Wallpaper adds a decorative element in your home no matter what style or look you’re going for. However, the process requires attention to details, especially if you are hanging patterned wallpaper that requires matching at the seams. Here is an all-inclusive guide to hanging your own wallpaper;
Prepare the walls
Use a large sponge to wash any dust or dirt from the walls. This should be done gently to avoid removing the adhesive. If there is old wallpaper, remove it using the best wallpaper steamer you can find. On top of that, you should remove any chipped paint until you get a smooth surface.
Identify your starting point
Use a pencil to draw a vertical line on the starting point. This line marks where you will place the first strip of your wallpaper. Ideally, you should start and finish at the corners. The focal point should have the fewest seams.
Cut the wallpaper
Lay the first roll on a flat surface. Cut the first wallpaper strip adding a few inches at the top and bottom. Make sure you pay close attention to the pattern.
Apply wallpaper paste
If the wallpaper is un-pasted, use a large brush to apply a premixed paste starting from the middle to the end. Fold the bottom edge to the middle to keep the paste from drying out. Be careful not to crease the wallpaper. For pre-pasted wallpaper, roll up the first cut and then immerse at room-temperature water.
Hang the wallpaper
Carefully unfold the first piece of the wallpaper starting from the ceiling by positioning it against the guide line. Brush it down from top into the junction. Make sure you don’t tear or crease it.
Trim and join the next length
Use a straight-edge razor or a utility knife to trim the excess wallpaper. Brush it by paying special attention to the edges to avoid any wrinkles. If you identify any crease, make a line with a pencil. Continue brushing the trimmed edges against the baseboard and the ceiling. Use a damp sponge to wipe away any excess paste from the surface of the wallpaper.
Paper the side of a window recess
The next length of paper should overlap the recess. Use a utility knife to make horizontal cuts before bending the resulting flap into the recess. Trim the paper to fill around the seal, and then brush to remove creases.
Align and clean up the seams
Match the pattern at eye-level to avoid any misalignment. At the same time, check the seam as you work all the way down. Do not apply too much pressure to avoid creating a shiny seam once the paper dries off. Use a wet sponge to clean the seam points.
