Wallpaper installation is a fantastic way to elevate the look of your home, adding texture, color, and personality to any room. However, getting it just right can be tricky, especially for first-timers. This guide shares expert advice from UK professionals to help you achieve a flawless wallpaper installation, ensuring your walls look beautiful for years to come.
Preparing Your Walls for Wallpaper Installation
Before you start applying wallpaper, preparation is key. Here are the essential steps to get your walls ready:
- Clean the surface: Ensure the wall is free of dust, grease, or grime. A clean surface ensures the wallpaper adhesive sticks properly.
- Fill in cracks or holes: Use filler to smooth out any imperfections. Wallpaper cannot hide significant bumps or cracks, so even out the surface before starting.
- Prime the wall: Applying a primer or wallpaper sizing helps the wallpaper adhere better and makes it easier to remove in the future.
- Remove old wallpaper: If there is old wallpaper, it must be removed completely to avoid lumps or uneven textures beneath the new layer.
- Sand the walls: If necessary, sand down any rough areas for a smooth, flat surface that allows seamless wallpaper application.
Choosing the Right Wallpaper for Your Space
Not all wallpaper is created equal, and selecting the appropriate type for your space is essential:
- Vinyl wallpaper: Durable and moisture-resistant, ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas.
- Non-woven wallpaper: Easy to install and remove, making it perfect for beginners or renters who might want to change the decor frequently.
- Textured wallpaper: Adds depth and dimension to a room but requires more precision during installation.
- Grasscloth wallpaper: Natural and eco-friendly, but it’s more delicate and not ideal for high-moisture areas.
Measuring and Cutting Wallpaper
Precise measurement and cutting are critical to avoid mistakes. Here’s how to ensure accuracy:
- Measure the wall height and width: Measure from the top to the bottom of the wall and account for extra length in case the wallpaper shrinks during drying.
- Add extra length for trimming: Always cut the wallpaper a few inches longer than needed to allow for trimming at the edges.
- Match patterns carefully: If your wallpaper has a pattern, account for pattern repeat to ensure seamless alignment across panels.
- Use a straight edge and sharp blade: To make clean cuts, use a ruler or straight edge along with a sharp utility knife.
Hanging Wallpaper: Step-by-Step Guide
UK professionals suggest a methodical approach when applying wallpaper. Follow these steps for a smooth installation:
- Start in a corner: Begin at the corner of the room and work your way around. This helps ensure the wallpaper is aligned properly throughout the room.
- Use a plumb line: Mark a straight, vertical line on the wall using a plumb line to ensure your first strip is straight. This prevents crooked wallpaper down the line.
- Apply wallpaper adhesive evenly: If your wallpaper requires paste, apply it evenly to either the wall or the back of the wallpaper, depending on the type.
- Smooth the wallpaper down: Use a wallpaper brush or smoothing tool to press the wallpaper onto the wall, starting from the center and working your way outward to eliminate bubbles.
- Trim excess wallpaper: Once the wallpaper is applied, trim any excess material at the top and bottom using a sharp knife and a straight edge.
- Wipe off excess glue: Use a damp sponge to clean any adhesive that seeps out during application to prevent it from drying on the wallpaper.
Dealing with Wallpaper Seams and Corners
Seams and corners can be tricky, but UK professionals have advice to make them look seamless:
- Overlap slightly: When meeting two pieces of wallpaper, slightly overlap the edges (especially with patterned wallpaper) to avoid visible gaps.
- Use seam rollers: After hanging each strip, gently press the seams with a seam roller to ensure they lie flat.
- Corners: For inside corners, slightly overlap the wallpaper from one wall onto the next, and then start the next strip as close to the corner as possible.
Tools You’ll Need for Wallpaper Installation
Having the right tools is crucial for a smooth and efficient installation. Here’s what the pros recommend:
- Wallpaper brush or smoother: For eliminating air bubbles and ensuring the wallpaper adheres evenly.
- Utility knife and extra blades: To trim excess wallpaper with precision.
- Paste brush or roller: For applying wallpaper adhesive.
- Plumb line or level: To ensure your first strip of wallpaper is straight.
- Tape measure: For accurate measurements of your wall and wallpaper strips.
- Sponge and bucket: For wiping off excess glue and cleaning up after installation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with careful preparation, there are some common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are mistakes UK professionals advise avoiding:
- Skipping wall preparation: Failing to clean or prime the walls can lead to poor adhesion and bubbles in the wallpaper.
- Not matching patterns: When using patterned wallpaper, always match up the pattern carefully to avoid mismatched seams.
- Cutting too short: Always measure generously and cut extra to avoid running short at the top or bottom of the wall.
- Rushing the process: Take your time, especially when lining up strips or working around obstacles like light switches or corners.
FAQs on Wallpaper Installation
1. Can I wallpaper over old wallpaper?
It’s generally not recommended. Removing old wallpaper ensures a smoother, more even surface for the new wallpaper to adhere to.
2. How long should I wait before hanging wallpaper after priming the walls?
Allow primer or wallpaper sizing to dry completely, which typically takes about 24 hours.
3. How can I prevent air bubbles from forming?
Use a wallpaper brush to smooth out bubbles as you apply each strip, working from the center outwards. Avoid using too much adhesive, as excess glue can create bubbles.
4. What’s the best type of wallpaper for high-moisture areas?
Vinyl wallpapers are moisture-resistant and ideal for bathrooms or kitchens, where condensation can be an issue.
5. How do I remove wallpaper without damaging the walls?
Non-woven wallpapers are often strippable, meaning they can be removed in one piece without damaging the wall. For other types, you may need to use a wallpaper removal solution.
