Wallpaper is a great option for your interior walls when you want to add colour and texture without having to actually paint the walls. Here are some tips for applying wallpaper if this will be your first time doing it.
Prepare the Walls
Before you do anything, make sure your walls are ready to be wallpapered. Start by cleaning the walls, paying close attention to edges, corners, and trim. Even if your walls look clean, they likely have buildup, fingerprints, or dirt that you can't quite see. Mild soap and water is usually enough to get the walls clean. Make sure you go over them again with just water to rinse the soap, and make sure they are fully dry. As you clean, look for any signs of damage or uneven surfaces that need to be fixed. This is also a good time to remove any nails you find. Fill in any cracks or holes with caulking, and use sandpaper to get smooth edges and a flat surface.
Plan and Cut the Wallpaper
This is one of the most time-consuming steps of applying wallpaper. You are probably using wallpaper with a pattern, and you want that pattern to match up. To do this, you first need to find a plumb line. This is where the edges of the wallpaper are going to line up on the wall. You can do this by finding the center of the wall both horizontally and vertically, and marking it there. Use a level to be sure it is level and straight before continuing. Now look at the wallpaper and measure it according to where it will be placed on the wall, and plan your cuts based on the pattern, ensuring they will match up when you apply the wallpaper.
Add Primer and Paste
When the wallpaper is cut and ready to go, you need to then apply primer to your walls. This is going to provide a smooth surface that is easier to adhere the paste and wallpaper to. Make sure it is applied evenly and that it dries completely. Now add your wallpaper paste to the first sheet of wallpaper, starting with a top corner piece of wallpaper. A paint roller can be used to apply the paste to the back of the paper. Slide it up to the top edge of the wall, smoothing the paper from the top down to the bottom. Make sure it is smooth without any bubbles. The paste takes a few minutes to dry, so you can remove it and try it again if it isn't quite even. Push the paper with your hands to get it into the right position. Continue this process until the walls are wallpapered.
If you don't feel comfortable hanging it yourself, you can hire a professional wallpaper service. They will get the job done quickly and efficiently.
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