How to get the best results hanging wallpaper
When hanging new wallpaper it is absolutely vital that the walls are properly prepared.
The first part of the job is to remove all the old wallpaper and the best tool for the job is a wallpaper steamer. I use an earlex steamer. One full tank will last you about one hour.
After all the old wallpaper has been removed the walls will need to be prepared, this will mean all holes are filled with a flexible filler and all walls are sanded and all imperfections are removed and you have a very good clean smooth sound surface for decorating.
Once all the walls are prepared – depending on the new wallpaper to be hung – this will then help you decide if lining paper is required. If you’re using a super fresco paper that’s going to be painted afterwards this paper comes pre lined. On patterned paper such as Laura Ashley wallpaper this will require the walls to be lined.
When lining the walls with lining paper it is best to use a 1400 grade thickness paper or alternatively you can use wall doctor lining paper. Hanging lining paper is the same as a wallpaper, you will need to draw a plumb line to make sure the first piece of lining paper is straight. If you are using pre-lined paper the last step can be missed out.
Once all the lining paper is hung you can then start to hang your patterned or super fresco paper (remember with super fresco papers you need to hang lining paper), to start with again you need a plumb line to give you a straight line.
Cut your first piece of paper and paste using a pasting table. Hang the wallpaper and smooth it out to the edges using a smoother or sponge. Wipe away excess paste and then trim wallpaper as required to ceiling and skirting board and finally roll edges with a wallpaper roller.
Make sure the wallpaper joints are different from the lining paper joints. Hold the next piece up against the one piece on the wall and match the pattern. Cut the length as required and paste the paper. Hang matching the pattern up, smooth out to the edges and butt the two pieces of paper together. Repeat this until all walls are papered.
Using all these steps and techniques your room should be beautifully wallpapered.
