HOW TO WALLPAPER

There are two important steps you should take before you begin to hang wallpaper. The first step is to read the manufacturer's instructions on the products that you will be using. The second is to properly prepare the walls to be papered. The more time you spend on preparing the walls, the more satisfactory the results will be.

We always suggest you wallpaper round the room in a clockwise direction in a room with no focal point, e.g a fireplace. If the room has such a prominent point then begin there, especially with large patterned paper, by centering the pattern over the focal point. In both cases you will need to mark a vertical, plumb line to start your papering on. Try and start the papering on a wall where no window or or exists then (Its important to remember that the corners of your room are extremely unlikely to be absolutely vertical or square so you need to make sure the very first strip of paper you put up is plumb) measure along the wall, from one corner of the room, the width of your wallpaper less 25mm ands mark a vertical line from ceiling to skirting board with a spirit level. This line is the leading edge of your paper and when the first strip is hung it will go round the corner by about 25mm.

For some home improvement projects getting ready to work is half the bother. This is also the case with wallpaper hanging. Once you have accomplished all of the above, you will find that hanging wallpaper is fairly easy.

Corners and Windows need special treatment. Wallpaper shrinks, walls are not always square and windows provide an obstacle to quick wallpaper hanging.

Always use the paste recommended on the roll label or leaflet. If this is not specific, Albany All Purpose Wallpaper Adhesive is suitable for many wallcoverings and contains a fungicide that's necessary for vinyls and washable papers. Follow the paste manufacturer's instructions carefully, especially when mixing, to ensure the correct consistency.

When applying paste it is important to avoid getting it on the surface of the paper. Any paste on the front should be carefully removed with a damp sponge.

When properly mixed and with the paper face down on the table, start from the top and brush the paste down the length and out towards the edges, herringbone fashion, so that it evenly covers the surface (see fig. 6) Don't pull the brush back across the edge of the paper as it will leave paste on the front of the paper.

Fold the pasted length inwards, bottom to middle and top to middle. To ensure the edges do not curl back and dry out, the folded length can be loosely rolled to hold them together during the soaking period. For very long lengths, fold like a concertina (see fig. 2)

Once pasted all wallcoverings need to 'soak' for a period of time before hanging. This allows the moisture to be absorbed and the paper to fully expand (see about blisters). Always read the manufacturers instructions on the label.

Preparation before hanging paper

When decorating, this will almost certainly be the last job to do - you don't want to end up with paint on it! So get everything else completed first and allow paintwork to dry.

Preparation is again the key to success. Before any paperhanging is done, be sure that your surface is ready for it.

Lining paper

Hanging lining paper first will obviously mean the job takes almost twice as long to do, but it will produce a superior job, which will both look better and last longer. Note that this can be hung before painting the woodwork in the room.

Tools and equipment

Also be sure to have to hand all the equipment you are going to need during the job

Steps:

1. Apply wallpaper sizing to walls with a paint roller; let dry.
2. Draw a plumb layout line on wall, indicating a starting point for the wallpaper.
3. Spread wallpaper paste to back of wallpaper using a paint roller.
4. Fold over and roll the paper, then carry it to the wall.
5. Unfold the upper end and press the wallpaper to the wall; allow the upper end to extend onto the ceiling.
6. Align vertical seam with layout line on wall.
7. Use sharp razor blade to trim paper at ceiling, around window trim and at floor.
8. Peel away trimmed paper.
9. Clean wallpaper with dampened sponge.