There are a lot of wallpaper guides and tips out there, but many of them don’t answer the real questions you have. This article will take you through the process step by step, and give you some top tips to help you get a professional result.
Using a spirit level or plumb line mark a vertical guideline on your wall. Remember that seams inside corners need to be butted (not overlapped).
Preparation
Wallpapering is a popular way to add texture and pattern to walls. It’s important to prepare the walls correctly before starting the job. The better prepared you are, the easier and quicker it will be to complete the work.
Start your project by clearing the room of furniture and covering it with dust sheets. Shut off the power to the room and remove any switch plates or outlet covers.
The first strip of wallpaper should be hung central to the fireplace, or other feature wall, as this will help you get your straight lines right. Using a spirit level, draw a vertical straight line on the wall – this is your plumb line. Get more info on this wallpaper singapore website.
If the walls are paper faced, sand them to smooth the surface and then sand again before applying a coat of Resene Sureseal pigmented sealer to the walls. This will create a key for the paste and prevent mold or mildew growing under the wallpaper.
Cutting the Paper
Measure the height of your walls (including any coving or crown molding) to get an idea of how much wallpaper you need. Then, divide this number by 21’’ (535 mm), which tells you how many strips of wallpaper you need to hang.
Always begin a new strip at a vertical line as this is the key to a neat finish. The first length or ‘drop’ of wallpaper will determine how level the rest will be, so take your time to ensure it is perfectly straight.
Using the pattern-side down on the paste table, cut the first length of wallpaper to your measurements and mark it with a pencil or spirit level before cutting across. Now, unfold the length and use a smoother to work it into and over the wall surface, from the centre of the length outwards, removing any air bubbles or creases as you go. Repeat the process for each subsequent length or ‘drop’.
Hanging the Paper
From lining a feature wall to covering a whole room, wallpapering can add instant impact and make a huge difference to a space. It’s also a great way to dress up the inside of cupboards and doors or create a clever motif on a bed headboard.
The first strip of wallpaper – or ‘drop’ – needs to be hung perfectly straight, so get out your spirit level and draw a line on the wall (called a plumb line). This will guide your work and ensure that the rest of the paper is correctly positioned.
Now you can apply the paste. Using your paste roller, apply a thin coat to the wall and skirting board. Then carefully roll the paper onto the wall, allowing a few centimeters of overlap at the top and around sockets.
Finishing the Job
Using a smoothing brush, gently work the wallpaper into place, smoothing out any air bubbles. Be especially careful around doors and windows. Depending on the style of wallpaper it may be a good idea to use a trim guide.
Always be aware of your surroundings – you are working on a ladder at height and the slightest slip could result in an avoidable trip to A&E. Two pairs of trestles with a rigid walk board in between is ideal.
Follow the manufacturer’s pasting and soaking instructions. Some papers are paste-the-wall, others need to be sized before hanging. Once a wall is ready to be covered, mark a vertical line 500mm from the bottom edge of the wall with a spirit level or plumb bob. This will help ensure that the first strip of wallpaper is correctly positioned and aligned with any pattern match. This is particularly important if the wallpaper is to run up to a door or window frame, or around a power point, as these tend to be harder to get right.