Wallpaper - A ‘How To’ Guide To Choosing, Removing and Pasting
Firstly, choose a beautiful wallpaper based on the function of the room.
When choosing a suitable wallpaper, as well as selecting based on your style and taste, it’s important to also consider the condition of the room and walls it is being applied to. For example, any type of wallpaper can be used for typically dry areas such as living rooms, bedrooms and corridors. However, when looking at areas with regular heat and moisture such as bathrooms, toilets and kitchens, we recommend choosing “splashproof” wallpapers like vinyl. Additionally, if you have rough walls then using thick embossed, or densely patterned papers will create a better look.
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Be careful when buying adhesive - the wallpaper you choose may require use of special adhesive
If you are using a wallpaper that can be wiped with a damp sponge, general wallpaper adhesive will usually be sufficient. If however you’re using vinyl, thick embossed or wicker wallpaper, you’ll need to purchase special adhesives. Of course, if you are using a self-adhesive wallpaper, no glue is required.
Required materials and tools
Ideally, the tools that you should have are: scissors or stanley knife, a ladder, a brush, a spatula, some sandpaper, a plumb and a sponge and bucket to apply the glue and smooth it while applying the wallpaper.
Preparation of the walls
If the walls in question are cement of gypsum plaster, you’ll need to apply satin plaster paste 24 hours before. This process will protect the wall and prevent it from being damaged when the wallpaper is removed.
If you’re working with painted walls, make sure to wipe the surfaces with detergent and rinse. Then, prepare a surface where the adhesive will hold best by sanding down an area of the painted wall.
If your walls are already wallpapered, you’ll need to scrape off the existing paper. For this, you will need to use a special wallpaper remover that you dilute with hot water. You can also use a wallpaper steamer for this process.
Ensure your walls are smooth and clean. Fill any cracks or holes in the walls with plaster using a spatula. Also make sure to scrape off any obstructing pieces of plaster. Cracks can be covered with adhesive tape and then levelled with the rest of the wall with satin plaster. Once the wall is dry, sand with very fine sandpaper and remove dust. Make sure the wall is completely smooth.
Prepare the wallpaper
Measure the length of the wall where you’ll be starting the work. Cut the first piece using scissors, leaving a 5-10cm margin. For lengths of wallpaper that do not require joints, you can cut other lengths in advance by measuring them according to the first piece. For pieces that will require joining, it’s better to cut lengths as they are being glued in order not to make mistakes. Mark the direction by adding the height of the seam to each piece. You should start bypasting wallpaper from the window, and then proceed in the same direction to complete the room.
Pasting the wallpaper
Start from the top of the wall, and hold the section of paper folded in half. Match the edge of the paper to the line you’ve already drawn, and allow it to overflow from the top of the wall by 3 - 5cm. Stick the section of paper to the wall and smooth out any air bubbles by running a brush or dry cloth from the middle to the edges. Then, open out the other half of the paper, supporting the top of the wallpaper with your hands to prevent it from slipping. Then, paste the bottom.
Paste the other sections of paper by aligning them with lengths already attached. Ensure that all edges of the piece of paper match. If you do make a mistake, you can remove a piece and re-paste it.
Are you interested in having a professional decorator and wallpaper expert go through all this trouble, instead of enduring it yourself? You can fill out a short form and receive quotes from at least three professionals, and then choose the best price for you.
Visual Source: pinterest
