Today, wallpaper is simply really in trending for home design, with such end possibilities to help lift the look of your living space. It ranges from bold print and texture to that more understated feature wall and can change everything about the feeling and style of a room. The entire idea of hanging wallpaper may seem overwhelming, but in reality it is still a project that even the most ambitious DIY enthusiasts can undertake with a little patience and attention to detail. In this guide, we'll walk you through how to achieve a really professional finish in your DIY wallpaper installation project.
Why DIY Wallpaper Installation?
But before getting to the "how," there are a few benefits of DIY wallpapering. Of course, it's cost-effective, as it not only helps refresh your space but also allows you to do it in a completely personalized manner. No better sense of accomplishment than making something yourself. Wallpaper also has an incredible range of styles, textures, and colors to create a one-of-a-kind ambiance in almost any room in the house.
But the beauty of it is that a professional finish does require some sort of prep and execution. Below, we break it down step by step, and before long you will be hanging like a pro.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Supplies
The first step in any DIY project is gathering the necessary tools. For a smooth wallpaper installation, you'll need:
- Wallpaper (make sure to order extra for matching patterns and trimming)
- Wallpaper adhesive (if your wallpaper isn’t pre-pasted)
- Smoothing tool or a plastic wallpaper smoother
- Measuring tape
- Utility knife with sharp blades
- Spirit level (or plumb bob)
- A large brush or paint roller for adhesive application
- Sponges or cloths for cleaning excess adhesive
- Stepladder
- Pencil for marking
- Wallpaper seam roller (optional)
Having all the tools at hand will ensure a smoother installation process. Now, let's move on to preparing your walls for wallpaper.
Step 2: Preparing the Walls
This is one of the most important steps in the wallpapering process. Proper wall preparation ensures the wallpaper adheres well and remains smooth for years to come.
1. Clean the Walls:
It is recommended to first clean the walls. If there is dirt, dust, or grease on the walls, this can prevent the wallpaper from sticking perfectly to the wall; wash with a damp sponge or cloth and dry completely before applying.
2. Repair Imperfections:
Fill in the cracks, dents, or holes in the walls with spackle or filler. When it dries, smoothen them. You would want to have your walls as smooth as you can because any imperfections will project from the wallpaper.
3. Priming the Walls:
For the best quality of finish, apply a wallpaper primer or sizing solution. Applying primer makes the wallpaper adhesive adhere better and allows for ease of removal when it is time to swap out the wallpaper again without damaging the wall. Allow the primer to dry based on the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 3: Measuring and Cutting the Wallpaper
Precision is key when it comes to cutting your wallpaper. Follow these steps to avoid costly mistakes and ensure a seamless finish.
1. Measure Your Walls:
For the best quality of finish, apply a wallpaper primer or sizing solution. Applying primer makes the wallpaper adhesive adhere better and allows for ease of removal when it is time to swap out the wallpaper again without damaging the wall. Allow the primer to dry based on the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Cut the Wallpaper:
Once you’ve measured your walls, cut the wallpaper strips to size. Make sure to cut a little extra (around 2-3 inches) at the top and bottom to allow for trimming once the paper is in place. For patterned wallpaper, make sure the pattern is aligned across strips to avoid mismatches.
Step 4: Applying Wallpaper Adhesive
Use this step as a waiver if using pre-pasted wallpaper and go ahead to follow manufacturer's instructions to activate the adhesive that involves soaking the paper in water. Unpasted wallpaper
1. Apply Adhesive:
Lay the wallpaper face down on a flat surface. Work an even layer of the adhesive to the back side of the wallpaper using a big brush or roller Pay particular attention to the edges.
2. Book the Wallpaper:
Once the adhesive is applied, fold the wallpaper back on itself with the adhesive sides together (this is called "booking"). Let it rest for a few minutes to allow the adhesive to activate and the wallpaper to relax.
Step 5: Hanging the Wallpaper
Now comes the exciting part—getting the wallpaper up on the wall!
1. Hang the First Panel:
Begin along a corner or the least noticeable corner of the room. Either a level or a plumb bob will assure that your first strip is dead flat-there is more to be worried about with the first wall hanging; this will resound throughout the remainder of the installation. Allow the top of the wallpaper to overhang the ceiling, let it overhang just slightly. Attach the wallpaper to the wall, and smooth from the middle out to allow air bubbles to work their way out.
2. Smooth the Paper:
Use a smoothening tool to smooth out the paper. Iron out the wallpaper, remove wrinkles and bubbles with gentle pressure. Otherwise, the paper is easily damaged when pressed too much.
3. Trim the Excess:
Using a sharp utility knife, use the blade to cut off all excess wallpaper at top and bottom edges. Cut without pulling or tearing the paper.
4. Match the Seams:
For the next panel, align the pattern carefully with the first one. Use a seam roller or gently press the edges with your fingers to ensure a tight seam. Continue this process until all walls are covered.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
This is when all the wallpaper is finally pasted on the wall, and then goes for its final inspection. Walk around the room and check every panel.
1. Inspect the Work:
Walk around the room and inspect each panel. Check for air bubbles, mismatched patterns or loose edges. You will need to poke a little hole with a needle if there are air bubbles in order to slowly push air out of that spot.
2. Clean Excess Adhesive:
Use a damp sponge or cloth to wipe away any excess adhesive that may have squeezed out at the seams; clean it up before it dries.
3. Let it Dry:
Allow the wallpaper to dry completely for at least 24 hours. Make sure there’s proper ventilation in the room to speed up the drying process.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best preparation, sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here are some common wallpapering problems and how to fix them:
Air Bubbles: If bubbles appear after the wallpaper has dried, it’s usually because the wall wasn’t smooth or the adhesive wasn’t applied evenly. Use a smoothing tool or gently lift the paper and reapply it.
Pattern Mismatch: Double-check your measurements before cutting and hanging wallpaper. If there’s a small mismatch, you can sometimes fix it by slightly stretching or compressing the paper at the seam.
Peeling Seams:This occurs when there's not enough adhesives applied. You can even add more adhesives with a small brush and work it in using a seam roller.
Conclusion
Installing wallpaper will seem like a pretty huge task, but after acquiring the right tools and following careful preparation, it is more than possible to get a professional finish. It's possible to carry out a feature wall or redo an entire room; what's most fulfilling is the satisfaction you will gain after this DIY project is utterly worth all that labour you put in. Here's how to create a beautifully transformed space that you'll be proud to boast about for years.
