How do you use paste the wall wallpaper?

To use paste the wall wallpaper, you apply the adhesive directly to the wall rather than to the back of the wallpaper itself. This method simplifies the hanging process significantly.

Understanding Paste the Wall Wallpaper

Paste the wall wallpaper is designed for ease of application. Unlike traditional wallpapers that require pasting the paper (which then needs to 'relax' before hanging), this type allows you to prepare the wall with adhesive and then directly hang the dry wallpaper. This makes it a cleaner and often quicker process.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Paste the Wall Wallpaper

Here's a detailed breakdown of how to properly install paste the wall wallpaper:

H2: 1. Preparation is Key

Thorough preparation ensures a smooth, long-lasting finish.

• Clean the Walls: Ensure your walls are clean, dry, and free of dust, grease, or loose paint.
• Smooth Surfaces: Fill any cracks or holes and sand down rough patches.
• Prime the Walls (Optional but Recommended): For new plaster or absorbent surfaces, apply a primer or wallpaper sizing. This helps the paste adhere better and prevents it from drying too quickly.
• Measure and Cut: Measure your wall height and cut your wallpaper strips, adding a few extra inches to the top and bottom for trimming. Number the back of each strip in the order they will be hung to ensure pattern alignment.
• Mark Your Starting Point: Use a plumb line or a laser level to draw a straight, vertical line where your first strip will be placed. This ensures your wallpaper hangs perfectly straight.

H2: 2. Applying the Paste to the Wall

This is where the "paste the wall" technique comes into play.

• Mix the Paste: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing your wallpaper adhesive. It should be a smooth, lump-free consistency.
• Apply to the Wall: Using a roller or brush, apply the paste directly to the wall, slightly wider than the width of your wallpaper strip.
  • Pro Tip: Apply enough paste for one or two strips at a time. The reference advises, "So that it doesn't get too dry in. Between," emphasizing the importance of working efficiently to prevent the paste from drying prematurely on the wall.

H2: 3. Hanging the Wallpaper Strips

Careful application ensures a professional finish.

• Position the First Strip: Take your first wallpaper strip and bring it up to the pasted wall. Align the edge of the paper with your plumb line.
  • Leveling in Place: "Level it in place," ensuring it's perfectly straight from top to bottom. As noted in the reference, you might use a "plumb bug now at the right hand side of the paper" (referring to a plumb line or level) to guide your alignment.
• Smooth Out Bubbles: Use a smooth wallpaper brush or a plastic smoother to gently push out any air bubbles, working from the center of the strip outwards to the edges.
• Trim Excess: Once the strip is smoothed, use a sharp craft knife and a straight edge to trim the excess paper at the top and bottom, along the skirting board and ceiling line.
• Repeat for Subsequent Strips: Apply paste for the next section of the wall and hang the next strip, butting it tightly against the previous one to create a seamless finish. Ensure pattern matching if your wallpaper has a design.

H2: 4. Finishing Touches

• Clean Up: Immediately wipe off any excess paste from the wallpaper surface or skirting boards with a damp sponge.
• Allow to Dry: Let the wallpaper dry completely, avoiding sudden temperature changes or drafts, which can cause bubbles or shrinking.

Key Benefits of Paste the Wall Wallpaper

By following these steps, even a novice can achieve a professional-looking result with paste the wall wallpaper.