Wallpaper Hanging Instructions from Steve's

New Drywall

Apply primer/sealer with a brush or roller. This provides a smooth even surface for the wallcovering to adhere to. Also, it will be easier to remove the wallcovering at a later date. Note that fresh plaster must be allowed to cure for 90 days before priming.

Previously Painted Walls

Fill cracks or holes with spackling compound. When dry, sand any rough spots until smooth. Lightly sand enameled surfaces. Be sure to clean walls with a bleach or ammonia and water solution. Then, apply a primer/sealer to the entire wall surface or over the spackled areas at a minimum. This will make the removal of the wallpaper at a later date much easier.

Previously Papered Walls

Remove old wallcoverings and sand surface area smooth. Removal tip: Use commercial wallpaper solution or mix a solution of fabric softener and hot water 1/2 and 1/2 and put in a spray bottle. Spray remover on old wallcovering that has been roughened to that the solution can soak in. Remove softened paper with a scraper. Clean walls with a bleach or ammonia and water solution. Apply a primer/sealer to the wall surface. All walls should be sized to maximize the slip. This allows for easier positioning of wallcoverings as it is being hung and makes it easier to remove at a later date.

Using a Plumb Line

Hanging the first strip straight is one of the most important things you can do to ensure a visually pleasing installation. Use a plumb line to make sure your first strip and those that follow are straight.

Choose an inconspicuous corner, preferably close to a window or door. Measure from the corner to a point 1/2” narrower than the width of the wallcovering. Then, drop a plumb line from that spot. When the line stops moving, hold it tightly at the baseboard with one hand and snap it with the other. The colored chalk line on the wall is now your starting point. For accuracy, snap a new line on each wall. This placement line will be where your first two strips of wallcovering meet. Note that some installers choose to draw this line on the wall using a level.

Cutting Lengths

Carefully measure the height of the wall, and add an extra 2” top and bottom for final trimming. Cut your first strip. When using a set design motif, cut the first length of wallcovering so that after final trimming, the entire motif will be placed at the top of the wall.

Pattern Matching

Before cutting more strips remember to allow for the proper pattern match. Match dry strip to dry strip or wet to wet. Save remnants, they are often useful for small areas such as above windows and doors.

Hanging Corners

When you come to an inside corner, you will do some basic arithmetic, allowing you to cut the strip into two pieces, rather than wrapping the whole strip around the corner. This will result in a very neat installation.

First, measure the distance from the edge of the last strip that you have hung to the corner. Do this at several points between the ceiling and the baseboard. Determine the widest measurement.

Cut a strip of wallcovering 1/2” wider than the widest measurement. Save the remainder of the strip. Hang the first side into the corner and extend 1/2” around the corner onto the next wall. Measure the remaining strip for the second side. Use this width to establish a new plumb line on the second wall. Once hung, it will overlap the first strip into the corner. Match as closely as possible. Any slight paper mismatch will not be noticeable. Re-glue the overlap using vinyl-to-vinyl adhesive.

Outside corners Follow the same technique, although you should allow a wrap-round of at least 2”.

Hang wallcoverings right over the windows and doors. Then cut away excess with scissors, leaving a few inches of overlap all around. Make diagonal cuts into the corners and then smooth the wallcovering into the edge of the frame and trim as usual with your blade and straight edge.

Paper the ceiling before the walls. Apply the wallcovering strips across the narrow width of the room. Measure the width of the wallcovering roll and subtract 1/2”. Measure this distance from both corners of the short wall and insert tacks at these points. Tie chalk line to tacks and snap to create a guideline.

Measure and cut strips 4” longer than the length of the short wall. After pasting or immersing in water tray, fold and book the paper. Support the paper with a broom head (a partner may be needed here). Open the first fold, slide into position against guideline and smooth as usual. Unfold strip, fold by fold, and brush into position leaving 1/2” overlapping the wall on long, finished edge side, and 2” overlap on the short, cut edges of the paper.

Remember to turn off the electricity. Remove switch plates and outlet covers. Hang wallpaper and simply smooth strip gently over the outlet or switch area. With a sharp knife, pierce paper at the center of the fitting and make diagonal cuts toward each corner. Press paper against wall around edge. Trim away surplus. You can cover the outlets and switch plates with leftover wallcoverings.

Measure wall width corner to corner. Each border strip should extend to full width of wall plus 1/2” to extend around corners.

Submerge border in water tray for prescribed time, book by loosely folding accordion fashion, and apply to the wall. If the border is being applied over wallcovering, do not wet border but use a vinyl to vinyl adhesive. Hang border, wrapping corners by about 1/4”. Smooth as you go. Make sure you wipe with clean sponge to remove excess paste.