Wallpaper has the magical ability to transform a room, adding color, pattern, and personality to your walls. However, the process of hanging wallpaper can seem daunting for those who haven’t tackled this DIY project before. Fear not, for with the right tools, techniques, and a bit of patience, you can achieve a professional-looking result. Let’s embark on a step-by-step journey to learn how to change wallpaper on a wall, ensuring a smooth and successful transformation of your space.
Preparation: Laying the Foundation for Success
Before you dive into the wallpaper hanging process, proper preparation is key to ensuring a smooth and flawless finish.
Gather Your Supplies: Assemble the necessary tools and materials:
Wallpaper: Choose the type of wallpaper that suits your style and the room’s environment. Options include traditional paper-backed wallpaper, vinyl wallpaper, non-woven wallpaper, or even peel-and-stick wallpaper.
Adhesive: Select the appropriate adhesive for your chosen wallpaper type. Traditional wallpaper typically requires paste, while peel-and-stick wallpaper has a self-adhesive backing.
Tools: You’ll need a variety of tools, including:
- Measuring tape and pencil
- Level and plumb line
- Utility knife or sharp scissors
- Wallpaper smoother or a clean, damp sponge
- Seam roller
- Bucket and sponge for paste (if applicable)
- Drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect floors and furniture
Prepare the Walls:
- Remove Old Wallpaper: If there’s existing wallpaper, carefully remove it using a steamer or a wallpaper removal solution. Ensure the walls are clean, dry, and free of any residue before proceeding.
- Repair Imperfections: Fill in any holes, cracks, or dents with a patching compound and let it dry completely. Sand the patched areas smooth for a seamless finish.
- Prime the Walls: Applying a primer is crucial for ensuring proper adhesion and preventing the old paint or wallpaper from showing through. Choose a primer that’s compatible with your chosen wallpaper and wall surface.
Measuring and Cutting: Precision is Key
Accurate measurements and precise cutting are essential for a professional-looking wallpaper installation.
Measure the Walls: Measure the height of your walls and add a few extra inches to each strip to allow for trimming at the top and bottom.
Calculate the Number of Strips: Divide the total width of your wall by the width of your wallpaper roll to determine the number of strips needed.
Pattern Matching: If your wallpaper has a pattern repeat, carefully match the pattern on each strip before cutting to ensure a seamless flow.
Cutting: Use a sharp utility knife or scissors to cut the wallpaper strips to the desired length, adding the extra inches for trimming.
Measurement and Cutting Tips:
Double-Check: Always double-check your measurements before cutting to avoid costly mistakes.
Cutting Surface: Use a clean, flat surface like a table or a cutting mat for precise cutting.
Sharp Tools: Ensure your utility knife or scissors are sharp to achieve clean and even cuts.
Applying the Wallpaper: Patience and Precision
Now comes the exciting part: applying the wallpaper to your walls.
Traditional Wallpaper (Paste-the-Wall):
- Prepare the Paste: Mix the wallpaper paste according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Apply Paste: Using a brush or roller, apply the paste evenly to the back of the first wallpaper strip.
- “Book” the Paper (Optional): Fold the pasted strip loosely onto itself, allowing the paste to soak in for a few minutes. This step is often recommended for traditional paper-backed wallpaper to prevent it from expanding and shrinking on the wall.
- Hang the First Strip: Carefully position the first strip on the wall, aligning it with your plumb line or a level. Smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles using a wallpaper smoother or a clean, damp sponge.
- Trim Excess: Use a sharp utility knife to trim away the excess wallpaper at the top and bottom.
- Repeat for Remaining Strips: Continue hanging the remaining strips, carefully matching the pattern repeat and smoothing out any bubbles or wrinkles. Use a seam roller to gently press the seams together for a seamless finish.
Peel and Stick Wallpaper:
- Peel and Position: Peel off a portion of the backing paper and carefully position the wallpaper strip on the wall, aligning it with your plumb line or a level.
- Smooth and Adhere: Gradually peel off the backing paper while smoothing the wallpaper onto the wall with a smoother or a clean cloth. Avoid pressing too hard, as this can create air bubbles.
- Trim Excess: Use a sharp utility knife to trim away the excess wallpaper at the top and bottom.
- Repeat: Continue applying the remaining strips, carefully matching the pattern repeat and smoothing out any bubbles.
Tackling Corners and Obstacles: Ensuring a Seamless Flow
While applying wallpaper to flat walls can be relatively straightforward, maneuvering around corners, windows, doors, and other obstacles requires additional finesse and technique.
Corners:
Internal Corners: Measure and cut the wallpaper strip to extend slightly beyond the corner. Apply the strip to the wall, ensuring it’s plumb and overlaps the corner. Then, use a sharp utility knife to carefully trim the excess wallpaper along the corner crease.
External Corners: Measure and cut the wallpaper strip to fit up to the corner, leaving a small gap. Apply the next strip, overlapping the corner slightly, and trim the excess. This ensures a smooth transition around the corner.
Windows and Doors:
Measure and Mark: Measure the distance between the edge of the window or door frame and the nearest plumb line. Mark this measurement on the wallpaper strip.
Cut and Apply: Cut the wallpaper strip, leaving a slight overhang to wrap around the frame. Apply the strip to the wall, smoothing it around the frame.
Trim and Smooth: Use a sharp utility knife to carefully trim away the excess wallpaper along the frame edge. Smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles around the frame using a smoother or a damp sponge.
Outlets and Switches:
Turn Off Power: For safety, turn off the power to the outlets or switches before working around them.
Remove Cover Plates: Remove the cover plates from the outlets or switches.
Apply Wallpaper: Hang the wallpaper over the outlet or switch opening, ensuring it’s smooth and wrinkle-free.
Make Incisions: Carefully make diagonal incisions in the wallpaper to access the outlet or switch box.
Trim and Reattach: Trim away the excess wallpaper and reattach the cover plates.
Pattern Matching: Achieving a Cohesive Look
Wallpaper with patterns or repeating designs requires careful attention to pattern matching at the seams for a cohesive and visually pleasing result.
Pattern Repeat: Identify the pattern repeat on your wallpaper roll. This is the distance between the identical points in the design.
Offsetting: Most wallpaper patterns require offsetting, meaning each strip is slightly shifted to align the pattern with the previous strip. Refer to the pattern instructions for the specific offset measurement.
Trial and Error: Lay out your wallpaper strips on the floor before applying them to the wall to visualize the pattern match and ensure proper alignment.
Post-Installation Care: Maintaining the Beauty
Once your wallpaper is beautifully installed, a few simple care tips can help prolong its lifespan and keep it looking its best.
Gentle Cleaning
Dust your wallpaper regularly with a soft duster or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. For washable wallpapers, you can occasionally wipe them down with a damp cloth and mild soap.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause fading or discoloration. Use curtains or blinds to protect your wallpaper from harsh sunlight.
Address Stains Promptly
If any stains occur, blot them gently with a clean cloth and a mild soap solution. Avoid scrubbing or using harsh chemicals that can damage the wallpaper.
Conclusion
Changing wallpaper on a wall can be a transformative DIY project that adds beauty, personality, and style to your space. While it requires careful preparation, attention to detail, and a bit of patience, the process is achievable even for beginners.
By following these tips and techniques, you can confidently tackle your next wallpaper project and create a stunning and inviting atmosphere in your home.
Remember, the key is to choose the right wallpaper for your space, master the necessary skills, and embrace the creative process. With a little effort and imagination, your walls can become a captivating canvas that reflects your unique style and brings joy to your everyday life.
