How To Hang Wallpaper
A DIY novice's guide to hanging wall paper. Depending on the size of the wall you are papering, it shouldn't take you more than a few hours to do
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Step 1:
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You will need
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Step 2:
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Measure
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Carefully measure the length required which is normally the height of the wall and cut from the roll. Make sure that you allow an extra 50 mm at both the top and bottom for final trimming. Always make sure that the pattern is the right way up and never, ever assume that the outside of the roll is the top. This could lead to all sorts of trouble and hilarity from others! Before cutting the next lengths ensure that the pattern matches up with previous ones.
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Step 3:
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TOP TIP
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After you've cut it, mark the back of the paper with a T at the top. This will avoid any confusion later on. Always keep offcuts - they may come in useful for small areas, such as above doors or around windows.
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Step 4:
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Plan
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Before you start the messy job of pasting, work out where you are planning to hang the wallpaper. For boldly patterned wallpapers choose a focal point such as a chimney breast for symmetry. If you have a plainer design start in a corner, usually behind the door.
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Step 5:
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Plumb/Spirit Level
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The last thing you want is wonky wallpaper so mark a vertical pencil line against a plum line or spirit level. The plumb line should be about 25mm less than the width of the roll away from the starting point so you end up papering over it and there's no chance of it being seen through the seam later on.
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Step 6:
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Pasting
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Now you get to the messy bit. Spread a length of wallpaper face down on the table and start to brush the paste down the length and out towards the edges. Don't pull the brush back across the edge of the paper as it will leave paste on the front of the paper. If you do manage to get paste on the front - don't panic, just dab it off with a wet sponge.
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Step 7:
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Soaking
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Once pasted, fold the paper inwards, bottom to middle and top to middle. Then put the paper to one side to 'soak'. Check the instructions to see how long it needs to be soaked for. Don't try and skip this step to save time as by allowing it to soak, it minimises blisters on the hung wallpaper.
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Step 8:
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Hang
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Once the paper has soaked, pick up the top of the paper and lightly stick the top half of the length to the wall. Allowing the 50mm for trimming, slide the paper into position. Smooth down the middle with a paperhanger's brush and then work out towards the edge, removing air bubbles as you go.
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Step 9:
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Trim
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Take the scissors and carefully run the back of them along the angle of the ceiling and the top of the wall and the skirting at the bottom. Gently pull the paper away from the wall and trim the excess and brush pack into place so it looks nice and neat.
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Step 10:
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Tidy
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Now all you need to do is tidy it up and make sure it looks like a professional has done it. Wipe the surplus paste from the surface of the paper and the ceiling and skirting with a damp sponge.