The Art of Hanging Wallpaper

Successful wallpaper installation is the product of meticulous wall preparation and the employment of the right tools for the job, as well as following the proper application guidelines. Though developments have already given rise to innovative changes in wallpaper, (e.g.: pre-pasted and strip wallpaper and borders, etc.), some homeowners still use traditional wallpaper, which of course, takes some time to hang.

Here's what you are going to need (usage detailed in the instructions below):

1. Steel tape measure 2. Plumb Bob or 48" Level 3. Water tray 4. Seam roller 5. Wallpaper smoothing brush 6. Razor knife with lots of blades 7. Broad knife 8. Large sponge 9. Bucket 10. Pencil 11. Ladder

Before you start hanging your wallpaper, make sure you have turned off the electricity, removed all sockets, switches, and plates. Also make sure to prep the walls. A clean and smooth wall is critical to the successful application of your wall covering.

Getting Ready

1. The first thing to do is to create a plumb line and mark the wall with the width of the wallpaper minus ? inch. You must then draw a straight vertical line at the mark. This is where the first two strips must meet. 2. Partially unroll the wallpaper and press it against the wall to decide where you want the pattern to fall. Mark the spot with a pencil (on the back of the paper). 3. Cut the strip with a straightedge, giving a 2-inch allowance on the top and bottom edges. 4. Apply or activate the adhesive on the back of the wallpaper. For traditional wallpapers, gently lay the strip on a flat table and evenly coat the back with adhesive using a paint roller or a wide brush. Use only the type of adhesive recommended by the manufacturer. For pre-pasted types of wall covering and wallpaper border, submerge the roll into a water trough filled with 2/3 warm water. Soak for the amount of time suggested by the manufacturer, and then slowly roll out the strips. 5. Once the adhesive is applied/activated, book the strip by folding both the top and bottom half to the middle --- pasted side to pasted side --- where the edges must meet and align. Keep them booked for 3-5 minutes.

Hanging

1. Unbook the top half of the strip and press it on the wall, with the marked spot at the back of the wallpaper aligning with the top of the wall. Unbook the lower half and roll until flat. In case of air bubbles, poke them with a pin and roll again. Wash off excess adhesive immediately with a wet sponge. 2. Trim the excess paper with a scraper and a sharp razor knife. Change the blades often to avoid tears. 3. Use the same procedure with the rest of the strips. Do check the wall for inconsistencies after applying the 3rd strip.

Other tips:

" After you have applied the wall covering, wait for 15 minutes then gently go over the seams with a seam roller. " When hanging wallpaper borders, you can do the same procedures except that you have to soak them in lukewarm water for 20 seconds and book them for not more than 3 minutes.

Tammy Billings is the owner of USA Wallpaper, an online retailer of designer wallpaper borders and wall murals. Her knowledge of the wallpaper industry, from manufacturing to installation makes her a valuable home and interior design resource. With a variety of bedroom, bathroom and kitchen wallpaper designs, Tammy has put USA Wallpaper at the forefront of online wallpaper companies. For more visit http://www.usawallpaper.com/ and http://www.usawallpaper.com/kitwal.html