Pasting wallpaper onto a wall is a popular way to update a room's look. The general process involves preparing the wall, applying adhesive, hanging the wallpaper strips carefully, and smoothing them out to ensure a flawless finish. Different types of wallpaper may require paste applied either to the wall or directly to the paper itself.
Key Steps in Pasting Wallpaper
While the specific details can vary depending on the wallpaper type (like paste-the-wall or traditional), the core actions involve careful handling and smoothing.
- Preparation: Ensure your walls are clean, smooth, and primed correctly for good adhesion. Measure and cut your wallpaper strips to the required length, adding a little extra for trimming.
- Applying Paste: Apply the recommended wallpaper paste. This might involve pasting the back of the wallpaper strip (traditional paper) or applying the paste directly onto the section of the wall where you will hang the next strip (paste-the-wall method).
- Hanging the Strip: Carefully position the first strip of wallpaper on the wall, aligning it correctly (often using a plumb line). Smooth it down gently.
- Smoothing and Cleaning: This is a critical step to remove air bubbles and excess paste, ensuring a professional appearance.
Essential Techniques for a Smooth Finish
Once the wallpaper is in place, it's crucial to smooth it down thoroughly and clean up any paste that gets onto the surface.
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Handling Paste on the Surface: If you get any paste on the front of the wallpaper while hanging or smoothing, it's important to clean it off immediately before it dries.
- Wipe it with a damp rag. Use a clean, damp cloth to gently wipe away the paste from the surface of the wallpaper.
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Removing Air Bubbles: Trapped air bubbles can ruin the look of your finished wall. Smooth them out as you work down the strip.
- Begin by smoothing out air bubbles with your hands first. This helps you gently push larger pockets of air towards the edges.
- Then, use your plastic smoother (sometimes called a squeegee or wallpaper brush, depending on type) to smooth out the rest of the bubbles. Work from the center of the strip towards the edges to push the air out.
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Trimming Excess: Trim the excess paper at the top and bottom of the wall using a sharp utility knife and a straight edge.
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Wiping Seams: Wipe the seams between strips with a damp cloth or seam roller (depending on wallpaper type) to ensure they are pressed firmly against the wall and free of excess paste.
Following these steps carefully, especially the smoothing and cleaning techniques, will help you achieve a beautiful and long-lasting wallpaper installation.
