There’s no denying we love paint. But, when it comes to transforming a room with style and personality, wallpaper is a fantastic choice. However, the key to achieving a flawless finish lies in choosing the right wallpaper for the job and in the installation process.
To help you navigate the world of wallpapering, we've compiled a list of do's and don'ts to guide you through each step with confidence.
DO choose the right wallpaper. Wallpaper can hide defects or highlight architectural features and like paint, they can help to change the feel of a space. Small prints can make a big room feel cosy. On the other hand, big prints can disguise the scale of a small room.
DON’T use standard wallpaper in kitchens and bathrooms. These spaces need wallpaper that’s suitable for high humidity and wet areas. Take this into account when deciding whether wallpaper is the best choice for your space.
DO get enough wallpaper. Measuring your wall is an essential first step before committing to the wallpaper process. Accurately measure the height of the wall so that your wallpaper application is a smooth process. A standard wall typically needs 3 drops to a wallpaper roll.
Here’s the calculation:
Divide the length of the wall by the width of the wallpaper (usually 530mm).
Then, divide that number by 3.
Next, round that number up and add an extra roll to match in the future.
DON’T skimp on the wallpaper paste. Standard wallpaper requires 1.5kg of paste per roll. For example, 5 rolls will need 7.5kg. Keep this in mind when purchasing everything you need from your local Inspirations Paint store.
DO ensure the wall is clean, free of dust, and smooth before starting the wallpaper application process. A clean surface ensures better adhesion and a professional finish (because that’s what we all want, right?).
DON'T overlook wall textures. If dealing with textured walls, consider using specialised wallpaper or applying a smoothing compound for a seamless application.
DO size the wall. Not to be confused with measuring the wall, to size the wall means to apply a thin mixture of the wallpaper paste and water to the wall and allowing to dry. This creates an ideal surface for the wallpaper to adhere to and prevent excessive paste absorption. It also makes small adjustments when applying your wallpaper much easier.
DON’T only apply wallpaper. For the best possible finish, we recommend painting the wall you plan on wallpapering in a colour that matches the colour of the wallpaper. This will help hide the seams and give your DIY project the professional look.
DO cut the first strip slightly larger than the wall height to allow for adjustments and ensure proper alignment. This is particularly important for patterned wallpaper. Small adjustments may need to be made to align the strips to create a seamless pattern.
DON’T mix and apply the wallpaper paste without reading the instructions. This will ensure the right consistency for the paste and whether you need to apply it directly to the wall or to the wallpaper first.
DO take your time hanging the first wallpaper strip. This strip is the most important in achieving an amazing wallpaper finish. Apply it straight and align it correctly.
DON’T forget to remove any bubbles and wrinkles with a wallpaper smoother. This is key to achieving a smooth finish.
DO trim excess wallpaper at the top and bottom of the strips once you are satisfied with its position using a utility knife for a clean finish. You can use a seam roller to smooth down any lifted edges and ensure a professional look.
DON’T apply your strips randomly. As with painting, it is best to work in sections, especially for large areas, to maintain control and precision. To ensure your wallpaper strips are straight and vertical use plumb lines.
DO take your time and work carefully to avoid mistakes and achieve a flawless result.
Remember, preparation, precision, and patience are the keys to mastering the art of wallpapering so head to your local Inspirations Paint store for everything you need for your next project.