tape for durability
- Optional: a laser level for precise alignment
Preparation Is Key
After preparing your tools, it’s crucial to prepare the walls. If plastering and smoothing are recent, ensure the walls are thoroughly dry, as damp walls hinder adhesive adhesion. Additionally, rectify any irregularities on the wall’s surface. Fill indentations with filler and sand down protrusions. Generally, wallpaper is applied to a plastered or painted wall, not directly onto rough or porous surfaces. Thicker and matte wallpapers can conceal minor wall imperfections, whereas thinner and glossy wallpapers accentuate them.
Hanging Wallpaper
The initial strip placement is crucial, as it sets the alignment for all subsequent strips. Use a level to draw vertical guidelines on the wall to aid in positioning the first strip accurately. Preciseness is paramount in this step. Aligning the first strip can be delicate work, so it’s advisable, especially for inexperienced individuals, to attempt this task with another person. Only highly skilled professionals can handle wallpapering solo.
Before applying adhesive, thoroughly read the wallpaper and adhesive instructions. Depending on the wallpaper type, adhesive may be applied to the wall or both the wall and wallpaper backing. Ensure the adhesive is smooth, free of lumps, and spread evenly. Typically, wallpaper is applied from the top down, allowing air bubbles to escape as you smooth it from the center towards the edges using a roller, plastic smoother, or crumpled cloth.
Cutting and Trimming
When cutting the first strip, leave a few extra centimeters at the top and bottom for adjustment. Subsequent strips should be cut to align patterns seamlessly. While solid-colored wallpapers may not require pattern alignment, those with patterns, such as floral designs, necessitate precise matching. All strips should be applied without overlapping or leaving gaps. A steady hand is required, so practicing alignment without adhesive beforehand is advisable.
Excess wallpaper at the ceiling and around windows, doors, moldings, and switches should be carefully trimmed using a scalpel and straight edge. It’s preferable to remove switches before wallpapering to achieve a cleaner finish. Attempting to cut around switches without removing them often results in noticeable imperfections. If switch plates are removed, any cut edges around the switch box can be concealed when reattaching the plate.
Conclusion
By following these guidelines, you can hang wallpaper with the precision of a professional, achieving stunning results while saving on installation costs. Remember, thorough preparation, precise alignment, and careful trimming are key to a successful wallpapering project. With practice and attention to detail, you’ll master the art of wallpapering and transform your space with style and finesse.
Foto: Freepik