A weekend and some prep work is all it takes to hang a room with wallpaper. Most modern papers come pre-pasted, eliminating the need for starch and making the job much easier.
Choose an inconspicuous corner to start hanging the first strip. Line up the top of the paper with the ceiling, if necessary, to make it straight.
Start with a Clean Wall
Whether you’re using prepasted or unpasted wallpaper, the first step is the same. Wash the wall with TSP or a substitute to dissolve grease, oils and other residue. Then rinse the wall with clean water and dry thoroughly.
Then use a level to draw a plumb line where you want your first strip of wallpaper to begin. Professionals often cut full-length strips ahead of time to speed up the hanging process.
Next, unroll the first strip and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to “book” — a process that allows the adhesive on the back of the paper to become goopy and more easily installed (Photos 1 & 2).
While the paper is still booked, unfold the top half of the sheet and position it on the ceiling. Align the pattern and leave an inch at the top and bottom for trimming. Repeat this process for every other sheet of wallpaper you hang. Overlapping the patterns of each strip will ensure a perfectly matching seam when you finish.
Measure the Walls
The first step in the process is to measure the total area of the walls you want to wallpaper, taking into account doors and windows (and any baseboards or crown molding you plan on covering). Add up these measurements to get your total wall square meterage. Make sure to include any extra space you’ll need for trimming, too.
Most commercially available wallpapers are paper-backed vinyls that are much easier to work with than traditional, tear-prone plain papers and generally come pre-pasted so you don’t need starch. If your chosen wallpaper has a dominant element, center it on the wall people will first notice when they enter the room. For more info, do visit this website wallpaper singapore.
If you’re using a pattern that has a vertical pattern repeat, start by calculating how many “drops” you will need. This will be your basis for determining how many rolls of wallpaper you’ll need. Always round up these calculations to avoid having to order more wallpaper midway through the job.
Cut the Strips
Professionals cut all the full-length strips needed for a room before they begin pasting. This allows them to work faster and ensures well-matched seams.
Before you cut your first strip, decide where in the room to hang it. It’s typically best to start in the least conspicuous location, such as behind a door. If your wallpaper has a large pattern, centralizing the pattern above a focal point of the room is usually the best option as it presents the most balanced look.
After cutting your strip, moisten it and smooth out any air bubbles with a smoothing tool. It’s important to read the instructions for your particular type of wallpaper. Some require you to book the paper, which means folding its pasted sides together (but not creasing) and letting it sit for a few minutes. This relaxes any creases and helps the glue spread out and adhere more evenly to the wall. Other types of wallpaper do not require booking and can be hung immediately.
Apply the Paste
A roll of ROMAN wall-size, a primer/sizer that provides exceptional adhesion, is available at most home centers. It will make your wallpaper hang smoother and minimize the chance of seams popping.
Using a roller, apply an even coat of wall-size to the entire room where you plan to hang your wallpaper (Photo 2). This step helps ensure good coverage and prevents wallpaper shrinking as it dries.
Pros like to work left to right or right to left, depending on the direction they prefer. If you decide to work in a particular direction, commit to it and stick with it throughout the job. It will make it much easier to match up pattern repeats as you progress through the room.
Immediately before applying the first strip, use a level to draw a plumb line where you want your first drop of wallpaper to begin and end (Photo 3). This line will help you align the rest of the strips as they are applied.
