Decorating with Wallpaper

Decorating with Wallpaper

Materials:

pre-pasted wall covering
wallpaper scoring tool
drop cloths (to protect floor)
commercial wallpaper solvent
five-gallon spray container
five-in- one tool
drywall spackling compound
wide putty knife
sanding block
measuring tape
primer
paintbrushes
level
pencil (do not use a pen or marker)
sharp scissors
paint roller
water (to apply on back of wall covering)
utility knife (with a sharp razor)
seam roller
wallpaper smoother
straight edge
clean rags

1. Roll the scoring tool (figure A, left) across the surface of the existing wallpaper. Use a spray container and commercial solvent to loosen the paper on the wall. Use the solvent according to the manufacturer's directions. The wallpaper may only need hot water sprayed on the surface instead of a solvent, so check to be sure. Work in small sections (five to six feet across).

2. Working one section at a time, peel away the wallpaper. Once you have the top layer off (figure B), it is necessary to remove the backing that remains. Spraying more hot water will aid this process. Try not to damage the wall. Work carefully with a five-in-one tool. The trick is soaking the wall well and allowing it to set for a bit before attempting to remove the paper.

3. Did we say to really saturate those walls? If we didn't, you need to. Even with this step observed well, you will still probably damage the paper surface of your drywall. Use a wide putty knife to spread spackling compound along the holes and cracks on the wall surface, as well as where drywall was ripped (figure C). It may be necessary to use two coats of compound.

4. After the compound dries, sand the surface lightly with a sanding block. Wear a dust mask while sanding. Finish this step by wiping down the wall with a damp cloth to remove any lingering dust.

5. Measure the length and height of each wall in the room. Multiply these two numbers to get the rough square footage of each wall. Add the numbers together to get the total square footage of the room. Account for windows and doors in your measurements. Add 10 to 15 percent to the final total to ensure you have enough wallpaper.

6. Prime the wall and allow to dry thoroughly.

8. Mark the distance for your first plumb line, leaving it about a 1/4-inch short to account for the overlap you will need on the corner. Use a level to mark a plumb line at this mark. You should also mark the second drop and draw a plumb line here as well (figure E).

9. Roll out the wallpaper and cut the first few strips to length. When cutting the paper, be sure to correctly match the pattern before making the cuts. Roll water over the wallpaper backing. Cover the area thoroughly, including all edges. Fold the paper adhesive sides together (figure F), allowing them to "book" for several minutes to allow the glue to activate. Prepare only several strips at a time so that the backing doesn't dry too quickly.

10. Using the first pencil line as a guide, apply the first strip of paper. Use a level to be sure it is plumb, cut off any excess and trim the piece for an exact fit (figure G). You are now ready for the second piece.

11. When hanging wallpaper, butt the seams up together but do not overlap them. Make sure the pattern matches the previous piece and use a wallpaper smoother to press the paper flat against the wall. Don't use heavy pressure when smoothing the paper, or you may press out some adhesive. Use the seam roller to lay the seams flat while working (figure H). Once the strip is in place, cut the excess at the top.

12. A rule to live by: split corners, don't wrap them. This means continuing a strip of paper around a corner, not at the corner. This will cause air bubbles at the corner and the piece won't be plumb. Instead, bring the paper in, but do leave only a 1/4-inch overhang, then hang the next piece plumb with it (figure I).

13. When hanging paper, be sure to wipe down the seams occasionally to remove excess glue. Paper over switches and utility outlets, then cut them out (be sure the electricity is off). This project usually takes two days for a room and costs around 200 dollars (figure J).