Putting wallpaper on the wall at home can transform a room's look and feel. While the overall process involves several steps, a crucial part is accurately hanging and smoothing the paper once the wall is prepared and pasted, especially when using the paste-the-wall method.
Understanding the Process
Wallpapering involves preparing the surface, applying adhesive, positioning the wallpaper, and smoothing it out to remove air bubbles and ensure a clean finish. Different wallpaper types and methods exist, such as applying paste to the paper or applying paste directly to the wall. The reference specifically mentions the paste-the-wall method.
The Paste-the-Wall Method
This method involves applying the adhesive directly onto the wall surface instead of the back of the wallpaper. This can make the process cleaner and often simpler, as the paper doesn't expand as much when wet, making it easier to handle and position.
Step-by-Step Hanging Guide (Paste-the-Wall)
Based on the information provided from the reference and common practices for the paste-the-wall method, here’s a simplified guide focusing on hanging the first strip:
- Prepare the Wall: Ensure the wall is clean, smooth, and primed appropriately.
- Draw a Plumb Line: Measure out from a corner and draw a vertical line using a level or plumb bob. This ensures your first strip is perfectly straight, which is critical for subsequent strips.
- Apply Paste: Apply wallpaper paste evenly to the wall area for the first strip, slightly wider than the paper itself.
- Hang the First Strip:
- Take your first strip of wallpaper.
- Align the edge of the wallpaper with the plum line you drew on the wall.
- Leave a margin at the top (in the reference's case, "About two inches in our case") for trimming later.
- Once aligned, "Slide the rest in line with your plum. Line" to get the strip positioned correctly along its length.
- Smooth Out the Paper: Gently smooth the wallpaper onto the pasted wall. The reference highlights this step: "and then gently smooth out and work your way. Down." Use a wallpaper brush or smoother to work from the center outwards, pushing out any air bubbles and ensuring good adhesion.
- Trim Excess: Once the strip is smoothed and positioned, carefully trim the excess paper at the top and bottom using a sharp utility knife and a straight edge.
- Hang Subsequent Strips: Align subsequent strips tightly edge-to-edge with the first strip, matching the pattern as you go, pasting the wall section by section.
Key Techniques Mentioned in the Reference
The provided reference specifically highlights these critical actions when hanging the wallpaper strip:
| Action | Description | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Align with Plum Line | Positioning the wallpaper edge along a vertical guide. | Ensures the strip is straight and level. |
| Slide into Position | Adjusting the paper laterally while aligned vertically. | Allows for minor adjustments before smoothing. |
| Gently Smooth Out | Removing air pockets and adhering paper to the wall. | Achieves a clean, professional finish. |
By following these steps, focusing on careful alignment and thorough smoothing, you can successfully apply wallpaper to your walls at home.
