How to wallpaper

Wallpaper, so popular in earlier decades, fell out of favor for a while. Trend analysts say wall coverings are making a comeback and there are certainly a lot of very attractive wallpaper choices on the market. Hanging wallpaper well isn't that hard of a job especially if you follow the old carpenter's maxim of “measuring twice and cutting once.”

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wallpaper
• <br>Wallpaper paste
• <br>Spackle
• <br>Sandpaper
• <br>Primer
• <br>Measuring tape
• <br>Carpenters level
• <br>Razor knife with disposable blades
• <br>Straightedge
• <br>Sponge
• <br>Clean bucket
• <br>Seam roller

1. If the walls are already papered and it's in very good condition, you don't have to do much except check for loose seams and edges and fill any holes or cracks. If you do any spackling or drywalling, spot-prime those areas.<br>If you have removed the old wallpaper, make sure the walls are cleaned free of all paste residue. You will be assured better adhesion and easier future removal if you then prime these walls.<br>Painted walls need to be clean and all nails and cracks filled (don't forget to spot prime all repairs.) If the paint is very glossy, go over it with a sanding pad or sandpaper. Stains, grease and mildew must be thoroughly removed and/or sealed with stain killing sealer, usually a shellac type like Original Kilz.<br>New drywall must be sealed with a PVA drywall sealer. <br>Remove all switchplates, shelving, hooks, etc, from the wall.

2. Take a very accurate calculation of the square footage of all the walls. Don't deduct for doors and windows because you will always need more paper than the you think you will and it's good to save any leftover paper for repairs or additional projects. Most single rolls of wallpaper are about 25 square feet, so dividing your total room area by 25 will get you the number of rolls you need.<br>Remember that extra large patterns or delicate papers might create more waste so be generous in your calculation.<br>The easiest way? Make a rough diagram of your room, including windows, doors, fireplaces etc and your exact square footage calculation, and take it to your wallpaper dealer. They will be able to best advise you on the amount to buy.<br>Because there are so many types of wallcoverings, ask the dealer which paste is most appropriate for the paper, unless you are using prepasted paper.

3. Start with the least noticeable corner, usually behind the door. Measure the width of your wallpaper and subtract 1/2” because you are going to wrap the first strip 1/2” around the corner. Draw a straight line from floor to ceiling. Use a carpenters level or plumb bob because this line is critical. If you set your first strip of paper crooked, the entire room will be crooked. Check with the level up and down your line to be sure (remember – measure twice, cut once!)<br>Cut your first strip of paper 3-4” longer than the wall height. Set it aside and cut your second strip, paying attention to how the pattern will line up. It's easier to have your next strip cut in advance and ready to go.

4. Follow the directions for your pasting method. Carefully line up the first strip on the wall and slide it into place, butting it up against the ceiling. Double check the edge with your level to make sure it is perfectly straight. Make sure the corner is tight. Smooth out and wipe down the whole piece, including the ceiling edge and baseboard.<br>Taa daa! Your first piece. Now cut your third piece before you hang the second. At this point you can trim the excess paper from along the baseboard. I suggest changing the disposable blades on the knife frequently and using a straightedge to help you get a straight line.<br>Butt the edges together as close as you can without letting them overlap.

5. To hang paper around windows and doors, don't try to pre-cut the opening. Smooth the paper in place and using small diagonal cuts with your sharp knife, cut away the excess paper. When the bulk of it is removed, trim along the edges of the trim. Work carefully and always with a very sharp blade because wet paper can stretch and tear easily.<br>Go slowly and methodically around the room, stepping back to make sure that the patterns are still lining up.<br>When you get back to your starting point, you may find the pattern (assuming you are using a patterned paper) can't be matched perfectly. This is why you started in the least obvious corner. <br>There. All done! If you take care of your wallcoverings properly, they should outlast the average paint job.

Tips & Warnings

• Using a razor knife with snap-off disposable blades lets you use a fresh blade for every strip of wallpaper.
• <br>If you are thinking of painting your ceilings or trim, it's much easier to do it before you hang wallpaper.
• Don't throw away leftover wallpaper or paste. Save it for future repairs, you never know!