Wallpaper has the transformative power to instantly elevate a room, adding personality, texture, and color in a way that paint alone cannot achieve. While the prospect of installing wallpaper may seem daunting to some, with the right preparation, tools, and techniques, it can be a rewarding do-it-yourself project that yields professional-looking results. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, from preparing your walls to mastering the art of pattern matching, ensuring a flawless finish that will stand the test of time.
The Importance of Proper Preparation
The secret to a successful wallpaper installation lies in meticulous preparation. A properly prepared surface will not only make the installation process smoother but will also ensure the longevity and durability of your wallpaper. The first step is to thoroughly clean your walls to remove any dust, dirt, or grease that could interfere with adhesion. A solution of mild soap and water is usually sufficient, but for more stubborn grime, a solution of trisodium phosphate (TSP) and water may be necessary. Be sure to rinse the walls thoroughly with clean water and allow them to dry completely.
Next, inspect your walls for any imperfections, such as cracks, holes, or uneven surfaces. Fill any cracks or holes with spackle or joint compound, and sand the patches smooth once they are dry. For uneven surfaces, a skim coat of joint compound may be necessary to create a smooth, uniform surface. It is also essential to remove any old wallpaper before installing a new one. While it may be tempting to wallpaper over existing paper, this can lead to adhesion problems and an uneven finish. Use a wallpaper stripper and a scraper to remove the old paper, and be sure to remove any residual adhesive with a sponge and warm water.
Finally, it is crucial to prime your walls before wallpapering. A wallpaper primer, also known as a sizing, serves several important functions. It creates a uniform surface for the wallpaper to adhere to, prevents the wallpaper paste from being absorbed into the drywall, and makes the wallpaper easier to remove in the future. Apply a coat of wallpaper primer with a roller and allow it to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Assembling Your Wallpaper Installation Toolkit
Having the right tools on hand will make the wallpaper installation process much more efficient and enjoyable. While some specialty tools are required, many are common household items. Your essential wallpaper installation toolkit should include a tape measure, a pencil, a level or plumb line, a straightedge or yardstick, a sharp utility knife or razor knife with plenty of extra blades, a wallpaper smoother or plastic putty knife, a seam roller, a wallpaper brush, a paint roller with a 3/8-inch nap, a paint tray, a bucket for water, and a sponge. For traditional wallpaper that requires pasting, you will also need a pasting table, a pasting brush or roller, and the appropriate wallpaper adhesive.
Mastering Different Installation Methods
The installation method you use will depend on the type of wallpaper you have chosen. The three main types of wallpaper are traditional (unpasted), pre-pasted, and peel-and-stick. Each has its own unique installation process.
Traditional (Unpasted) Wallpaper
Traditional wallpaper requires the application of wallpaper paste to the back of the paper before hanging. This method offers the strongest and most durable bond, making it ideal for high-traffic areas and long-term installations. To install traditional wallpaper, first cut your strips to the desired length, adding a few inches at the top and bottom for trimming. Next, apply a thin, even coat of wallpaper paste to the back of the first strip using a pasting brush or roller. Be sure to cover the entire surface, paying special attention to the edges.
Once the paste is applied, you will need to “book” the wallpaper. This involves gently folding each end of the strip toward the middle, with the pasted sides together, being careful not to crease the paper. Booking allows the paste to activate and the paper to relax, which helps to prevent bubbles and wrinkles during installation. Let the paper rest for the amount of time specified in the manufacturer’s instructions, typically 5-10 minutes.
Pre-pasted Wallpaper
Pre-pasted wallpaper has a dried adhesive on the back that is activated by water. This method is less messy than traditional wallpapering and is a good option for DIY installers. To install pre-pasted wallpaper, cut your strips to the desired length and roll them with the pattern side in. Submerge the rolled strip in a tray of lukewarm water for the amount of time specified in the manufacturer’s instructions, usually 30-60 seconds. Gently unroll the strip as you pull it out of the water, and then book the paper as you would with traditional wallpaper to allow the paste to activate.
Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
Peel-and-stick wallpaper is the easiest and most user-friendly option, making it ideal for renters, accent walls, and temporary installations. This type of wallpaper has a self-adhesive backing that allows you to simply peel off the backing and apply it to the wall. To install peel-and-stick wallpaper, cut your strips to the desired length and then peel back a few inches of the backing from the top of the strip. Align the top of the strip with the ceiling and then gradually peel away the rest of the backing as you smooth the wallpaper onto the wall with a plastic smoother.
The Art of Hanging Wallpaper: A Step-by-Step Guide
Regardless of the type of wallpaper you are using, the basic principles of hanging are the same. Start by establishing a plumb line on your wall with a level or plumb bob. This will ensure that your first strip is perfectly straight, which is crucial for the rest of the installation. Begin hanging your first strip along the plumb line, leaving a few inches of excess paper at the top and bottom for trimming. Use a wallpaper brush or plastic smoother to smooth the paper onto the wall, working from the center out to remove any air bubbles.
When hanging subsequent strips, you will need to match the pattern at the seams. Gently slide the new strip into place, aligning the pattern with the previous strip. The seams should be butted up against each other, with no overlap and no gaps. Use a seam roller to gently press the seams together, being careful not to press too hard, as this can squeeze out the adhesive and create a visible line.
Trimming the excess paper at the ceiling and baseboard is the final step in hanging each strip. Use a sharp utility knife and a straightedge or wide putty knife to make a clean, straight cut. It is essential to use a sharp blade for each cut to avoid tearing the paper. Change your blade frequently to ensure a professional finish.
Navigating Corners and Obstacles
Wallpapering around corners and obstacles such as windows, doors, and outlets requires patience and precision. For inside corners, hang the strip so that it extends about 1/2 inch onto the adjacent wall. Press the paper firmly into the corner and then make a plumb line on the adjacent wall to start the next strip. For outside corners, wrap the paper around the corner by about 1 inch and then start the next strip on the other side of the corner, overlapping the first strip. Use a sharp knife and a straightedge to cut through both layers of paper at the corner, and then peel away the excess strips to create a perfect seam.
When wallpapering around windows and doors, hang the strip so that it overlaps the frame. Make diagonal cuts at the corners of the frame to allow the paper to lie flat against the wall. Use your smoother to press the paper firmly around the frame, and then trim the excess with a sharp knife. For outlets and light switches, turn off the power to the circuit, remove the cover plates, and then hang the wallpaper over the opening. Use your knife to make an “X” cut over the opening, and then trim away the excess paper before replacing the cover plate.
Troubleshooting Common Wallpapering Issues
Even with careful preparation and installation, you may encounter some common wallpapering issues. Bubbles and wrinkles can occur if air is trapped under the paper or if the paper was not booked properly. Small bubbles can often be smoothed out with a plastic smoother. For larger bubbles, you can use a pin or the tip of your knife to make a small slit in the bubble, and then use your smoother to press out the air. If the edges of your wallpaper start to lift, you can use a small amount of wallpaper seam adhesive to reattach them. Apply the adhesive with a small brush and then use your seam roller to press the edge back into place.
Pattern mismatch is another common issue, especially for beginners. If you notice that your pattern is not aligning properly, it is best to peel back the strip and reposition it immediately. If the paste has already dried, you may need to gently moisten the back of the paper to reactivate the adhesive. Taking the time to correct mistakes as you go will ensure a much more professional-looking final result.
The Finishing Touches: Curing and Cleaning
After you have finished hanging your wallpaper, it is important to allow it to cure properly. This means avoiding any direct contact with the wallpaper and maintaining a consistent temperature and humidity level in the room for at least 24-48 hours. Once the wallpaper is fully cured, you can gently clean any excess paste from the surface with a damp sponge. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific cleaning recommendations, as some delicate papers may require special care.
Wallpaper installation is a skill that improves with practice. By following the steps outlined in this guide and taking your time to work carefully and methodically, you can achieve a beautiful, professional-looking result that will transform your home and bring you years of enjoyment. The satisfaction of having successfully completed a DIY wallpaper project is a reward in itself, and the beauty it brings to your home is a lasting testament to your efforts.