How do I hang Wallpaper Borders

[Dave]

Wallpaper borders are a quick and easy to way to brighten any room. You can use almost pattern that compliments the room and, best of all, you can do it in a day!


What You’ll Need:


Border – Choose a border that compliments the décor of the room. For example, simple floral prints often work well with striped wallpaper, while you can use almost any border style for a room with solid paint and simple furnishings. If you’re unsure, ask for border samples and bring them home to compare.


Paste – If the border you purchase is not pre-pasted (like a stamp), you’ll need to purchase special paste to attach the border to the wall. The store where you purchase your border should have this. You will also need a pasting brush and an area where you can safely apply the paste, such as an old table.


Paperhanger’s brush – Available in most wallpaper or paint stores, a paperhanger’s brush allows you to “brush” wrinkles out as you apply the border to the wall. A paperhanger’s brush looks similar to a handheld whisk brush.


Seam roller – A seam roller is a small, round “drum” on a stick. Sold wherever you’ll find wallpaper or paint, the seam roller allows you to press the border on the wall and flatten it.


Other tools: Scissors or craft knife, pencil, level and plumb line.


Step 1: Prepare the surface.


In order for wallpaper borders to adhere, the surface must be in good shape. Start by cleaning the walls thoroughly and filling in any cracks or holes. Allow walls to dry (or dry by hand) before beginning.


If you are adding a border to a wallpapered surface, check the wallpaper for blisters or loose seams. Puncture air blisters with a knife and smooth down using the seam roller. For loose seams, lift the edge slightly and apply paste, then smooth down and use the seam roller to flatten. Allow to dry thoroughly before adding a wallpaper border.


Measure the area to be bordered. You can also use a level or plumb line and a pencil to measure the path of the border for easier placement.


Step 2: Prepare the border.


Cut the amount of border needed and lay flat on the pasting table. Follow the directions for using the adhesive – if using paste, you will typically need to immerse the paper in water and add glue; for pre-pasted borders, you will usually only have to brush the back with a paintbrush dipped in warm water.


Step 3: Apply the border.


If you are hanging a long piece of border, enlist a friend to help hold the end of the paper. Otherwise, work in small pieces to ensure accuracy and ease of placement.


Holding the border in one hand, apply it to the wall with the other hand and smooth gently into place. After checking to be sure it is level, use the paperhanger’s brush to set it in place and smooth wrinkles.


When you are finished with one section, use the seam roller to flatten the section. Press and roll firmly, then wipe with a damp cloth to remove excess paste or water.


Step 4: Finishing the job.


Once you have applied and flattened the border, check for air blisters and seam overlaps, particularly in the corners. Remove air blisters by puncturing them lightly with a knife, then flattening with the seam roller. Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe the border and the surrounding areas free of paste or water. Allow to dry for 48 hours before checking again.


Borders add fascinating accents to any room and can liven up a dull wall. Experiment with different borders, different placement levels and even different colors to find what suits your taste and compliments the room.