Tips On Hanging Wallpaper

• To figure out how many rolls you need for a room, first determine the square footage. Add the lengths of all of the walls times the height. That is the square footage.

• Now, look at the repeat of the wallpaper you choose. If your repeat is zero to three inches, divide your calculated square footage by 25 square feet usable yield. If it is three to eight inches, divide by 23 square feet. If it is eight or more inches, divide by 20 square feet. This will tell you the number of single rolls you will need. Remember that most rolls of wallpaper are sold in double rolls.

• Wallpaper is sold in double rolls because a single roll for most walls is only about 1 length and 1/2. This means you would have to match the paper halfway down the wall, which would make for a lot of seams.

• If you have wallpaper left over, don't throw it out. You can use it to decorate lampshades, valances and light-plate switches throughout the room. You can also line drawers with the leftover paper or make a decorative fan. You also could cover drapery rods with the excess to match the walls. Attach the paper with PVA, and let dry. Next, apply several coats of matte varnish to protect the paper.

• Wallpaper is manufactured in "lots" or "runs," meaning the manufacturer will make a few hundred rolls up to a few thousand rolls of a certain design at a time. Each time they repeat that pattern there may be tiny differences then the previous times they ran that pattern. So if you are buying from different "lots," you may have subtle differences, and your paper may not match. In other words, be sure to buy plenty your first time around.

• Keep a permanent record of pattern and dye-lot numbers by saving one or all of the manufacturer's information labels in case you need to purchase more wall covering or border to finish your project.

• To prepare the wall for wallpaper, cut out a sample piece of wallpaper and staple it to the manufacturer's information.

• Remove all outlet covers and anything else that can be removed. Turn off electricity in the room, and cover outlets with masking tape.

• For painted walls, wash with a solution of trisodium phosphate, rinse clean with water, and allow to dry. For new sheet rock, apply two coats of quality drywall primer or sizer. For already wallpapered walls, remove, clean off old paste, rinse and dry.

• Techniques for removing old wallpaper off the wall:
  
  
  
  • Strippable — Grab hold of a corner and try to peel off the wallpaper.
    
  • Non-strippable — Use liquid removers that have been diluted with water, applied to the surface with a spray bottle and allowed to soak. An old hairspray pump bottle works well for this. Remove your plastic curtain from the shower and use it to protect the floor from moisture. Use a pattern marker (or "paper tiger") to score walls, allowing for the liquid remover to penetrate through to the underside of the paper. Allow the chemicals to work, following directions on the packaging. Use a metal spatula, or plastic or rubber dustpan to scrape the paper off. Repair and patch holes and cracks as needed.

• Begin the wallpapering in an inconspicuous corner. If the pattern does not match up perfectly, it will be hidden well in the corner.

• Dip your new wallpaper in a tray of water. After wetting and booking, place the booked wallpaper into a plastic garbage bag. This will ensure that it will expand properly and not dry out before you apply it to the wall.

• Measure the wall with a bubble stick to attain a vertical level. Mark it with a light pencil line. Following this line will ensure your paper to hang straight. To make your own bubble stick, use a level, and super glue it to a yardstick. Allow it to dry for 15 minutes.

Resources

• Guests

  • Kelly Hayes
    Store Manager, All 4 Walls
    1907 Suburban Ave. East
    St. Paul, MN 55119
    Phone: 651-730-4770
    Fax: 651-730-9912