How to Hang Wallpaper with Paste: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

 

It starts with selecting the right wallpaper for your space and gathering the necessary tools, including a utility knife, wallpaper brush, and of course, the wallpaper paste. Applying paste to the wall or the back of the wallpaper ensures that it adheres properly and lasts for years to come. Knowing how to cut around outlets and windows can also make the process smoother and the finish more professional.

Once you have prepared your walls by cleaning and priming them, you're ready to start hanging. Measuring accurately and aligning the wallpaper correctly are crucial steps. This DIY project may seem daunting at first, but with a little patience and attention to detail, anyone can achieve a beautifully wallpapered room.

Preparing Your Walls

Adequate preparation is crucial for ensuring a flawless wallpaper application. This phase involves inspecting, cleaning, and priming your walls to create a perfect base for the wallpaper.

Wall Inspection and Repair

Before starting, inspect the walls for any imperfections. Look for cracks, holes, or bumps that might hinder a smooth wallpaper finish. Small cracks can be filled with spackling compound, while larger holes might need patching.

For textured walls, sanding them down is essential. Use medium-grit sandpaper to achieve a smooth surface.

Checklist:

• Identify cracks and holes.
• Fill and sand down imperfections.
• Ensure the wall surface is leveled.

Cleaning Walls and Removal of Old Wallpaper

Clean walls are vital for the wallpaper adhesive to stick properly. Remove any old wallpaper using a scraper and wallpaper remover solution.

Next, wash the walls with a mild soap and water solution to eliminate any dust, grease, or residue.

Cleaning Steps:

1. Scrape off old wallpaper.
2. Wash walls with soap and water.
3. Rinse and allow to dry completely.

Applying Primer for Smoothness

Priming the walls is a critical step in wallpaper prep to ensure the paste adheres properly. Use a high-quality wallpaper primer. Apply a thin, even coat using a roller, covering all areas where the wallpaper will go.

The primer helps seal the wall surface and provides a uniform base for the wallpaper.

Materials Needed:

• Wallpaper primer
• Roller and roller tray

Priming not only enhances adhesion but also makes future wallpaper removal easier.

Effective wall preparation is key to achieving a smooth, professional finish. By thoroughly inspecting, cleaning, and priming your walls, you set the stage for a successful wallpaper project.

Gathering Necessary Supplies

Preparing to hang wallpaper involves assembling a variety of tools and materials. This will ensure the job goes smoothly and results in a professional finish.

Choosing the Right Paste and Tools

Selecting the proper wallpaper paste is crucial. Standard adhesive works for most wallpaper types, but some wallpapers require specialized paste. Always check the manufacturer's recommendation.

Essential tools include:

• Paste brush or roller for even application.
• Mixing bucket to prepare the paste.
• Sponge for cleaning up excess paste during application.

Measuring and Cutting Tools

Accurate measurements are vital for a neat finish. A tape measure measures wall height and width. A pencil and straight edge help mark cut lines on the wallpaper. Wallpaper scissors and a razor blade ensure precise cutting.

Prepare a table for reference:

Tool	Purpose
Tape Measure	Measure wall dimensions
Pencil	Mark cut lines
Straight Edge	Ensure straight cuts
Wallpaper Scissors	Cut wallpaper
Razor Blade	Trim excess

Smoothing and Trimming Implements

Once the wallpaper is on the wall, use a wallpaper smoother to remove air bubbles and flatten the surface. Tools for trimming include a razor blade for neat edges and a spirit level to ensure alignment.

Additionally, a seam roller presses down the edges of each strip, ensuring they adhere firmly to the wall without curling or lifting.

Assembling these supplies in advance will enable a smoother wallpaper application process.

Planning Your Wallpaper Layout

Proper planning ensures the wallpaper application goes smoothly and aligns well with the room's features, such as doors and outlets. Key steps include assessing the room layout, addressing wallpaper pattern repeats and matches, and establishing a starting point.

