Whether you’re starting from scratch in a brand-new home or just looking to update your space, wallpaper is a stylish and easy design solution. The right wallpaper, pristinely applied, of course, can make a room feel larger or smaller, add colour, texture and pattern and set the overall mood. Best of all, it’s actually quite simple to apply. All you need is a little organization and some helpful pointers. Don’t even think of getting your plaster primed or your roller ready before reading the following tips for applying picture-perfect paper!
1. Prep squad. There’s no better canvas for applying wallpaper than smooth, clean walls, so don’t skip this all-important step. Remove old wallpaper or chipped paint. Fill in cracks and other imperfections and sand where necessary.
2. Extra, extra. Try to estimate as accurately as possible how many rolls of paper you will need, and then buy a couple more, just in case you run into trouble! You can always use the leftovers for craft projects, scrapbooking, etc.
3. In case of emergency. If you do run out of paper (in spite of all your careful planning!), buying more will be nearly impossible without the style number, colour, etc., so be sure to save your label and packaging details until the job is complete.
4. Off the beaten path. We don’t doubt that you’ll have your technique down pat from the very beginning, but in the event that you get off to a rocky start, it’s best to choose an out-of-the-way spot in the room and work your way around from there.
5. Mark the spot. You’ll want to start at the ceiling with a full design (complete flower, diamond, etc.), so indicate the correct starting point on the back of the paper in pencil.
6. Straight and narrow. The very first strip of paper that you paste sets the tone for the rest of the room, so take your time with this step. When in doubt, enlist the help of a level (or at least a level-headed friend!).
7. Measure twice, cut once. Save yourself time and energy by taking careful measurements, and don’t be afraid to make little marks on the wall showing where each strip of paper ends. As for length, leave some excess on every strip. It’s much more simple to trim the surplus paper than it is to cut a whole new strip because it falls short.
8. Pretty pasting. Always use a paint roller when applying paste, and be gentle (you don’t want to damage the paper before you even get it on the walls!). Looking for an alternative method? Buy some pre-pasted paper, which must be soaked in water prior to application.
9. A little bubbly? Smooth the paper from the top down to eradicate bubbles and imperfections. Burst particularly stubborn bubbles by poking them with a pin.
10. Fight the power. Or rather turn it off, that is, before papering anywhere near your electrical sockets. A great room makeover should be exhilarating and shocking, but not that shocking.
Want to find the perfect wallpaper pattern for your space? Some of our favourites can be found at the following sites:
Blue Mountain Wallcoverings: blmtn.com
Farrow & Ball: farrow-ball.com
Umbra: umbra.com
