Putting wallpaper on shelves can add a pop of color and personality to your furniture piece. The basic process involves preparing the surface, cutting the wallpaper to size, applying adhesive, and carefully placing the paper onto the shelf back.
To effectively wallpaper the back of shelves, such as a bookcase, you'll need your chosen wallpaper, wallpaper paste, and basic tools for measuring and cutting. Ensuring the surface is clean and smooth is the first step.
Step-by-Step Process
Based on standard practices and the provided reference, here is a guide on how to put wallpaper on the back of shelves:
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Prepare Your Area and Materials:
- Clear the shelves completely.
- Gather your wallpaper roll, making sure it's large enough for the total area you want to cover.
- Lay out the wallpaper on a flat surface.
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Measure and Cut:
- Measure the dimensions of the back of each shelf section you want to cover.
- Cut sections to the size of the back of the shelves. As the reference suggests, you may want to cut your pieces a little larger than needed so there aren't gaps. You can trim the excess later.
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Apply Paste:
- Starting with the back of the bookcase, cover with wallpaper paste*. Apply the paste evenly to the area you are about to wallpaper, following the instructions specific to your wallpaper paste type.
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Hang the Wallpaper:
- Carefully align your cut wallpaper piece with the top edge of the pasted section.
- Hang wallpaper from the top edge, smoothing it down with a wallpaper brush or smoother to remove any air bubbles as you work your way down.
- Trim any excess paper along the edges using a utility knife and straight edge once it's in place.
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Repeat for Remaining Sections:
- Continue this process for each section of the shelf back you wish to wallpaper, aligning subsequent pieces as needed.
Using this method, you can update the look of your shelves and display items against a fresh, decorative background. Remember to allow sufficient drying time before placing items back on the shelves.
