Papering a Wall

From bitter experience, the first thing to remember is not to apply any wall covering until all the woodwork in the room has been painted or varnished and the ceiling decorated.

Where do you start?

The tried and trusted method is to hang the first length of wallpaper next to a window and close to a corner and then work in both directions away from the light. However, if this is your first attempt at wallpapering, it may prove easier to paper the longest uninterrupted wall first in order that you get used to the basic techniques before tackling corners or obstructions such as doors or windows. If hanging wallpaper with a motif of any kind, try if possible to get symmetry by cantering the pattern between 2 windows or centred above a chimney breast.

Hanging Paper on a Straight Wall

Even in a modern house, it is unlikely that all the walls of the room will be truly square, so, in order to overcome this, use a plumb line to mark a vertical guide against which to hang the first length of wall covering.

Start at one end of the wall and mark the vertical line one roll width away from the corner minus 12mm (1/2inch), so the first length will overlap the adjacent wall.

Allow enough wall covering for trimming at the ceiling, unfold the top section of the pasted length and hold it against the plumbed line. Brush the paper gently onto the wall, working from the centre in all directions in order to squeeze any trapped air. When you are happy with the positioning of the paper, lightly draw the point of your scissors along the ceiling line, peel back the top edge, and cut along the crease. Smooth the paper back and tap it down with the brush. Unpeel the lower fold of paper, smooth it onto the wall with the brush, then tap it into the corner. Crease the bottom edge against the skirting, peel away the paper, then trim and brush it back against the wall.

Hang the next length in the same way. Slide it with your fingertips to align the pattern and produce a perfect butt joint. Wipe any paste away with a damp cloth. Continue to the other side of the wall, allowing the last drop to overlap the adjoining wall by 12mm (1/2inch).

Papering is not an easy skill but as the old adage goes, practice makes perfect or else, get a tradesperson in to do it for you.

The Home Improvements Directory

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