Applying paper-backed wallpaper requires careful preparation and technique to ensure a smooth, professional finish. Here's a breakdown of the process:
1. Preparation is Key:
- Surface Preparation: The wall must be clean, dry, smooth, and free of any loose paint or debris. Fill any holes or imperfections with spackle and sand smooth. Priming the wall with a wallpaper primer is crucial. This helps the wallpaper adhere properly, prevents the adhesive from being absorbed into the wall, and makes future removal easier.
- Wallpaper Preparation: Measure the height of the wall and add a few inches to the top and bottom for trimming. Cut the wallpaper to the appropriate length. Pattern matching is essential, so align each subsequent strip with the previous one before cutting.
- Gather Your Tools: You'll need:
- Wallpaper paste (appropriate for paper-backed wallpaper)
- Paste brush or roller
- Clean water and sponge
- Seam roller
- Paperhanging brush or smoothing tool
- Sharp utility knife
- Metal ruler or straight edge
- Plumb line or spirit level
2. Applying the Paste:
- Pasting the Wallpaper: Lay the cut strip of wallpaper face down on a clean, flat surface (a pasting table is ideal). Apply wallpaper paste evenly to the back of the paper, making sure to cover the entire surface, especially the edges.
- Booking the Wallpaper: Fold the pasted strip, paste-to-paste, allowing the paste to activate and soften the paper fibers. This is called "booking." Typically, you fold the bottom third up and then the top portion down to meet it. Follow the wallpaper manufacturer's instructions for booking time (usually 5-10 minutes).
3. Hanging the Wallpaper:
- Establishing a Vertical Line: Use a plumb line (or spirit level and faint pencil line) to mark a vertical line on the wall. This is your starting point and ensures that the first strip is straight.
- Applying the First Strip: Carefully unfold the top portion of the booked wallpaper and align it with the vertical line, leaving the extra inches at the top. Smooth the paper onto the wall using a paperhanging brush, working from the center outwards and downwards to expel any air bubbles. Be gentle to avoid creasing or tearing the paper.
- Unfolding and Smoothing: Unfold the bottom portion of the wallpaper and smooth it onto the wall in the same manner.
- Trimming: Use a sharp utility knife and a metal ruler or straight edge to trim the excess wallpaper at the top and bottom.
- Seaming: Use a seam roller to firmly press the seams together, ensuring a tight, invisible join.
- Wiping: Immediately wipe off any excess paste from the wallpaper surface with a clean, damp sponge.
4. Continuing the Process:
- Matching the Pattern: For subsequent strips, carefully align the pattern with the previous strip before hanging.
- Overlapping (If Necessary): Some paper-backed wallpapers may require a slight overlap at the seams. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- Check for Faults: After hanging 2-3 lengths, inspect the wallpaper for any shading or printing faults.
5. Drying and Finishing:
- Allow the wallpaper to dry completely, following the manufacturer's recommendations. Avoid drafts or extreme temperature changes during the drying process.
Important Considerations:
- Wallpaper Type: Always use a paste specifically formulated for paper-backed wallpaper.
- Manufacturer's Instructions: Always read and follow the wallpaper manufacturer's instructions for specific hanging and pasting recommendations.
- Practice: If you're new to wallpapering, consider practicing on a small, inconspicuous area first.
