Transform Your Space: A Comprehensive Guide to Wallpapering Like a Pro
Wallpapering can dramatically transform a room, adding personality, texture, and visual interest. While it might seem daunting at first, with careful preparation and the right techniques, you can achieve professional-looking results. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, from selecting the perfect wallpaper to applying the final touches.
## I. Planning and Preparation: Setting the Stage for Success
Before you even think about picking up a roll of wallpaper, meticulous planning and preparation are crucial for a smooth and successful project. This stage involves assessing your walls, gathering the necessary tools, calculating your wallpaper needs, and prepping the surfaces.
### A. Assessing Your Walls: The Foundation of a Flawless Finish
* **Inspect for Imperfections:** Carefully examine your walls for any imperfections, such as holes, cracks, dents, or peeling paint. These flaws will be visible through the wallpaper and can compromise the final appearance. Use a putty knife to scrape away any loose paint or debris.
* **Check for Moisture:** Moisture is wallpaper’s enemy. Look for signs of water damage, such as stains, mold, or mildew. Address any leaks or dampness issues before proceeding. Applying wallpaper to a damp wall will likely result in peeling, bubbling, and mold growth.
* **Test for Paint Adhesion:** If your walls are painted, test the adhesion of the paint. Apply a piece of masking tape to the wall and firmly press it down. Then, quickly pull it off. If the paint comes off with the tape, it indicates poor adhesion. You’ll need to prime the walls with a wallpaper primer or remove the loose paint before wallpapering.
* **Wall Type:** Identify the wall type (drywall, plaster, etc.) as this can influence the primer and adhesive you choose.
### B. Gathering Your Tools: Equipping Yourself for the Task
Having the right tools at your disposal will make the wallpapering process significantly easier and more efficient. Here’s a comprehensive list of essential tools:
* **Wallpaper:** The star of the show! Choose a wallpaper that suits your style and the room’s decor. Consider factors like pattern, color, texture, and durability.
* **Wallpaper Primer:** This crucial product creates a smooth, even surface for the wallpaper to adhere to, seals porous surfaces, and prevents the wallpaper adhesive from being absorbed into the wall. It also makes future wallpaper removal easier.
* **Wallpaper Paste/Adhesive:** Select the appropriate adhesive for your chosen wallpaper type. Some wallpapers come pre-pasted, while others require separate paste. Read the wallpaper manufacturer’s instructions carefully to determine the correct adhesive.
* **Measuring Tape:** Essential for accurately measuring the walls and cutting the wallpaper.
* **Pencil:** For marking cut lines and reference points on the wallpaper and walls.
* **Plumb Bob or Level:** To ensure the first strip of wallpaper is perfectly vertical, which is critical for the rest of the project.
* **Smoothing Brush or Plastic Smoothing Tool:** Used to smooth out air bubbles and wrinkles as you apply the wallpaper to the wall. Avoid using a metal scraper, as it can damage the wallpaper surface.
* **Seam Roller:** To firmly press the seams between wallpaper strips for a seamless appearance.
* **Utility Knife or Sharp Razor Blade:** For trimming excess wallpaper at the top and bottom of the walls.
* **Scissors:** For cutting wallpaper around corners and obstacles.
* **Sponge and Bucket of Clean Water:** To wipe away excess paste from the wallpaper surface and seams.
* **Paste Brush or Roller (if using unpasted wallpaper):** For evenly applying paste to the back of the wallpaper.
* **Paste Table (optional):** A dedicated table makes pasting the wallpaper much easier and cleaner. You can also use a large, flat surface covered with a drop cloth.
* **Drop Cloths:** To protect your floors and furniture from paste and debris.
* **Ladder or Step Stool:** To reach the upper portions of the walls.
* **Safety Glasses:** To protect your eyes from paste splatters.
### C. Calculating Wallpaper Needs: Avoiding Shortages and Waste
Accurately calculating the amount of wallpaper you need is essential to avoid running out mid-project or ending up with excessive waste. Here’s how to do it:
1. **Measure the Wall Height:** Measure the height of each wall from the baseboard to the ceiling. Use the largest measurement if the ceiling isn’t perfectly level.
2. **Measure the Wall Width:** Measure the width of each wall. Add the widths of all the walls together to get the total wall width.
3. **Calculate the Total Square Footage:** Multiply the total wall width by the wall height to get the total square footage of the area you need to cover.
4. **Account for Pattern Repeat:** This is where things get a bit more complex. The pattern repeat is the vertical distance between identical points in the wallpaper pattern. You’ll find this information on the wallpaper label. You need to add extra length to each strip to match the pattern seamlessly.
* **Divide the wall height by the pattern repeat.**
* **Round the result up to the nearest whole number.**
* **Multiply that whole number by the pattern repeat. This is the cut length for each strip.**
5. **Calculate the Number of Strips:** Divide the total wall width by the width of the wallpaper roll (found on the label). This will give you the number of strips you need.
