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How to Apply Wallpaper

24 Aug, 2021
How to Apply Wallpaper

Steps

 

1. Prime the Walls

Patch and sand any holes in your walls before proceeding. Allow the walls to dry after priming them with an acrylic primer (or wallpaper sizing).

 

2. Cut the Wallpaper to Size

Allow an extra six inches for trimming when measuring the height of the wall. Roll out the wall covering on your work surface and use a utility knife to cut several pieces to length.

 

 

3. Mark a Plumb Line and Hang the First Piece

Mark a plumb line on the wall, then unbook the wall covering and begin installing it. Slide the wall covering against the wall with your heels until the edge lines up with the plumb line.

If you do not intend to add crown moulding, apply the wall covering so that it extends three inches past the top edge of the wall.

 

4. Smooth the Surface and Continue

If you have embossed paper, use a soft-bristle wallpaper brush to smooth it out, or a straightedge for standard wallpaper.

Unbook the bottom piece and continue with the wallpaper brush once the top of the paper is smooth. Use the same method to hang the remaining pieces.

 

5. Clean Up the Corners

Use the straightedge and utility knife to cut off excess paper at the corners before applying the wall covering. If you removed more than two pieces, Use it to begin the next wall. Draw another plumb line 1/4 inch away from the corner less than the strip's width, and hang the strip Trim the paper with a straightedge and a utility knife after pressing the edge into the corner.

 

6. Fill in the Gaps with Caulk

After 20 minutes, fill in any gaps in the corners with caulk. Using a damp cloth or sponge, remove any excess caulk.

 

7. Trim Away and Seal the Wall Covering

Make sure the power is turned off before hanging the wall covering directly over outlets and switches. After 20 minutes, make an X over the outlets and switches and remove just enough material to expose them.

Seal the wall covering with satin or semi-gloss paint for embossed paper. To get paint into all of the textured areas, use a long-napped roller. The paint will conceal the seam lines and make the wall appear smooth.