By Darcy Logan
Deciding to wallpaper can be scary for the beginner. It doesn't have to be if you keep a few things in mind before you start wallpapering. They might not make you enjoy it, but they will make the job easier.
1. Order all the wallpaper that you expect to need at the same time. When it arrives, double check the lot numbers to insure it was from the same run. Different runs can have slightly different colors and won't always match.
2. Consider hanging a medium-weight lining paper on the wall before hanging your wallpaper. Lining paper will prevent the wallpaper from creasing or stretching and help the paste to dry faster. Plus, it will give you good practice if you're just beginning.
3. Apply a one-inch stripe of white paint along the top of the wall before wallpapering over dark paint or wallpaper. This way, it won't be as noticeable if the wallpaper fails to align exactly at the top.
4. Gather all your tools necessary before starting. These include a seam roller, wallpaper smoother or brush, a carpenter's level, a few pushpins, steel tape measure, scissors, a long tray filled two-thirds full of lukewarm water, a wet sponge, a bucket of water, a broad putty knife, and a utility knife.
5. Don't use newspapers to cover your pasting table. The ink from the wet newspaper could stain the wallpaper. Cover the table with a plastic tablecloth instead.
6. House walls are not usually perfect right angles, also known as plumb. To ensure that your wallpaper is straight, you will need to make a plumb line. This can be done by using a special device called a plumb bob or a carpenter's level.
7. Even if you use a plumb bob to make your first line, keep a carpenter's level handy. Use it to double check that your wallpaper is straight. Otherwise, it could be several strips too late by the time you notice. A carpenter's level can also help you cut straighter when you are cutting strips from the roll.
8. The first strip should be about four inches longer than the height of the wall. Strips after that should be at least two inches longer on the top and bottom but may need to be longer than the first one to insure that the pattern matches.
9. Once you've measured and cut the first strip—and you're positive it's the correct size—lay it flat out the floor and measure the next strip. Make sure there is enough space at the top and bottom of the second strip so that the patterns line up correctly. You can use a pencil to label the back of the wallpaper if you are preparing several strips at a time (it won't disappear when the paper gets wet). Laying it all out on the floor is much easier than trying to do it on the walls.
10. When booking a strip, don't fold it into fourths. It is easier to hang paper if there is a smaller portion at the top. This way, you can unfold the smaller portion and position the paper before unfolding the larger portion.
11. To ensure your paper doesn't dry out while it is booking, enclose it in a large plastic bag. This is also useful if you plan on booking several strips at one time.
12. Turn off the power in the room before papering around switches and receptacles. Then, paper over them as if they were not there and make a diagonal slit from opposite corners. Trim away the triangular flaps and replace the cover plate.
13. Double and triple check newly hung strips for bubbles and seam matches.
14. Use your sponge to wipe any excess adhesive off the wallpaper, ceiling, and baseboard. Make sure you rinse the sponge often.
15. Make sure your utility knife is sharp before trimming. Dull knives will cause the wallpaper to tear and could lead to uneven lines or damaged wallpaper.
16. Keep a broad putty knife between the wallpaper and the blade when trimming. This will protect the paper and ensure a straight cut. Also, don't lift the knife blade until you're done.
17. An alternative way to trim wallpaper is to use the back of a scissors blade to mark the angles on the wall covering. Then, pull the paper away from the wall and trim it along the marked line with a scissors. Only attempt this if you can cut a straight line.
18. Use push pins to keep long strips of border or paper secure. Place the pin in a lighter portion of the paper to minimize the chances of it showing. After removing it, run the seam roller over the paper to smooth out the hole.
19. You will need a special paste if you plan to hang border on top of your wallpaper. You should let the wallpaper dry at least 48 hours before hanging the wallpaper border.
20. Faceplates are easy to paper. Find a scrap of paper that matches the area of the wall next to the faceplate. Once you've matched it, trim the paper so it is about one-inch wider than the plate. You might want to sand or prime the faceplate before applying the wallpaper, but this is not always necessary. Lay the paper over the faceplate and check to see that it aligns. Then, cut the paper so that it is one-half inch wider than the plate. Wet the paper and lay it over the plate. With your utility knife cut a small X (if it is a receptacle plate) or a line (if it is a switch plate) where the holes are. Double check that the paper aligns before trimming the excess paper away. Cut off the corners of the paper and fold the edges around the sides. Trim the openings and use a nail to poke holes where the screws will go. Reinstall the plate.
© Doityourself.com 2006
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