Wallpapering a Room

[Dave]

You can change the entire look of a room by your choice of wallpaper. This article will give tips for choosing the right wallpaper to transform a room and techniques for applying it.


Wallpapering is one of the least expensive decorating items in a room. Wallpaper comes in so many beautiful designs and styles, that you can achieve any look you want.


The pattern or design of wallpaper can do three things to a room: It can dominate, coordinate or be a subtle background.


If you want to make a room appear larger; use light colors and small patterns. Match the wallpaper pattern with the fabric in the curtains or bedding. Use a vertical stripe in the design to create the illusion of a higher ceiling.


To make a room appear smaller; use dark colors with large patterns. You can cover doors, lampshades and all walls.


Wallpaper has been around for many years, but most papers are not made of paper as they were in the 1800’s. They are made of more durable materials, such as vinyl, vinyl coated paper, cloth or mylar. If this is your first time wallpaper choose a vinyl paper it is the easiest to apply because it does not rip. Wallpaper comes in two

categories: straight-match and drop-match. If the paper’s patterns are complete and directly opposite each other on the left and right edges of each sheet the paper is straight match.


Drop match paper’s pattern is cut off on the edge and you will match it with the next sheet you hang.


After you have chosen your wallpaper get ready to apply it by doing the following. Save the packaging or label on the wallpaper in case you need to buy more. Turn off the electrical power and remove all switch plates. Cover outlets with tape to keep out water and paste. Remove old wallpaper. Fill any holes or cracks in the wall. Use a plumb bob tool to find the plumb line of the wall so that you can mark the wall to hang the paper straight.


To cut the first piece of paper cut the edge of the paper off smooth. Align the top of paper at the ceiling and along the corner of the wall. Cut the paper leaving about two inches on the bottom.


Fill the wallpaper water tray half full of water. Submerse the first piece, (rolled up loosely with the pattern side in), in the tray for about 1 minute. Holding the edge of the strip with both hands, lift wallpaper from the water. While pulling it out inspect that the strip is evenly wetted. Apply to the wall by positioning it up against the corner and edge of ceiling. Use a smoothing tool

or smoothing brush to work out the bubbles.


Smooth from the center outward. Trim the bottom of the piece. Apply next strip of paper as before, matching the pattern before cutting.