Wallpaper is one fine manner of changing a room, adding texture and color to an otherwise dull space filled with character. But wallpaper installation is a challenging task, mainly for novices. Mistakes can cause expensive fixes or results that you do not like. Here's a guide that shall assist you in avoiding the most common mistakes people have when putting up wallpaper.
Whether it be a first-time effort, or you simply enjoy DIY, this article will walk you through some crucial mistakes one should avoid in making sure the wallpapering job goes well.
1. Skipping Surface Preparation
Poor surface preparation, perhaps, is the most common mistake individuals make while hanging wallpapers. For good hanging, wallpaper requires a smooth, clean, and dry surface. If your walls are dirty, if they are uneven, or have any problems inside, your wallpaper won't stick or will show bumps underneath.
Solution:
- Always clean the walls well, fill the holes and cracks, and smoothen the surface by sanding.
- Primer or lining paper should be applied, which allows wallpaper to stick and hide minor imperfections.
2. Ignoring Proper Measurements
Measuring incorrectly will result in wasted material and frustration. One common mistake people make when hanging wallpaper is to cut the paper without adding extra material to the top and bottom of the wall.
Solution:
- Measure each wall carefully including doors, windows, and corners.
- Increase the height and width by 2-3 inches to ensure you have enough material for cutting and fitting well.
3. Not Aligning Patterns Correctly
If you are using patterned wallpaper, it is important to match the pattern across strips. Any failure to do this can upset the intended design and create an imbalanced appearance of the room.
Solution:
- Before you begin cutting, always look at the pattern repeat and make sure you match the design correctly.
- Go slow when putting up the first strip because it decides how the rest will look.
4. Choosing the Wrong Adhesive
Not all wallpapers work with the same glue. Using the wrong glue can make the wallpaper peel, bubble, or even get damaged.
Solution:
- Always check the wallpaper instructions for glue suggestions.
- Stronger glue for thicker papers or texture designs; lighter papers may require another mixture.
5. Applying Wallpaper on Wet or Damp Walls
Avoid putting wallpapers on wet or new plastered walls. Moisture makes the glue unable to stick, and it also causes bubbles and peeling.
Solution:
- Your walls should be perfectly dry before pasting the wallpaper.
- If you’ve recently plastered, wait at least a few days (or even weeks) for it to fully dry before hanging wallpaper.
6. Overlapping Wallpaper Seams
One of the biggest mistakes of beginners is allowing seams to overlay instead of placing them side by side. This produces an irregular look and promotes peeling at the edges over time.
Solution:
- Line up the edges of the wallpaper precisely. The seams should meet and not overlap.
- Press these with a seam roller so that these are nice and smooth.
7. Not Considering Room Temperature
Room temperature can also affect how the paper goes onto the walls. Working at temperatures too hot, cold, or humid will make it hard to deal with because of the adhesive and its effectiveness.
Solution:
- Install wallpaper in a comfortable room temperature; ideally between 60-70°F or 15-25°C.
- Do not work in high humidity areas like bathrooms lacking proper ventilation.
8. Forgetting to Smooth Out Air Bubbles
When the paper is already on the wall, it is very important to immediately take care of air bubbles. Trapped air in that space creates ugly bumps and, if disregarded for a long time, peeling.
Solution:
- Smoothen out the air bubbles with a smoothing tool or sponge as you go.
- Working from the centre of the strip, start moving outwards.
9. Not Trimming Excess Wallpaper Properly
Cutting the edges of the wallpaper after it has been applied can be tricky; hence, most people make the mistake of rushing, which results in uneven or jagged edges.
Solution:
- Cut off extra wallpaper with a sharp utility knife or scissors.
- Take your time, especially around the windows and doors for a straight, clean cut.
10. Using Wallpaper on Problem Areas
Textured walls, busy areas, and rooms highly rich in moisture, such as bathrooms, are not really a good fit for wallpaper unless special products are used.
Solution:
- Choose wallpaper suitable for the area it will be applied to, such as moisture-resistant for bathrooms and peel-and-stick for bumpy walls.
- Don't put up wallpaper in places where it may get damaged.
Conclusion
Installing wallpaper can seem like a daunting task, but avoiding these common mistakes means you'll get great results. Proper preparation of your walls and choosing the right materials and tools will save time, money and effort in later stages.
FAQ
Can you apply wallpaper over painted walls?
Yes, provided the surface is clean, even, and ready for painting. Glossy paint may require sanding to be better stuck to.
Do I need to remove old wallpaper before applying new wallpaper?
It's best to remove old wallpaper for a smooth finish, but if the existing wallpaper is in good condition you may apply new wallpaper over it.
How do I prevent wallpaper from bubbling?
Bubbling often occurs from improper adhesive application or uneven surfaces. Smooth each strip carefully as you apply it, working out air bubbles with a wallpaper smoother.
What type of adhesive should I use?
Always use adhesive recommended for your wallpaper type, whether traditional paste, pre-pasted, or peel-and-stick.
How long should I wait after priming to apply wallpaper?
Allow the primer to dry completely after at least 24 hours, which will make it stick well when one puts up wallpaper.
Can I wallpaper over textured walls?
Yes, but you'll likely have to use a liner or smooth the texture out for a finer finish. Peel-and-stick wallpaper may not stick well to bumpy surfaces.
How do I match wallpaper patterns?
First, measure the repeat of the pattern. Then, in order to cut strips and make it look smooth, line up the design from top to bottom.
What’s the best way to cut wallpaper around windows and doors?
Use a sharp utility knife, and then carefully cut around the edges. Leave a little extra for changes.
Can wallpaper be used in bathrooms?
Yes, but use moisture-resistant wallpaper in high-humidity areas such as bathrooms to prevent peeling.
How do I remove wallpaper without damaging the wall?
First, one may use a wall paper steamer or a wet sponge to soften the adhesive. This can be easily pulled off without harming the surface underneath.
