Adding texture design and depth to your walls with wallpaper is a creative and changing way to make your home look better. But it can look like a tremendous job for people who are just starting. If you get the right Wallpapering Secrets, learning how to wallpaper can be a fun and satisfying experience. Our team at CWP Painting in Orange NSW knows a lot about wallpapering and we’re happy to share some of our best tips and tricks with you.
Wallpapering Secrets 1: Choosing The Right Wallpaper
The first step in becoming a great wallpaperer is picking out the right wallpaper for your room. Think about what style, color and pattern will go best with what you already have. If you need help choose a simple design or a color scheme that won’t go out of style. Also pick a wallpaper that will work well in the room. For example vinyl wallpaper works well in bathrooms and kitchens with a lot of moisture.
Wallpapering Secrets 2: Preparing Your Walls
For a wallpapering job to go well the walls must be properly prepared. Ensure the walls are smooth, clean and free of dust or other debris. Fix any holes or cracks and sand down any rough spots. Using a primer will help the wallpaper stick better and ensure the finish is smooth. If you take the time to prepare your walls properly it will look like you hired a professional.
Wallpapering Secrets 3: Measuring And Cutting
Carefully measure the length and width of your walls to determine how much wallpaper you’ll need before you start. If you do something wrong, ordering a little more than you think you’ll need is always a good idea. Use a straightedge and a sharp utility knife to cut the wallpaper so that the cuts are clean and precise. To keep things clear during placement, label each strip of wallpaper with its location on the wall.
Wallpapering Secrets 4: Proper Surface Preparation
Preparing your walls properly is one of the most important things you can do before wallpapering. It is essential to clean the walls well to remove any dirt, grease or dust before putting up wallpaper. Wash the walls with warm water and light soap. Rinse them with clean water and let them dry thoroughly.
Next look at the walls to see if they have any flaws such as holes, cracks or uneven surfaces. Scratch or fill in any holes or cracks and sand down any rough spots until the walls feel smooth. Lastly use a primer to make the walls smooth and stable so the wallpaper can stick to them. How well the surface is prepared determines whether the finish looks professional and will last for a long time.
Wallpapering Secrets 5: Pattern Matching
It is essential to pay attention to pattern matching when working with patterned wallpaper so the whole thing looks like it goes together. To match patterns you have to line up the design on each strip of wallpaper so that the patterns match up properly from one strip to the next. One way to match patterns is with a straight match, another with a drop match and a third with a random game.
It will depend on the pattern of your flooring and what kind of pattern matching you need. Lay all the wallpaper stripes on the floor before you start putting them. Carefully match up the patterns to make sure the whole thing looks good. Though pattern matching can be challenging, sometimes be patient and take your time. The result will be well worth it.
Wallpapering Secrets 6: Application Techniques
Once the walls are ready and the paper is cut and ready to go the wallpaper can be hung. First use a paint roller or brush to apply wallpaper glue to the back of the first strip of wallpaper. Smooth out the glue and work your way out from the middle of the strip to the sides.
After putting down the glue carefully place the strip on the wall making sure to line up the design if needed. Get rid of any air bubbles in the wallpaper with a wallpaper smoother or scraper. This will make sure that the wallpaper is tightly attached to the wall.
Keep hanging the rest of the wallpaper strips the same way ensuring the designs matchup and the gap stays the same. Once the wallpaper is all up use a sharp pocket knife to cut off any extra paper around the sides and corners. Let the wallpaper dry before putting any furniture back in the room.
Wallpapering Secrets 7: Dealing With Corners And Obstacles
It can be hard to wallpaper when walls, windows , doors and other things are in the way. If you want to wallpaper around corners carefully measure and cut the wallpaper to the correct size before putting it up. Use a straightedge and a sharp utility knife to make clean straight cuts.
Start wallpapering around windows and doors up to the edge of the obstruction. Then use a sharp knife to cut off the extra paper carefully. Use a wallpaper cleaner or squeegee to get rid of any air bubbles or wrinkles around the object. Be patient and take your time to get a neat professional finish.
Creating A Feature Wall
A feature wall is a great way to make a room more interesting to look at and your own. To use wallpaper to create a feature wall
- Start by picking a pattern that stands out and goes with the rest of the room style.
- You could use wallpaper with a significant design or a bright color to make a statement.
- Once you’ve picked the wallpaper measure the wall and cut it to fit leaving a little extra around the edges.
- Put the wallpaper glue on the back of the paper and carefully place it on the wall ensuring no air bubbles or wrinkles.
- Use a sharp knife to cut off extra paper around the edges and corners.
A feature wall can immediately change a room’s appearance and draw attention to its features.
Finishing Touches
You can give your walls a finished look by adding the last few things after you’ve put up all of your wallpaper. Smooth out the gaps between each wallpaper strip with a seam roller to ensure they are flat and stable. There may be air bubbles or wrinkles in the paper. To remove them carefully poke the bubble with a sharp needle or pin.
Watch out that you don’t damage the wallpaper. Finally wipe off any extra glue from the wallpaper surface with a wet sponge or cloth. Let the wallpaper dry completely before putting any furniture back in the room. If you take the time to add these finishing touches the end result will look great and you’ll be proud of it.
Call Us Today
CWP Painting is an expert at wallpapering and we want to help you make your home look the way you want it to. With our skill and attention to detail we can turn your space into a work of art and help you make your wallpapering plans come to life. Call us today 0429-629-559 for a FREE price that doesn’t require you to do anything.
