Discover the steps to hang wallpaper and transform your living space. Our guide makes it easy for beginners to achieve professional-looking results!
Wallpaper can dramatically transform any room, introducing an element of style, color, and personality. However, hanging wallpaper might appear to be a daunting task for beginners. But with the right tools and steps, you can achieve professional-looking results!
Let’s dive into our easy-to-follow guide on how to hang wallpaper and give your space a fresh, new look.
Preparing Your Walls
- Remove Old Wallpaper:
- Use a wallpaper remover solution and a scraping tool to peel off any old wallpaper.
- Smooth Out the Walls:
- Once the old wallpaper is off, fill in any holes or cracks with a filler.
- Clean and Prime:
- Clean the wall with a mild detergent and water. After drying, apply a primer to ensure the wallpaper adheres properly.
Hanging the Wallpaper
- Measure and Cut:
- Measure the height of your wall and add an extra 4 inches for overlap. Cut the wallpaper accordingly.
- Apply the Adhesive:
- Apply an even layer of wallpaper adhesive on the back of the cutout using a brush or roller.
- Attach the Wallpaper:
- Starting from the top, carefully attach the wallpaper onto the wall. Use a smoothing tool to remove any bubbles or creases.
- Trim Excess:
- After the wallpaper is in place, use a utility knife to trim off the excess from the top and bottom.
- Repeat:
- Continue the process for the remaining walls. Ensure the patterns match up.
Advanced Tips for Hanging Wallpaper
- Choose the Right Wallpaper:
- Wallpapers come in a variety of materials like vinyl, fabric, grasscloth, and more. Depending on your room’s function and your lifestyle, make sure to choose the right type. For instance, vinyl wallpapers are great for bathrooms and kitchens as they are water-resistant and easy to clean.
- Work in Teams:
- Wallpaper hanging can be a bit challenging to manage single-handedly, especially when working with large patterns or delicate materials. If possible, enlist the help of a friend or family member.
- Booking the Wallpaper:
- ‘Booking’ refers to folding the wallpaper onto itself, adhesive side in, after applying the adhesive. This allows the adhesive to activate fully and makes handling the paper easier.
- Seam Management:
- To keep the seams between wallpaper strips invisible, don’t press too hard when using the smoothing tool. If adhesive oozes out from the seams, it may leave a shiny residue when dried.
- Keep It Clean:
- Have a sponge and warm water handy to clean up any adhesive that might get on the front of the wallpaper.
- Wait Before Judging:
- It’s normal for wallpaper to have bubbles or seem misaligned while it’s wet. Don’t panic and let it dry completely before making any final judgements.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hanging Wallpaper
- Skipping Wall Preparation: This is one of the most common mistakes. Failing to properly prepare your walls can lead to peeling or bubbling wallpaper. Take time to remove old wallpaper, fill in any holes, clean, and prime the walls.
- Not Ordering Enough Wallpaper: Always order a bit more wallpaper than you think you’ll need. This accounts for mistakes, pattern matching, and future repairs.
- Ignoring the Pattern Match: If your wallpaper has a pattern, ensure it matches up across all strips. This might mean more waste, but the end result will be worth it.
- Not Smoothing Out Bubbles Immediately: Bubbles can be removed by smoothing out the wallpaper while the adhesive is still wet. Once dried, they’re difficult to remove without causing damage.
- Rushing the Process: Take your time to measure accurately, apply adhesive evenly, and smooth out the wallpaper. Rushing might lead to misalignment or damage.
Additional Tips
- Start from the Corner: Always start hanging your wallpaper from a corner of the room. This gives you a straight edge to work from and makes the process easier.
- Overlap the Corners: When hanging wallpaper around corners, allow a small amount to overlap onto the next wall. This prevents the corners from peeling away.
- Use a Plumb Line: Walls and corners aren’t always straight. To ensure your wallpaper is, use a plumb line for the first piece.
