Wall Papering Tips
Corner of the rooms
The corners are often out of line, which makes it unlikely to take one length around a bend. Measure the distance from the corner, at the top and bottom of the last length. Add an extra inch to the widest top / bottom measurement and mark a new length with a pencil, the required correct width.
Cut the required width length and paste. Press the paper into the corner and mark it to reach into the corner. Peel the paper back and cut to allow the length to reach the corner and wrap round the corner by a very small amount.
Complete the adjacent wall in a similar fashion, using the cut off length just discarded from the previous length. Any slight break in pattern in the corner should be negligible.
Extra adhesive may be necessary to stick the wallpapers together if there is a slight overlap in the corner.
Papering Angles
When papering around a bend, door or window frame use the same technique for tackling a corner and trimming the top and bottom ends of a length.
Rub the edge that needs trimming with the back of the scissors to mark where it needs to be cut. Peel back the edge and trim, then smooth the paper back.
Papering Arches
If the archway forms part of a wall section - above a window, in an alcove or between two rooms add an extra inch of paper to follow the length of the shape of the arch along the wall. Cut the shape, paste and hang.
Smooth the paper down onto the wall, joining the seams as with all wallpaper lengths. Where it overhangs the arch, cut small V shapes all the way round the arched section. This will enable the paper to turn under the arch smoothly and neatly without any creasing.
Once the wall section above the arch has been completed, cut a length of paper the width of the archway. If necessary, try to match the pattern before cutting. Start at the lower end of the arch and line up with the adjacent papered wall. Then start at the other end and line up in a similar way, allowing the two pieces to meet at the top of the arch, in the centre.
Papering Behind Plugs and Switches
When papering a length including a plug or switch, always turn the electricity supply off at the mains. Then unscrew and loosen the plastic covering. It is unnecessary to remove the cover completely.
Position the length of paper in a similar way to any other length. Feel for the switch / plug location through the paper. From the centre of the switch / plug, make a small hole with the scissors followed by diagonal / star-like cuts to each corner. Hang the rest of the length first before cutting out the shape of the switch / plug.
Cut the edges to enable just a fraction of paper to be screwed under the plastic cover once it is replaced. Use the brush to push the paper behind the switch / plug from all directions.
Check for any trapped air bubbles and then remove any excess paste from the plastic cover with a cloth. When you are satisfied with the finish, screw the fitting back and turn the electricity supply on.
Papering by radiators
It is not necessary to hang wallpaper to cover the entire wall behind a radiator. If you want to cover the complete area, it may be possible to lower the radiator and rest it on the floor below.
Then remove any old wall covering, size the wall and paper the section in the same way as the rest of the room. Allow the paper to dry for a few hours before replacing the radiator to its original position.
If you are not lowering the radiator, allow the lengths to cover approximately 150mm (6 inches) behind the radiator. This will allow sufficient space for pushing the paper smoothly onto the wall and removing any bubbles. This also allows the wall to be covered enough so that the wall behind does not show.
Papering Ceilings
The techniques required for papering a ceiling are the same as for papering a wall. You are more likely to be dealing with longer lengths rather than more difficult sections containing pieces to cut out for windows, switches and plugs.
Papering a ceiling hides an uneven plaster surface. It can be transformed into a smooth, decorative surface which is often painted for a smart, clean finish.
The surface must be prepared beforehand to provide a good base. A lining paper can improve the final appearance, but it is important to fill any cracks and smooth the surface first.
It is usual to work parallel to the window wall. Work away from the window to allow the maximum light to be available as you paper the lengths across the ceiling.
Use a ruler to mark the ceiling along its length to get the first straight edge. Allow a few millimetres extra to be cut away if the wall meeting the ceiling does not form a perfect line, which is very common. Measure the length required adding an extra few millimetres to be cut where the length meets the walls at each end.
Remember that the length will be difficult to handle once pasted, so gentle overlap the sections pasted, to allow the length to be easily transported into position.
- If you are working alone you require a working platform across the room, which needs to be secured at a comfortable height to work from. Then support the folded sections while placing the first end against the wall-line.
Allow a slight overlap for matching with the end of the wall, and work across the room, unfolding sections as you move along the platform, brushing the rest of the length in place.
- If someone can help, use a broom, with the brush end upright. Cover the brush with a cloth to protect the paper. When you are positioning the first section, allow someone to gently hold the remaining sections of the length against the ceiling while you brush away the air bubbles from the beginning section. This allows the other person to take the weight of the paper while you brush the section into position.
The broom must not be pushed against the ceiling, but gently held in position. Then as the sections are positioned on the ceiling, smaller and smaller sections need to be supported.
This method is particularly useful if you use a ladder, which you need to keep re-positioning along the length of the paper.
Brush each section out from the centre to remove air bubbles. Once the length is in place, brush and check the surface is smooth, before trimming the ends. Sometimes it is necessary to trim the side of the first length if the walls are uneven where they meet the ceiling.
Papering Around Light Fittings
If possible, turn off the electricity supply at the mains and loosen the cover of the rose. Use a knife to slit the paper around the rose, allowing the paper to just fit under the cover when it is replaced.
Brush any bubble toward the cut out section. Wipe away any excess paste before replacing the cover, while pressing the edges smoothly underneath.
If the cover cannot be loosened, slit the paper fit as close to the cover as possible. Take care not to push the blade of the knife into the cover.
Papering Around a Decorative Rose
When papering a length including a rose, always turn the electricity supply off at the mains. Position the length of paper in a similar way to any other length. Feel for the rose through the paper.
From the centre of the rose, make a small hole with the scissors followed by diagonal / star-like cuts outwards toward the edges. Hang the rest of the length first before cutting out the shape of the rose. Use the brush to push the paper towards the rose from all directions.
Check for any trapped air bubbles and then remove any excess paste from the rose with a cloth. When you are satisfied with the finish, push all round the edge of the rose to get a close finish, taking care not to damage the moulding.
Cut as many sections from the centre of the rose outwards to smooth from every direction to fit around the moulding. Then carefully cut the small sections away, with a knife or scissors, to leave a smooth finish.
Reconnect the light fitting and turn the electricity supply on.
Papering a Stairwell
Always start with the longest length. If you lack experience, you will find it easier to use a paper without a matching pattern.
Cut a length long enough to reach the ceiling and the lowest edge of the sloping skirting board below. You will need to build a work platform and secure it over the stairs.
Use a plumb line to get the first straight edge and mark the wall as a guide. It is advisable to have somebody helping with the longer lengths.
Get someone to take the weight of the sections while you position the top edge, by supporting with an upturned broom. Otherwise drape the sections over one arm, while smoothing into position with the other.
Position the length and brush away air bubbles during hanging. Press the bottom of the paper against the edge of the skirting and check the length is smooth before trimming each end. |
