| Remember to Turn Off Electricity First |
 |
| Safety first! Always remember to turn off electricity before putting up wallpaper. Tape up the outlets to avoid adhesive leaking into them. |
|
| Prepare the Walls |
|
| Make sure that the walls are dry and clean. Remove any old wallpaper and patch up cracks and holes. Always remove nails and protruding studs. This will give an even surface to apply wallpaper on. |
|
| Establish a Plumb Line |
|
| This is perhaps the most important step of putting up wallpaper. Use a carpenter’s level to draw a level line. This will be your guide for the first two wallpaper strips, ensuring that the seams are straight and aligned with each other. Repeat this process for every new wall. |
|
| Cut the First Strip of Wallpaper |
|
| Measure and cut the first strip of the wallpaper. Always make the strips 2 to 3 inches longer then the intended length. This will give you ample room for error. |
|
| Put Adhesive on the Wallpaper |
|
| If you are using unpasted wallpaper, gently apply the recommended adhesive with a brush or a paint roller. For preposted wallpaper, follow the instructions of the manufacturer and soak the paper in room temperature water. You may have to add adhesive activator to the water. |
|
| “Book” the Wallpaper |
|
| “Booking” is the process of folding the wallpaper onto itself. This process helps the adhesive to activate and spread evenly. Don’t fold the paper tightly as it will add wrinkles to the paper. |
|
| Hang the First Strip of Wallpaper |
|
| Gently align the strip with the plumb line and position the strip from the ceiling working your way to the floor. Use a brush to press the wallpaper gently to the wall. Check for air bubbles that will leave ugly wrinkles on the paper. |
|
| Trim the Wallpaper |
| When the strip is in position, use a razor knife to trim the excess paper. Be careful not to drag the knife across the paper as it may pull the still wet strip out of alignment. |
|
| Continue to lay the Wallpaper |
|
| Cover all the walls with the strips of Wallpaper. Remember to butt the seams together to give a uniform look to the room. If you have used a plumb line, this will not be very difficult. |
|
| Use a Seam Roller |
|
| After about 15 minutes, use a seam roller to smoothen the seams. Use a gentle hand as unnecessary force will force the adhesive out of the seams. If you have used a vinyl wall paper, you don’t have to use a seam roller. |
|
| Finish the Job by Installing the Borders |
|
| The last part of the job is to install the borders. These are strips of wallpapers with special pattern that give a finished look to your room. Use them at every corner and near doors |
|
| Let the wallpaper dry for about 24 hours. This will ensure that the adhesive has dried completely. Use a razor knife to cut holes for the electrical outlets. If you get stuck anywhere, call your local contractor for guidance and help. |
| |
