Wallpapering an angled wall, like a sloped ceiling or a gable end, requires careful technique, starting with setting your first strip along a plumb line and managing the paper's movement along the slope.
Applying wallpaper to an angled wall differs slightly from a standard vertical wall due to the change in direction and the need to manage the paper's weight and adhesion on a non-vertical surface. A key technique involves establishing your starting point accurately and working carefully along the slope.
Starting Right: The Plumb Line is Crucial
Even on an angled wall, your vertical alignment is critical. You must start by drawing a plumb line near your chosen starting corner. This line ensures your first strip is perfectly straight vertically, providing a true guide for subsequent strips.
- Draw your plumb line: Measure from the corner (usually one strip width minus about 1-2 cm) and use a plumb bob or a level to draw a light pencil line down the wall.
Positioning the First Strip on the Angle
Once your adhesive is applied (to the wall for paste-the-wall papers, or to the paper for traditional papers), it's time to position the first strip.
- Align with the plumb line: Guide the edge of the wallpaper strip along your drawn plumb line.
- Overlap the ceiling/gable: As mentioned in the reference, the wallpaper should be set along the plumb line and moved a few centimetres over the ceiling or gable area. This overlap provides material to trim neatly later.
- Let the lower part hang: Ensure that the lower part of the wallpaper strip doesn't touch the wall initially. Let it hang free while you work on the upper section. This prevents it from sticking prematurely in the wrong position.
Working Down the Slope
Applying the paper smoothly down the angle requires patience and a specific technique:
- Move bit by bit: Starting from the top where the paper is aligned with the plumb line and overlapping the angle, gently press the paper onto the wall. Move along the slope bit by bit, smoothing the paper as you go down.
- Brush and smooth: Brush the wallpaper onto the wall using a wallpaper brush or plastic smoother.
- Release air: As you brush, work from the centre of the strip outwards towards the edges. This motion allows the air to escape towards the sides, preventing bubbles. Continue working down the slope, gradually adhering the paper and removing air, while keeping the lower section free from the wall until you reach that point.
Trimming and Finishing
Once the strip is fully adhered and smoothed, you can trim the excess at the top (where it overlaps the ceiling/gable) and at the bottom. Use a sharp craft knife and a straight edge or smoother to get a clean cut.
Subsequent strips are applied next to the first, aligning edges carefully, following the same process of aligning, working down the slope bit by bit, brushing, and removing air.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Step | Action | Angled Wall Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Mark Guide Line | Draw a plumb line for the first strip. | Essential for vertical alignment despite the wall angle. |
| 2. Apply Adhesive | Paste wall or paper depending on wallpaper type. | Ensure even coverage. |
| 3. Position Top | Align top of first strip along the plumb line. | Move a few centimetres over the ceiling or gable area. |
| 4. Work Down Slope | Gently adhere paper from top downwards. | Move along the slope bit by bit. |
| 5. Smooth | Use a brush or smoother to press paper onto wall. | Brush the wallpaper onto the wall, allowing the air to escape towards the sides. |
| 6. Manage Bottom | Keep lower section free while working the top/middle. | Make sure that the lower part of the wallpaper strip doesn't touch the wall initially. |
| 7. Trim Excess | Carefully cut off overlap at ceiling/gable and baseboard. | Use a sharp knife and straight edge for clean lines against the angle. |
Working carefully, managing the paper's weight, and smoothing out air bubbles effectively are key to successfully wallpapering an angled wall.