Assessing the Room Layout

First, examine the room's layout. Identify features like doors, windows, and outlets. Measure the height and width of each wall. Take note of corners, as they often need precise cuts for a clean finish.

Using a level line and a plumb line, mark vertical and horizontal lines on the wall. These help in aligning the wallpaper correctly. Ensure all lines are straight and even, which prevents misalignment during application.

Wallpaper Pattern Repeat and Matching

Wallpaper patterns often have repeats that must be matched across strips. Determine the pattern repeat length by checking the wallpaper label. This tells you how often the pattern repeats and is critical for cutting strips correctly.

When cutting wallpaper, ensure each strip starts at the appropriate point in the pattern. This avoids mismatched designs that can be visually disruptive. Lay out the strips on the floor to match patterns before applying to the wall.

Establishing Your Starting Point

Deciding where to begin is crucial. Start at a less prominent corner or along a wall that isn't the room's focal point. This minimizes visibility of any mismatches. Mark a vertical line with a plumb line to guide the first strip.

Ensure the vertical line is straight and use it as a reference for aligning the wallpaper. This helps maintain a consistent alignment throughout the application process. Pay attention to outlets and switches, cutting an "X" as you go to avoid covering them.

Mixing and Applying Wallpaper Paste

Proper mixing and precise application of wallpaper paste are crucial for a smooth and durable finish.

Preparing the Paste

To start, it's essential to select the right wallpaper paste or adhesive for your specific type of wallpaper. Read the manufacturer's instructions on the paste package carefully.

Use a clean bucket for mixing. Add water first and then gradually pour the powder or paste into the bucket, continuously stirring to avoid lumps.

An electric stirrer or a paint mixing stick works well for ensuring a uniform consistency. Follow the recommended water-to-paste ratio closely for optimal results.

Paste Application Techniques

Begin by laying out all necessary tools: brush, roller, or pasting machine. For paste-the-wall wallpaper, apply the adhesive directly to the wall rather than the paper.

Use a pasting brush or roller to spread the paste evenly. Start at the top and work your way down, ensuring an even coating.

For traditional wallpapers, apply paste to the back of the wallpaper, fold it paste-to-paste (also known as "booking"), and let it sit for the recommended time to activate the adhesive.

Avoid over-pasting and make sure to smooth out excess paste to prevent lumps.

Understanding Paste-the-Wall versus Pre-Pasted Wallpaper

Paste-the-wall wallpaper simplifies the process by allowing the adhesive to be applied directly to the wall. This method reduces mess and speeds up the application, as there's no need to soak the paper beforehand.

Pre-pasted wallpapers come with a dry layer of adhesive already on the back. To activate it, you need to submerge the paper in water or use a damp sponge.

Each type has its benefits: Paste-the-wall is often cleaner and quicker, whereas pre-pasted can be more straightforward for DIY enthusiasts. Proper preparation and applying techniques are crucial for both to avoid bubbles and ensure a smooth finish.

Hanging the Wallpaper

Hanging wallpaper involves careful alignment, adherence, and smoothing to ensure a flawless finish. Follow these steps to achieve professional results.

Aligning Wallpaper and Adhering to the Wall

Start by applying wallpaper paste to the wall. Spread the paste evenly using a roller or brush.

Next, align the wallpaper starting at the top of the wall. Use a plumb line or level to check vertical alignment. This ensures the wallpaper is straight.

Carefully press the wallpaper onto the wall, smoothing from the center outward. This helps remove any air bubbles and ensures the wallpaper adheres properly.

Smoothing Out Air Bubbles

Air bubbles can distort the look of your wallpaper. To smooth them out, use a squeegee or wallpaper smoothing tool.

Start at the center of the wallpaper and work your way to the edges. Apply firm, even pressure to push out any trapped air.

If bubbles persist, use a pin to carefully puncture and release the air. Smooth over the area again to ensure it lies flat.

Trimming Excess Wallpaper

Once the wallpaper is securely adhered and smoothed, trim the excess wallpaper. Use a sharp utility knife and a metal straightedge to cut along the ceiling, baseboards, and corners.

