Rather than covering your walls with paint, try adding a fashionable and fun new layer of wallpaper. This easy and effective way to add a bit of color and style to your room can be done in just a couple of minutes. You can choose from various patterns and colors and hang it yourself. Let’s take a look at some steps to take when hanging up your new wallpaper.
Measure and Draw Lines
To create a precise and balanced line, measure and record the height and width of each wall. Then, use a measuring tape to find the midpoint of the wall and draw a horizontal or vertical line from the floor up to the ceiling. You can use a nail hammer to create a horizontal or vertical line or hang a tool known as a “plumbing bob” from the center of the wall. If you have walls with features such as doors, windows, or even mantles, you should place your line in the center of the broadest open space.
Determine How Much Paper You Need
To determine the amount of paper you need, divide the width of your roll by the total wall width.
Measure Your Strips
To start your project:
- Lay your roll of paper down on your table. If you’re using a patterned pattern, mark it on the back with a straightedge.
- If you’re planning on covering your entire wall, measure the paper’s length equal to the height of your wall and the width of your frame.
- Cut along the length of the paper that’s equal to the size of your wall and the width of your structure.
Cut Out All of Your Pieces
To determine the length of your entire roll of paper, measure and cut it to the same size as the first strip. If you’re working with a repeating pattern, lay the first strip next to the roll and line up the pattern before you cut. Ensure you don’t allow too much paper at the bottom and top of the strips.
Prepare the Wallpaper
If your paper is made with pre-pasted materials, wet it according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Book it as you go along the strip to prevent the adhesive from getting sticky.
Start Hanging
The easiest way to start your installation is in the least conspicuous part of the room, such as behind a cabinet or a large piece of furniture, and lay the first strip against the midpoint of the horizontal line. Press the paper gently into place, and the seams will meet.
If your paper is patterned, mark the pattern’s starting point against the seam. Follow this step to ensure that the paper is level along the way. Using a putty knife, smooth the paper from the outside edges to the inner corners to avoid wrinkles and bubbles.
If a bubble or surface is not smooth, gently lift the paper and remove it. For instance, if you’re using a peel-and-stick type of paper, pull the backing down as you go.
Trim Excess Paper
After reaching the bottom, smooth the paper against the wall and ceiling using a putty knife. You can then use a utility knife to remove the excess, or you can gently cut the paper with scissors.
After you’ve smoothed the paper’s edges using the putty knife, go over it with a sponge to get rid of any excess adhesive.
Repeat
Follow the pattern for each strip of paper and lay them against the next one. Make sure that the seams are not overlapping.