When painting a wall adjacent to wallpaper, a key technique is to apply paint carefully to avoid accidentally marking the wallpaper. According to one reference source, when rolling paint near the edge where the wall meets the wallpaper, you should "bring your paint more sufficiently out so that your roller doesn't have to try to get over near the wall." This method helps prevent the roller from getting too close and potentially transferring paint onto the wallpaper.
Here's a breakdown of how to approach painting a wall next to wallpaper, incorporating this rolling technique:
Essential Steps for Painting Next to Wallpaper
Painting near wallpaper requires precision to achieve a clean line and protect the existing wall covering.
1. Preparation is Crucial
- Clean the Wall: Ensure the wall surface is clean and free from dust or debris that could affect paint adhesion or a clean line.
- Protect the Area: Cover the floor and any nearby furniture with drop cloths.
2. Masking the Wallpaper Edge
- Use high-quality painter's tape specifically designed for delicate surfaces if necessary, or if you feel confident in your cutting-in skills without tape.
- Carefully apply the tape precisely along the edge of the wallpaper where it meets the wall to be painted. Press down firmly to ensure a tight seal and prevent paint bleed.
3. Cutting In with a Brush
- Before rolling, use a good quality angled brush to "cut in" the paint along the taped edge.
- Apply paint slowly and carefully, keeping the brush angled towards the tape to control the paint flow.
- Apply one or two coats as needed for coverage along the edge.
4. Rolling the Main Wall Area
- This is where the technique mentioned in the reference comes into play. Load your roller with paint.
- Instead of trying to get the roller right up to the cut-in edge, start rolling the paint further out on the main part of the wall.
- Roll the paint sufficiently away from the wallpaper edge.
- Work your way across the wall, filling in the main areas. The goal is to cover the wall without needing the roller to get dangerously close to the taped or cut-in line next to the wallpaper.
5. Finishing Near the Edge
- The area right next to the wallpaper should primarily be covered by the initial "cutting in" with the brush.
- By rolling the main part of the wall away from the edge, you minimize the chance of the roller accidentally touching the wallpaper or pushing excess paint under the tape line.
6. Removing Tape
- If you used painter's tape, wait until the paint is dry to the touch but not fully cured before slowly and carefully pulling the tape off at a 45-degree angle away from the painted surface. This helps prevent the paint from peeling with the tape.
Following these steps, particularly focusing on keeping the roller away from the delicate edge as suggested, will help you achieve a professional-looking paint job next to your wallpaper.