6. **Calculate the Total Rollage Needed:** Multiply the cut length of each strip (step 4) by the number of strips needed (step 5). This gives you the total length of wallpaper you need in inches or feet. Divide the total length needed by the length of a roll to determine how many rolls to buy. Always round *up* to the nearest whole number of rolls to ensure you have enough.
7. **Account for Waste:** It’s always wise to add an extra 10-15% to your total wallpaper calculation to account for waste due to trimming, mistakes, or future repairs. This is especially important for wallpapers with intricate patterns.
8. **Check Dye Lots:** When purchasing multiple rolls of wallpaper, make sure they all have the same dye lot number. Slight variations in color can occur between different dye lots, which can be noticeable on your walls.
### D. Preparing the Walls: Creating a Smooth Canvas
Proper wall preparation is paramount for a professional-looking wallpaper job. Skipping this step can lead to unsightly imperfections and adhesion problems.
1. **Clean the Walls:** Thoroughly clean the walls with a solution of warm water and mild detergent. Remove any dirt, dust, grease, or grime. Rinse with clean water and allow the walls to dry completely.
2. **Repair Imperfections:** Fill any holes, cracks, or dents with spackle or drywall compound. Allow the filler to dry completely and then sand it smooth with fine-grit sandpaper. Remove any sanding dust with a damp cloth.
3. **Remove Obstacles:** Remove any switch plates, outlet covers, light fixtures, or window coverings. This will make it easier to apply the wallpaper and trim around these areas.
4. **Prime the Walls:** Apply a coat of wallpaper primer to the entire wall surface. This will create a uniform surface for the wallpaper to adhere to, seal porous surfaces, and prevent the wallpaper adhesive from being absorbed into the wall. Allow the primer to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
## II. The Wallpapering Process: From Cutting to Completion
With the planning and preparation complete, it’s time to dive into the actual wallpapering process. This stage involves cutting the wallpaper, applying the adhesive, hanging the strips, and finishing the seams and edges.
### A. Cutting the Wallpaper: Precision is Key
1. **Unroll the Wallpaper:** Lay the roll of wallpaper on a clean, flat surface, such as a paste table or a drop cloth. Ensure the surface is large enough to accommodate the length of the wallpaper strips.
2. **Measure and Cut the First Strip:** Measure the height of the wall, adding a few inches to the top and bottom for trimming. Cut the first strip of wallpaper to this length using a utility knife or sharp scissors. Remember to account for the pattern repeat when cutting the subsequent strips.
3. **Match the Pattern (If Applicable):** Align the first strip with the second strip, matching the pattern carefully. Use a pencil to mark the cut line on the second strip. Cut the second strip to the marked length. Continue this process for all the remaining strips, ensuring the pattern matches perfectly.
4. **Number the Strips:** As you cut each strip, number it lightly on the back with a pencil. This will help you keep track of the order in which they should be hung.
### B. Applying the Adhesive: Even Coverage is Essential
The method for applying adhesive depends on whether your wallpaper is pre-pasted or unpasted.
**For Pre-pasted Wallpaper:**
1. **Activate the Adhesive:** Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to activate the adhesive. Typically, this involves soaking the back of the wallpaper in water for a specified amount of time. You may need a water tray specifically designed for this.
2. **Book the Wallpaper:** After soaking, fold the pasted sides of the wallpaper together, paste-to-paste, without creasing. This is called “booking.” Booking allows the adhesive to fully activate and prevents the edges from drying out.
3. **Wait:** Allow the wallpaper to book for the time recommended by the manufacturer (usually 5-10 minutes).
**For Unpasted Wallpaper:**
1. **Prepare the Adhesive:** Mix the wallpaper adhesive according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use a clean bucket and stir the adhesive thoroughly until it is smooth and lump-free.
2. **Apply the Adhesive:** Lay the first strip of wallpaper face down on the paste table. Using a paste brush or roller, apply a generous and even layer of adhesive to the back of the wallpaper. Make sure to cover the entire surface, including the edges.
3. **Book the Wallpaper:** Fold the pasted sides of the wallpaper together, paste-to-paste, without creasing. This is called “booking.” Booking allows the adhesive to fully saturate the wallpaper and prevents the edges from drying out.
4. **Wait:** Allow the wallpaper to book for the time recommended by the adhesive manufacturer (usually 5-10 minutes).
### C. Hanging the Wallpaper: Precision and Patience are Key
1. **Establish a Vertical Guideline:** Use a plumb bob or level to draw a vertical line on the wall, starting a few inches from the corner. This line will serve as a guide for hanging the first strip of wallpaper. Ensuring the first strip is perfectly vertical is crucial for the rest of the project.
2. **Position the First Strip:** Carefully unfold the top portion of the booked wallpaper strip. Align the top edge of the wallpaper with the ceiling and the side edge with the vertical guideline. Leave a small amount of excess wallpaper at the top for trimming.
3. **Smooth the Wallpaper:** Using a smoothing brush or plastic smoothing tool, gently smooth the wallpaper onto the wall, working from the center outwards and downwards. This will remove any air bubbles or wrinkles. Be careful not to stretch the wallpaper.
