How to Apply a Wallpaper Border

A wallpaper border can be an economical alternative to repainting or papering an entire wall.

Adding pizazz to a room can be as simple as adding an inexpensive wallpaper border to the walls. Well-known children's themes, floral patterns and other designs can breathe life into the ordinary. According to CBS news, most homeowners keep the same wall coverings for up to 20 years. Before permanently affixing any print, fast-forward two decades: Will the Noah's Ark still be 'cool' with your college-aged daughter? Once you have chosen the perfect pattern for the room, purchase a few rolls of wallpaper border (generally sold in 20- to 30-foot increments) and roll up your sleeves. In several hours, the room will have a distinctive, fresh look.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Sponge
• Plastic tarp
• Step stool
• Razor blade
• Scissors
• Smoothing brush
• Measuring tape
• Level
• Pencil
• Partner

Instructions

1. Measure each wall in the room in which you will apply the wallpaper border using a tape measure. Keep track of the measurements for each wall. Determine whether you will place the border at the top or at another location on the wall. If you plan to place the wallpaper border in another location, use a level and pencil to mark several straight lines that will serve as your guide. A line should be marked at least every 12 inches.

2. Unroll the wallpaper border and, using a measuring tape and pencil, mark off a length equal to the first wall that will receive the border.

3. Cut the wallpaper border using scissors or a razor blade. Ensure the edge is straight. Repeat this process until you have cut enough wallpaper border for each wall.

4. Lay the plastic tarp on the floor as a protective covering. A plastic tarp will prevent water and excess adhesive from coming into contact with the carpet, tile or the floor's finish.

5. Place the first segment of wallpaper border face down and flat on the plastic tarp. Dip a sponge in water and swipe it across the adhesive side of the wallpaper border. Use enough water to thoroughly coat the adhesive, but do not use so much that it pools on the wallpaper border. Continue this process until the entire segment is wet.

6. Ask your partner to pick up one end of the wallpaper border while you pick up the opposite end. Flip the wallpaper border so that the decorative side is facing you and your partner and position your body so that the adhesive side is facing the wall. If you need to use a step stool to reach the part of the wall the border will be affixed to, carefully climb as high as necessary.

7. Align the edge of the wallpaper border with the corner of the wall. Place the edge directly into the corner and ensure it is flush with the joint of the wall. Using your dominant hand, smooth the wallpaper border to the wall. Guide the rest of the segment with your non-dominant hand, ensuring it is aligned with it's predetermined location. Work your way toward your partner until the entire segment is affixed to the wall.

8. Smooth the wallpaper border using a smoothing brush once the entire segment is affixed to the wall. Smoothing brushes ensure there are no bubbles beneath the wallpaper border that may cause it to come away from the wall or jeopardize the adhesive.

9. Trim the excess wallpaper border in the corners so that the segment ends precisely at the joint of two walls. Repeat the entire process until the project is complete.

References

• Ask the Builder: Wallpaper Borders
• YouTube: How to Install a Wallpaper Border
• CBS News: Bob Vila: Hanging Wallpaper

Resources

• The Internet Wallpaper Store: Wallpaper & Border Installation