How To Hang Wallcoverings

Start with the least noticeable wall, usually the wall above the doorway that your guests enter the room through.

Measure out from the corner the width of the paper minus 1/2 inch and mark with a pencil.

Place a level at the mark and draw a straight, vertical line (plumb line).

The success of your job depends on having the first strip straight.

Follow this procedure every time you reach a corner or start a new wall.

Cut

Cut the first strip. Keep an extra 2 inches at the top and bottom for trimming.

Soak

Fill a water tray 2/3 full with water at room temperature.

Roll the cut strip from bottom to top, paste side out. You should not see the pattern.

Submerge the rolled strip into the water tray.

Soak for the amount of time recommended in the manufacturer's hanging instructions, usually 30 seconds.

Holding the top of the sheet, slowly lift and unroll the paper onto a work table, making sure the paste is completely wet.

Fold

Fold both ends, paste side in, towards the center of the strip, this is known as "booking". You should see the pattern.

Do not crease the folds. Let the strip rest for the amount of time recommended in the manufacturer's hanging instructions.

Hang

Unfold the top half of the strip and apply to the wall, letting the excess paper overlap the ceiling and adjoining wall.

Slide the paper into position so it touches the plumb line.

Using a wallpaper smoothing tool, gently press the strip against the wall. Be careful not to stretch the wallpaper while positioning.

Unfold the bottom half and smooth into place.

Smooth the entire strip, working diagonally from the top down and from the center outward, forcing out any air pockets.

Wash off excess paste with a wet sponge and clean water.

Trim

Using the 6" putty knife as a guide, trim the excess paper along the ceiling and baseboard with a sharp razor knife. Go slowly and change blades after each strip.

Wash paste off ceiling and baseboards with a wet sponge and clean water.

Continue Using the same procedures cut and apply the second strip, matching the pattern to the first strip.

Touch the edges tightly together, but don't overlap the strips.

Make a new plumb line on each new wall.

Also see: sports wallpaper borders

Author Notes:

Daryl Marples contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.beautiful-home-101.com. As webmaster I constantly add information and articles about home decor, design and building materials from suppliers and manufacturers.