Ensure the cuts are clean and precise for a professional-looking finish. Excess wallpaper at the edges can be tucked neatly into creases or removed entirely.

Repeating this process for each strip of wallpaper will ensure a seamless result.

Finishing Touches and Cleaning Up

Taking care of the finishing details and cleanup is essential for a polished look. Ensuring seams are sealed and excess paste is removed will leave your wallpaper looking professional.

Sealing Seams and Edges

Sealing the seams and edges prevents the wallpaper from peeling away over time. After applying the wallpaper, run a seam roller along the edges to ensure good adhesion.

For added durability, consider applying a thin layer of adhesive or wallpaper seam sealer along the seams. This step is particularly important in high-traffic areas or rooms with high moisture levels, like bathrooms.

Cleaning Excess Paste

Wipe away any excess paste immediately after hanging each strip to avoid damage. Use a clean, damp sponge or cloth for this task.

Be gentle to avoid smudging the wallpaper. Rinse the sponge frequently, ensuring it remains clean throughout the process. This helps in preventing paste from drying and hardening on the wallpaper surface.

Reviewing Your Work

After completing the wallpaper application, step back and thoroughly inspect the walls. Look for any air bubbles, loose edges, or misaligned seams.

If air bubbles remain, use a pin or small needle to puncture and gently press out the air. Adjust any misaligned seams by carefully lifting and repositioning the wallpaper.

Tips for Specific Wallpaper Types

Different types of wallpapers require distinct approaches. From ensuring proper adhesion to maintaining longevity, each type has its unique needs.

Handling Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

Peel-and-stick wallpaper is popular for its simplicity and mess-free application. To achieve the best results, ensure the wall surface is smooth and clean. Use a damp cloth and mild soap to remove any dust or grease.

Measure and cut the wallpaper panels before peeling off the backing. Align the top edge with the ceiling or a marked line. Apply the wallpaper section by section, smoothing out air bubbles with a plastic smoothing tool. If you need to reposition it, gently peel it off and reapply. This type’s adhesive allows for adjustments, making it ideal for renters.

Working with Textured or Heavy-Duty Wallpaper

Textured or heavy-duty wallpapers require more preparation. First, make sure the walls are dry and free of any uneven patches. Use a primer designed for textured wallpapers to ensure better adhesion.

When applying, use a thicker wallpaper paste specifically for heavy-duty paper. Apply paste evenly on the wall and ensure every part is covered. Start hanging from the top, and press the wallpaper firmly to prevent bubbles. A seam roller helps press down the seams securely. This type is great for adding depth and durability to high-traffic areas.

Decorating with Removable Wallpaper

Removable wallpaper offers flexibility and easy changes. Clean the surface thoroughly before applying. Unlike peel-and-stick, removable wallpaper often requires a light layer of adhesive paste. Apply the paste evenly on the wall to avoid lumps.

Begin by hanging from the top, smoothing down as you go. This type allows for repositioning within a short period, giving you time to correct any mistakes. It’s an excellent option for temporary changes, allowing homeowners to refresh their décor without a long-term commitment. It’s also ideal for accent walls or children's rooms.

Tools and Calculators

Using the right tools is crucial for hanging wallpaper with paste. Start with a wallpaper calculator to determine how much wallpaper you'll need. This prevents underestimating or overbuying material.

Essential Tools

• Wallpaper paste and a paste brush or roller for application.
• Wallpaper smoothers for removing air bubbles.
• Utility knife for precise trimming.
• Straight edge or ruler for accurate cuts.
• Tape measure for measuring walls and paper.
• Pencil to mark measurements on the wall.

Supporting Tools

• Ladder for reaching higher areas.
• Plastic sheet to protect the floor.
• Sponge and bucket of water for cleaning excess paste.

Wallpaper Calculator

A wallpaper calculator helps you measure wall lengths and heights, then computes the number of rolls needed. This tool factors in repeat patterns and allowances for trimming.

Using proper tools and a calculator ensures a more professional finish and reduces waste.