Replacing Wallpaper

Tools:

screwdriver
wallpaper scoring tool
wallpaper stripper
rubber gloves
buckets
paint roller
paintbrush
paint tray
sponge
sandpaper
straight edge
level
pencil
primer
drywall compound
large and small putty knife
utility knife
wallpaper hanging kit (adhesive, tray, brush, wallpaper smoothing brush, seam roller)
wallpaper

1. Remove any fixtures such as towel racks, switch plates and/or hooks from the wall using a screwdriver.

2. Now get busy with a wallpaper scoring device (figure A). The tool features rollers with tiny little teeth that dig into wallpaper creating perforations, allowing the stripper to penetrate the paper and dissolve the adhesive.

3. Pour wallpaper stripper into a bucket and roll it on the walls using a paint roller (figure B). Work from the bottom up and be sure to wear rubber gloves when working with the stripper.

4. Let the stripper work for about 30 minutes then go to work taking off paper using a putty knife. Apply more stripper to stubborn areas.

5. Wipe down the walls with a sponge and bucket of warm water. Let the walls dry thoroughly then sand away imperfections.

7. Wipe the dust off walls after sanding with a damp sponge.

8. Apply primer to walls to help the wallpaper stick. The primer keeps the bare drywall from sucking all the moisture out of the adhesive. Use the large putty knife as a paint shield when working along trim (figure D).

9. Let the primer dry for at least two hours before hanging wallpaper.

10. Start by drawing a guideline on the wall. Use a straight edge and a level to make sure the line is plumb (figure E ).

11. Measure and cut paper, leaving an extra four inches at the top. Reverse-curl the paper to get rid of the natural tenancy to curl up on itself.

12. Spread the paper out on a flat surface and apply adhesive (figure F). Use a figure-eight motion to spread adhesive evenly over surface of paper.

13. Fold ends of paper in on itself so you have dry paper to grip and carry to the wall and stick it up, aligning the paper with the guideline you drew. Leave a couple of extra inches at the top and bottom.

14. Smooth the wallpaper using the smoothing brush (figure G).

15. Trim away excess using a utility knife and a putty knife as a guide.

16. Repeat hanging process until all walls are covered. Use a seam roller to press the seams tightly together (figure H).