Let’s explore the various types of wallpaper available in the market.
1. Vinyl Wallpaper
Vinyl wallpaper is one of the most common and durable types. It’s ideal for kitchens and bathrooms because it’s resistant to moisture and easy to clean. There are two types – vinyl-coated (paper coated with a layer of vinyl) and solid vinyl (made entirely of vinyl).
How to Hang Vynil Wallpaper – Click Here
2. Non-Woven Wallpaper
Made of a blend of synthetic and natural fibers, non-woven wallpapers are breathable, which helps prevent mold and mildew. They’re washable, tear-resistant, and easier to remove compared to other types.
How to Hang Non-Woven Wallpaper – Click Here
3. Pre-Pasted Wallpaper
As the name suggests, pre-pasted wallpaper comes with a pre-applied adhesive layer. All you need to do is dampen the wallpaper to activate the glue before hanging it, making the process less messy.
How to Hang Pre-Pasted Wallpaper – Click Here
4. Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Peel and stick, or self-adhesive wallpaper, is a great temporary solution as it’s easy to install and remove without leaving residue. It’s an excellent choice for renters or those who like to frequently change their décor.
How to Hang Peel and Stick Wallpaper – Click Here
5. Foil Wallpaper
Made of metallic foil, this type of wallpaper adds a shiny, luxurious touch to any room. However, it’s not recommended for walls with imperfections as the foil tends to highlight any bumps or cracks.
How to Hang Foil Wallpaper – Click Here
6. Flock Wallpaper
Flock wallpaper has a velvet-like pattern on its surface, giving your room a vintage, luxurious feel. Due to its delicate nature, it’s best for low-traffic areas.
How to Hang Flock Wallpaper – Click Here
7. Grasscloth Wallpaper
Grasscloth wallpaper is an eco-friendly option made from woven grasses and plant fibers. It adds a warm, textured, and organic feel to your room, though it can be more difficult to clean and hang.
How to Hang Grasscloth Wallpaper – Click Here
8. Embossed Wallpaper
Embossed wallpaper has raised designs that can help hide wall imperfections. It’s paintable, allowing you to customize the color to match your décor.
How to Hang Embossed Wallpaper – Click Here
Each type of wallpaper has its unique characteristics and best use scenarios. So, when choosing wallpaper, consider the room’s function, wall condition, and your style preferences. Whether you prefer the durability of vinyl or the luxe look of flock, there’s a wallpaper out there for you.
FAQs
- What tools do I need to hang wallpaper?
- You need a wallpaper adhesive, a brush or roller, a smoothing tool, a utility knife, and a tape measure.
- Can I hang wallpaper on textured walls?
- Yes, but the wall needs to be smooth and clean. You may need to sand the wall or apply lining paper first.
- Can I hang wallpaper over old wallpaper?
- While possible, it’s recommended to remove the old wallpaper for the best results.
- How long does it take for wallpaper adhesive to dry?
- Typically, it takes between 24 to 48 hours for wallpaper adhesive to dry completely.
- How much wallpaper will I need?
- This depends on the size of your room and the pattern repeat of your wallpaper. Many online retailers provide wallpaper calculators to help estimate the required quantity.
- How to remove wallpaper?
- Use a scoring tool to create tiny holes in the wallpaper. Apply a wallpaper remover solution and leave it to soak for a while. Then, use a scraper to remove the wallpaper.
- Can I wallpaper a ceiling?
- Yes, it’s possible, though it might be a bit more challenging due to working overhead. You may need a helper to make the process easier.
- What’s the best way to clean wallpaper?
- It depends on the type of wallpaper. Most vinyl wallpapers can be lightly sponged with soapy water, while others might only be ‘spongeable’, meaning they can only handle light dampness.
- How often should I change wallpaper?
- There is no fixed timeline, it depends on your personal preference and the condition of the wallpaper. Generally, wallpaper can last between 10 to 15 years.