Measuring and hanging wallpaper involves careful preparation and execution to achieve a professional-looking result. Here's a step-by-step guide:
1. Measuring Your Walls
- Measure the height of your walls: Use a measuring tape to determine the height from the baseboard to the ceiling in several places along each wall (at least three points: left, center, and right). Note the tallest measurement, as that's what you'll use to cut your wallpaper lengths.
- Measure the width of your walls: Measure the width of each wall you intend to wallpaper. This will help you calculate how many rolls of wallpaper you need.
- Calculate the square footage: Multiply the height by the width of each wall to get the square footage. Add these areas together for the total square footage.
- Account for Pattern Repeat: Take the pattern repeat into consideration when determining the amount of wallpaper to order. A larger pattern repeat means more waste, as you'll need to match the pattern on adjacent strips.
- Estimate Wallpaper Rolls: Most wallpaper rolls have a standard width and length. Check the roll's label to determine the square footage it covers. Divide the total square footage of your walls by the square footage covered by a single roll to determine how many rolls to purchase. Always buy an extra roll or two to account for mistakes, pattern matching, and future repairs.
2. Preparing the Walls
- Remove Obstacles: Remove outlet covers, switch plates, and any other fixtures from the walls.
- Clean the Walls: Wash the walls with a solution of mild detergent and water to remove dirt, grease, and mildew. Rinse thoroughly and allow the walls to dry completely.
- Repair Imperfections: Fill any holes or cracks with spackle. Sand the spackle smooth once it's dry.
- Prime the Walls: Apply a wallpaper primer to the walls. Primer seals the surface, creating a uniform base for the wallpaper and improving adhesion. It also makes it easier to remove the wallpaper in the future. Let the primer dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Cutting the Wallpaper
- Cut the First Strip: Measure the wall height (remember to use the tallest measurement!) and add a few extra inches (usually 2-4 inches) to both the top and bottom for trimming. Cut the first strip to this length.
- Match the Pattern: Lay the first strip on a flat surface (like a large table). For subsequent strips, align the pattern with the first strip and cut, again adding extra length for trimming. It's crucial to number the back of each strip in the order they were cut to avoid mixing up the pattern.
4. Applying the Wallpaper
- Apply Adhesive: Depending on the type of wallpaper you're using (pre-pasted or unpasted), either activate the pre-pasted adhesive with water (following manufacturer's instructions) or apply wallpaper paste evenly to the back of the wallpaper strip.
- Book the Wallpaper: Fold the pasted sides of the wallpaper together, paste-to-paste, being careful not to crease the paper. This is called "booking" and allows the paste to activate evenly. Follow the manufacturer's recommended booking time.
- Position the First Strip: Unfold the top half of the booked wallpaper strip and carefully align it with the ceiling (or top of the wall). Leave the extra inches at the top for trimming.
- Smooth the Wallpaper: Use a wallpaper smoothing tool (like a plastic smoother or a seam roller) to smooth the wallpaper onto the wall, working from the center outwards. This removes air bubbles and ensures good adhesion.
- Unfold and Repeat: Unfold the bottom half of the wallpaper strip and repeat the smoothing process.
- Trim Excess: Use a sharp utility knife or razor blade to trim the excess wallpaper at the top and bottom of the strip. Use a straight edge (like a metal ruler) to ensure a clean, straight cut.
- Wipe Away Excess Paste: Use a damp sponge to wipe away any excess paste that squeezes out from the seams.
- Repeat for Subsequent Strips: Repeat the process for the remaining strips, carefully aligning the pattern as you go. Overlap edges slightly or butt the edges together, depending on the type of wallpaper and desired look. Use a seam roller to flatten the seams.
5. Finishing Touches
- Reinstall Fixtures: Once the wallpaper is dry, reinstall outlet covers, switch plates, and other fixtures.
- Clean Up: Clean up any remaining paste or debris.
