Give your walls a fresh and vibrant makeover, just like a professional. Discover the ins and outs of wallpaper installation in this comprehensive guide on 'How to Install Wallpaper Like a Pro'.
Ever found yourself lost in the hypnotic swirls of wallpaper designs online or at your local decor store? And yet, right at that exhilarating precipice of purchase, you've paused. The big question looms, "How on earth do I install this thing?" Well, no more mysteries or missed opportunities. Today, we're pulling back the curtain on 'How to Install Wallpaper Like a Pro'. Strap in and get ready to roll!
The first rule of becoming a pro at anything is understanding that preparation is key. In the world of wallpaper, it's no different. Let's explore the crucial steps of getting your walls ready for their fresh new look.
Clean and Smooth Walls
Use a mild detergent mixed with warm water and a sponge to thoroughly clean your wall. Once cleaned, scan the wall for any rough patches, bulges, or cracks. These little buggers can interfere with your wallpaper's adherence and create an uneven surface. For minor irregularities, a bit of sandpaper does the trick. For more prominent issues, applying a skim coat of joint compound will help you out. Smooth it over the problem area, let it dry, then sand it down. Voila! You've got a smooth wall ready for the next stage.
Priming Your Wall
Think of priming your wall as setting a base layer for your wallpaper to cling on. It aids in preventing the adhesive from soaking into your walls and ensures easy removal when the time comes for a change. A good quality acrylic primer will do the trick, allowing you to install your wallpaper like a pro.
Selecting Your Wallpaper
The wallpaper you select will depend on a combination of aesthetic preference and the room's requirements. From vinyl and non-woven wallpapers to flock and foil types, the world of wallpaper is vast. Understanding the qualities of each type and matching them to your needs is a major pro move. For example, vinyl wallpapers are great for high-traffic areas or rooms with moisture like bathrooms or kitchens due to their durability and easy-to-clean nature. On the other hand, for a touch of luxury, you might choose flock wallpapers which offer a velvety finish.
Gathering Your Tools
Once you've chosen your wallpaper, it's time to assemble your toolkit. You'll need a:
Wallpaper adhesive: Choose based on your wallpaper type. Most wallpapers work well with clear adhesive.
Wallpaper smoothing tool: To help you smooth out bubbles and creases.
Wallpaper cutter: For trimming excess paper.
Level and tape measure: For precise alignment and measurements.
Bucket and sponge: For clean up and application of paste (if required).
Finally, we're getting down to business. Here's your step-by-step guide on how to install your wallpaper, taking your decorating skills to the next level.
Measure your wall height and width accurately using a tape measure. Add a few extra inches to both dimensions to allow for pattern matching and trimming. After you've got your measurements, unroll your wallpaper on a flat surface and mark out the lengths you need, taking into account the pattern repeat if necessary.
Next up, it's time to apply the adhesive. Most wallpapers today are 'paste the wall', making your job much easier. Use a roller or brush to evenly apply adhesive on the wall area that will be covered by the first strip of wallpaper. If you're using 'paste the paper' wallpaper, apply an even layer of adhesive on the back of your cut lengths and leave them to become 'tacky' before installation.
Begin at the top corner of your wall, unfolding your wallpaper strip and positioning it in place. Use your smoothing tool to press the paper onto the wall, working from the middle to the edges to eliminate bubbles.
Once the paper is firmly in place, it's time to trim any excess. Run your wallpaper cutter along the ceiling and baseboard edges to get a crisp finish. And there you have it! Repeat these steps with each strip, ensuring that the pattern matches up, and you're well on your way to becoming a wallpaper pro!
Remember, every masterpiece starts with a single roll. Happy wallpapering!