Wallpapering

Fix It Up! : Episode FIX-114 -- More Projects »
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Figure A
Hosts Pat Simpson and Amanda Rosseter discuss tips to make wallpapering simple.

Wallpapering Tips:


  • Before purchasing any wallpaper, be sure to check the symbols on the packaging to find out about the maintenance, (figure A) removal, hanging, and aging of the paper.
  • Consider the room you are wallpaper when choosing the style. Many types of wallpaper wear and tear differently. For example you would probably choose a durable paper for a high traffic and volatile space like the kitchen.
  • There are seven general categories of wallpapers which include the following:

1. Machine printed papers are moderately priced with a wide selection. These wallpapers come in many designs and are often quite durable.
2. Hand-printed are more costly with varying prices. Keep in mind that most orders may take several weeks until delivery.
3. Washable wall coverings range from wipe-able to scrub-able, and grease and smoke stains can be removed without damage to the paper surface.
4. Pre-pasted papers can save a lot of time and effort since they already have an adhesive coating. Just dip the paper in water or wipe with a wet sponge, and it's ready to hang.
5. Strippable papers will remove in full strips without steaming or scraping.
6. Grass cloths and fabrics are wallpapers made from burlap, grass cloth, and other fabrics that are laminated to the paper surface. These wallpapers should be applied with linings.
7. Cushion-backed wallpapers disguise cracked plaster or imperfect wall surfaces.

  • Standard wallpaper is usually available in lengths of 33' per roll with a width of 20 ½" to 28".
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Figure B
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Figure C
  • To determine how much wallpaper you need, measure around the room and then the distance from the floor to ceiling. Add 4" to the floor to ceiling measurement and multiply the two measurements. Then, divide the number by 12 (figure B) for the total square feet.
  • Be sure to measure the area of all the doors, windows, and other features that won't be covered by wallpaper. Add those measurements and subtract that from the total room square footage (figure C).
  • If you've selected a large patterned paper, order one percent more to make up for the paper wasted to match the design.
  • Check the lot number on the wallpaper rolls before you leave the store because colors will vary from different lots of the same pattern.
  • You will get more cuts by purchasing a double roll than two single rolls of wallpaper.
  • Purchase the best quality that you can afford because it will be a lot easier to hang and will last longer. If you can't afford to do an entire room, be creative and wallpaper one wall as an accent and choose a companion paper at a less expensive price to cover the remaining walls.

    Different techniques to strip away old wallpaper


    • When dry stripping, use a slitter to separate the paper from the wall. Hold the slitter perpendicular to the wall and make a series of horizontal slits about 10" apart. Use the tip of the slitter to catch the corner of the paper and pull the paper to remove.
    • Another method called slitting and soaking requires scoring the paper several times with a slitter. Wet the paper with a mist of water from a spray bottle, spraying into the cuts. Wait about 10 minutes, and then pull off the paper with a wide blade knife.
    • The third option for removing paper is with a steamer. Once the paper is steamed, use a putty knife to gently separate the paper from wall. Steamers may be rented.

    Adding wallpaper can make a dramatic difference in a room's decor. Learn how to do your own wallpapering.

    • Photo

    Before
    Photo

    After
    Materials:

    Tape measurer
    Torpedo level
    Squeegee
    Scissors
    Broad knife
    Razor knife
    Seam roller
    Smooth work surface

    Steps:

    1. Be aware that wallpaper borders usually require paste, even if they are pre-pasted. Check the paste label to make sure to purchase the right type for your project.
    2. Measure the length of the area to be covered with a tape measurer. Allow a little extra for waste at the top and bottom edges.
    3. Find the match of the paper or the location where the pattern repeats. Cut on the same match location each time to ensure correct alignment.
    4. Cut the strips according to your measurements, and add glue to the paper backing. Make sure to read the glue label directions and cover the glue evenly.
    5. Booking the strips refers to the process of folding the strips once the glue has been applied. Let the pasted strips set for 10 minutes. Only glue a few at a time so they don't dry out before you can get to them.
    6. Start at the corner of the room, and overlap about 1/8".
    7. Use the level to make sure the paper is positioned straight on the wall.
    8. Scrape over the paper with the plastic squeegee to smooth out any bumps or air bubbles.
    9. Use the broad knife and razor to cut straight edges along the top and bottom border. Wipe the paper with a sponge to remove any excess glue from the paper or any other surface it may have touch because it will cause discoloration.
    10. Line up pattern as you go so each strip lines up with the next.
    11. Before working on areas with receptacles, make sure to turn off the power source.
    12. Position the paper over the outlet or vent and use a razor knife to cut through the paper. Try to leave a little extra paper over the hole so you don't make a gap between the outlet and wallpaper.

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    Figure D
    13. For tight corners, use scissors to make a diagonal cut into the corner (figure D).
    14. Tip: Never lay wallpaper on newspaper. The ink can smudge clean surfaces and may react with the ink used in wallpapers.
    15. After wallpapering you may find a few bubbles, don't worry they should disappear after a few days, just do not press on them
    Also in this Episode
    Fix It Up! : Episode FIX-114
    •Wallpapering