How to Hang Wallpaper Borders Properly

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By Granath Color Works
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Hang Wallpaper Borders Properly

Preparing the surface and using the right adhesive will ensure proper and lasting job when hanging wallpaper borders. Common mistakes can be avoided and the frustration of constantly peeling wallpaper borders can be eliminated.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Tape measure
Wallpaper sizing
Border adhesive
Wallpaper smoother
Seam roller
Sponge
Clean rag
Paint brush
Scissors
Razor knife
Level

Step 1

PRO R-35

The wallpaper border will not adhere properly if you rely simply on the factory installed pre-paste on the back of the border unless it is going over a primed surface. As most wallpaper borders are installed over painted or wallpapered walls, the following steps will ensure adhesion.

Wallpaper Sizing is a milky solution that will promote adhesion. There are several brands and I prefer Roman's PRO R-35. Using the paint brush, apply to the area where the border will be installed, staying about 1 inch less than the width of the border (You do not want it to show after the border is installed). Allow to dry thoroughly (dries clear).
Step 2

Wallpaper border adhesive

Open the first roll of border and apply the wallpaper border adhesive to the back side of the border (regardless of the pre-paste) using the paint brush. This can be done on a protected table or workbench. The ends can be folded in on each other ("booking") to keep the length manageable.
Step 3

Plastic wallpaper smother

Start in the corner that is least visible (usually the corner behind the door to the room) as there is always a mismatch when you get to the last corner (the ends meet). Open one end of the "booked" wallpaper border and place it into the corner leaving about 1/2" overlap to the adjacent wall. Gently "smooth" the paper onto the wall, moving from the corner outward. (Use the level to check that it is level if hanging in the middle of a wall.) Now use the wallpaper smoother to complete the application. Again, work from the corner outward. Clean the excess adhesive with a wet sponge and wipe with clean, dry cloth. Continue this process until the end of the roll, wrapping the border right through the inside or outside corners. (Cutting the border in each corner is asking for trouble with mismatches and peeling edges.)
Step 4

When you reach the end, begin the next roll. In many cases, there is a pattern match. If so, move the edge of the new roll until you see a visible pattern match. Mark it and use the razor knife to trim it so the pattern matches. Proceed to hang as you did with the first roll. Remember to check that it is level.
Step 5

When you reach the end (back to the corner you started in), use the knife or scissors to cut it directly to the corner. Don't worry about the 1/2" overlap...it will actually help to keep that seamed corner down.
Step 6

Seam rollers

Use the seam roller around the entire wallpaper border where it meets the painted or wallpapered wall. Roll it along that point as this will help to prevent peeling later.