4. **Unfold the Bottom Portion:** Unfold the bottom portion of the booked wallpaper strip and continue smoothing it onto the wall, working from the center outwards and downwards. Ensure the wallpaper is aligned with the baseboard and leave a small amount of excess wallpaper at the bottom for trimming.
5. **Trim Excess Wallpaper:** Using a utility knife or sharp razor blade, carefully trim the excess wallpaper at the top and bottom of the wall. Use a metal straightedge as a guide for a clean, straight cut. Be careful not to damage the wall surface.
6. **Wipe Away Excess Paste:** Use a damp sponge to wipe away any excess paste from the wallpaper surface and seams. This will prevent the paste from drying and leaving a residue.
7. **Hang Subsequent Strips:** Repeat steps 2-6 for each subsequent strip of wallpaper, carefully aligning the pattern with the previous strip. Butt the edges of the strips together tightly, but do not overlap them. Use a seam roller to firmly press the seams between the strips for a seamless appearance.
8. **Work Around Obstacles:** When you encounter obstacles such as windows, doors, or electrical outlets, carefully measure and cut the wallpaper to fit around them. Use a utility knife or sharp scissors to make precise cuts. Remember to turn off the power to electrical outlets before working around them.
### D. Finishing Touches: Achieving a Polished Look
1. **Inspect for Imperfections:** After hanging all the wallpaper, carefully inspect the walls for any imperfections, such as air bubbles, wrinkles, or loose seams. Use a smoothing brush or seam roller to address these issues.
2. **Clean the Walls:** Use a damp sponge to wipe away any remaining paste or debris from the wallpaper surface. This will leave the walls looking clean and polished.
3. **Reinstall Fixtures:** Reinstall any switch plates, outlet covers, light fixtures, or window coverings that you removed earlier.
4. **Admire Your Work:** Step back and admire your newly wallpapered room! You’ve successfully transformed your space with a fresh and stylish look.
## III. Tips and Tricks for Wallpapering Success
* **Work in a Well-Lit Room:** Good lighting is essential for seeing imperfections and ensuring proper alignment.
* **Use a Sharp Blade:** A dull blade can tear the wallpaper and create jagged edges. Change your blade frequently.
* **Don’t Overlap Seams:** Overlapping seams will create a visible ridge and detract from the overall appearance.
* **Be Patient:** Wallpapering can be a time-consuming process. Don’t rush it. Take your time and focus on accuracy.
* **Consider a Professional:** If you’re not comfortable tackling the project yourself, consider hiring a professional wallpaper installer.
* **Practice on a Smaller Area First:** If you’re new to wallpapering, practice on a small, inconspicuous area, like inside a closet, to get a feel for the process.
* **Consult the Wallpaper Manufacturer’s Instructions:** Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific wallpaper type.
* **Keep a Record of the Wallpaper:** Save a small piece of the wallpaper and the roll label. This will be helpful if you need to make repairs or purchase more wallpaper in the future.
## IV. Troubleshooting Common Wallpapering Problems
* **Air Bubbles:** If you notice air bubbles after hanging the wallpaper, use a needle or pin to prick the bubble and then smooth it out with a smoothing tool.
* **Loose Seams:** If the seams start to come loose, apply a small amount of wallpaper adhesive to the back of the wallpaper and press the seam back into place. Use a seam roller to ensure a firm bond.
* **Tears or Damage:** If you accidentally tear or damage the wallpaper, you can try to patch it with a small piece of leftover wallpaper. Carefully cut a patch slightly larger than the damaged area and apply it to the wall. Match the pattern as closely as possible.
* **Wallpaper Won’t Stick:** If the wallpaper isn’t sticking to the wall, it could be due to insufficient adhesive, a dirty wall surface, or a porous wall. Make sure to use the correct adhesive for your wallpaper type, clean the walls thoroughly, and prime the walls before applying the wallpaper.
## V. Wallpaper Removal: Preparing for a Change
Eventually, you may want to remove the wallpaper. This can be a messy and time-consuming process, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done successfully.
1. **Score the Wallpaper:** Use a scoring tool to perforate the wallpaper surface. This will allow the wallpaper remover to penetrate the wallpaper and loosen the adhesive.
2. **Apply Wallpaper Remover:** Apply a wallpaper remover solution to the scored wallpaper surface. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and dwell time.
3. **Peel Away the Wallpaper:** Use a putty knife or scraper to peel away the wallpaper. Start at the top and work your way down. If the wallpaper is difficult to remove, reapply the wallpaper remover.
4. **Remove Remaining Adhesive:** After removing the wallpaper, you’ll likely have some adhesive residue left on the wall. Use a sponge and warm water to wash away the residue. You may need to use a specialized adhesive remover for stubborn areas.
5. **Repair and Prime the Walls:** Once the adhesive is removed, repair any imperfections in the wall surface and prime the walls before painting or applying new wallpaper.
Wallpapering is a rewarding DIY project that can significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home. By following these comprehensive steps and tips, you can achieve professional-looking results and transform your space into a stylish and inviting haven. Remember to be patient, pay attention to detail, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Happy wallpapering!