How to hang wallpaper
Creating a feature wall with wallpaper is a great way to add color, texture, and personality to your home. Choose a wall that will have the maximum impact when you walk into the room. You can create a feature wall in your entryway, your bedroom, living room or dining room. So many options!
If you’re a handy person, then you probably won’t have a problem hanging your own wallpaper. Here are some instructions to help you hang your wallpaper and create a beautiful feature wall.
Will need:
- Glue: Prepare as directed
- Paste – prepare as indicated
- measuring tape
- box cutter/stanley knife
- Large steel ruler or spirit level
- roller
- paint brush
- Soft clothes
Step 1. Preparation
Your wall must be clean, smooth and dry. So sweep up those old cobwebs and get rid of the dust, dirt, and grime. We find that washing the walls with sugar soap and one of those big orange or yellow sponges you use to wash your car is a great way to clean them.
Sand any irregularities. Putty any holes. Always remove old wallcoverings before applying new wallpaper.
Step 2. Prepare the Glue and Paste
Most glue and paste mixes take time to set before applying to wallpaper, so prepare the mix first to save yourself some time.
Follow the directions on your glue and paste package.
Typically, the paste should be applied to the back of the wallpaper, and the glue should be applied to the wall in an edge around where the wallpaper border will be applied.
Step 3. Measure and Cut the Wallpaper
This is the most difficult step if you have a repeating pattern that needs to be matched. Always make sure you start with enough wallpaper to allow for the occasional mistake.
Measure the height of your wall. Allow an additional 5 cm (2 inches) to trim. Lay out the wallpaper and note where you need to cut it. Carefully cut the paper with a utility knife or stanley knife against a steel ruler or large level. Spread more wallpaper and match the pattern. Cut the wallpaper and discard the part that does not match.
Keep measuring, matching, and cutting your wallpaper until you have all the pieces to complete your feature wall.
Mark points vertically along the wall so that as you hang the wallpaper, you can verify that it is in a straight line.
Step 4. Apply the Adhesive
Use a paint roller to generously apply the paste to the back of the wallpaper, from top to bottom. Once you’ve applied the paste, fold the wallpaper back on itself over and over again until it’s only about 12 inches wide. Put it in a large plastic garbage bag and set it aside for 30 minutes to allow the paste to absorb into the wallpaper. Continue with each strip of wallpaper. Keep folding the wallpaper until it is a size that will comfortably fit in a plastic bag or garbage bag. Remove the air from the plastic bag and seal it to help prevent the wallpaper from drying out as it will be some time before you are ready to hang the final strip.
After you have waited the required time for the paste to set, apply the glue to the wall in one edge around where the wallpaper border will be. Use the pencil marks you made earlier to guide you. Your rim should be about 3 to 4 inches (10 cm) wide.
Step 5. Hang the wallpaper
Start at the top and we generally work from left to right. Don’t forget your extra 2 inches (5 cm) cutout at the top! Use your hands and a soft sponge to smooth the wallpaper against the wall. Then use a plastic lathe to lightly smooth the wallpaper and remove any air bubbles and excess paste. Use the markings on the wall to make sure you hang the wallpaper in a straight line.
Use a soft cloth to remove excess glue from the edges.
Exactly match the edges of the wallpaper. If you find that there is a small gap between each strip of wallpaper, work from the center of the strip and gently massage the wallpaper in the direction of the gap. Use your hands or a special roller for wallpapering. Do the same from the other side.
It is important to smooth the surface of the wallpaper while it is still wet from the paste to ensure that all air bubbles are removed. Keep removing excess glue as well, and keep an eye out for air bubbles as the paste dries.
When you have hung each strip, cut off the excess edge at the top and bottom.
After you’ve cleaned up, it’s time to step back and admire your handy work!