How To Wallpaper A Room: A Complete Guide

So, you're thinking about wallpapering a room, huh? That's awesome! Wallpaper can completely transform a space, adding personality, style, and a touch of wow factor. But let's be real, the idea can also be a little intimidating. Where do you even start? What tools do you need? How do you avoid those dreaded bubbles and wrinkles? Don't worry, guys, I've got you covered. This guide will walk you through every step of the process, from prepping your walls to hanging that final strip, so you can achieve a flawless finish and a room you'll absolutely love.

Why Wallpaper? The Perks of Papering Your Walls

Before we dive into the how, let's quickly touch on the why. Why choose wallpaper over paint? Well, there are tons of reasons! Wallpaper offers a level of design versatility that paint simply can't match. Think about it: intricate patterns, bold textures, shimmering metallics – wallpaper can bring a whole new dimension to your walls. You can instantly inject personality into a room with a vibrant floral print, create a cozy atmosphere with a textured grasscloth, or add a touch of glam with a metallic damask. Paint is great, but wallpaper is where the real magic happens.

Durability is another huge plus for wallpaper. High-quality wallpapers are incredibly resistant to scratches, dents, and everyday wear and tear. They can withstand the bumps and scrapes of family life far better than paint, making them ideal for high-traffic areas like hallways, entryways, and kids' rooms. Plus, many wallpapers are washable, so you can easily wipe away spills and marks without damaging the finish. Talk about a win-win!

Wallpaper can also be a fantastic way to hide imperfections in your walls. Got some cracks, dents, or uneven surfaces? Wallpaper can act as a camouflage, smoothing out those flaws and creating a more polished look. Certain types of wallpaper, like textured or embossed papers, are especially good at this. It's like giving your walls a mini makeover without having to go through the hassle of extensive repairs.

Finally, let's not forget the longevity of wallpaper. While paint might need a refresh every few years, a well-hung wallpaper can last for a decade or more. That's a significant savings in the long run, both in terms of time and money. So, if you're looking for a durable, stylish, and long-lasting wall covering, wallpaper is definitely worth considering.

Gathering Your Arsenal: Tools and Materials You'll Need

Okay, so you're convinced – wallpaper is the way to go! Now it's time to gather your supplies. Having the right tools and materials on hand will make the whole process smoother and less stressful. Trust me, you don't want to be scrambling for a smoothing brush halfway through hanging a strip!

Here's a comprehensive list of the essentials:

• Wallpaper: This might seem obvious, but it's the most important part! Choose a wallpaper that you love and that suits the style of your room. Be sure to calculate how much you need based on the room's dimensions and the wallpaper's pattern repeat. It's always a good idea to buy a little extra to account for mistakes or future repairs.
• Wallpaper Paste: The type of paste you need will depend on the type of wallpaper you've chosen. Some wallpapers are pre-pasted, while others require you to apply paste separately. Check the manufacturer's instructions to ensure you're using the correct adhesive.
• Paste Brush or Roller: You'll need a brush or roller to apply the wallpaper paste evenly to the back of the paper. A wide brush is good for smaller areas, while a roller is more efficient for larger projects.
• Water Tray or Bucket: If you're using pre-pasted wallpaper, you'll need a water tray or bucket to activate the adhesive. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for soaking the paper.
• Smoothing Brush or Plastic Smoother: This tool is essential for removing air bubbles and ensuring the wallpaper adheres smoothly to the wall. A smoothing brush is gentler on delicate wallpapers, while a plastic smoother is good for more durable papers.
• Seam Roller: A seam roller is used to flatten the seams between strips of wallpaper, creating a seamless finish.
• Utility Knife or Razor Blade: You'll need a sharp knife or blade to trim excess wallpaper along the ceiling, baseboards, and corners.
• Metal Straight Edge: A metal straight edge, like a ruler or level, will help you make clean, straight cuts when trimming the wallpaper.
• Measuring Tape: Accurate measurements are crucial for a successful wallpapering project. Use a measuring tape to determine the dimensions of your walls and calculate how much wallpaper you need.
• Pencil: You'll need a pencil to mark cutting lines and reference points on the wallpaper.
• Plumb Bob or Level: A plumb bob or level is essential for ensuring the first strip of wallpaper is hung straight. This is crucial for the rest of the project, as a crooked first strip will throw everything else off.
• Drop Cloths or Plastic Sheeting: Protect your floors and furniture from paste and water splatters by covering them with drop cloths or plastic sheeting.
• Sponge and Bucket of Clean Water: You'll need a sponge and clean water to wipe away excess paste and keep your hands clean.
• Step Ladder: A step ladder will allow you to reach the upper portions of your walls safely and comfortably.
• Wallpaper Scoring Tool (Optional): If you're removing old wallpaper, a scoring tool can help you perforate the surface, allowing the removal solution to penetrate more easily.

With these tools and materials in your arsenal, you'll be well-equipped to tackle your wallpapering project like a pro!

Prep Like a Pro: Getting Your Walls Ready for Wallpaper

Before you even think about unrolling that gorgeous wallpaper, you've got to get your walls prepped and ready. This is a crucial step that often gets overlooked, but trust me, proper wall preparation is the key to a smooth, long-lasting wallpaper job. Skimp on the prep, and you'll likely end up with bubbles, wrinkles, and a finish that just doesn't look quite right. So, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of wall prep.

First things first: Cleanliness is next to wallpaper-liness! Start by giving your walls a thorough cleaning. Use a mild detergent and warm water to remove any dirt, dust, grease, or grime. Pay special attention to areas that are prone to grease, like kitchens and bathrooms. Rinse the walls with clean water and let them dry completely before moving on to the next step. This ensures that the wallpaper paste will adhere properly to the surface.

Next up: Address any imperfections. Take a good look at your walls and identify any cracks, holes, or dents. These need to be filled and smoothed before you hang the wallpaper. Use a patching compound or spackle to fill in the imperfections, following the manufacturer's instructions. Once the compound is dry, sand it smooth with fine-grit sandpaper. This will create a smooth, even surface for the wallpaper to adhere to. Ignoring these imperfections can lead to visible bumps and unevenness under the wallpaper, which is definitely not the look we're going for.

If you're dealing with old wallpaper, you'll need to remove it before hanging the new stuff. This can be a bit of a chore, but it's essential for a professional-looking finish. There are several ways to remove wallpaper, including steaming, using a chemical stripper, or a combination of both. The best method will depend on the type of wallpaper and the adhesive used. Whatever method you choose, be patient and thorough. You want to remove all traces of the old wallpaper and adhesive before proceeding.

Once the walls are clean, smooth, and free of old wallpaper, it's time to prime them. Priming is another crucial step that helps ensure the wallpaper adheres properly and prevents the paste from being absorbed into the wall. Use a wallpaper primer, which is specifically designed for this purpose. Apply the primer evenly to the walls and let it dry completely before hanging the wallpaper. Priming creates a sealed, even surface that will make your wallpaper look its best and last longer.

Finally, for previously painted walls, consider the paint finish. Glossy or semi-gloss paints can be tricky to wallpaper over, as the smooth surface can prevent the paste from adhering properly. If you have glossy paint, you may need to lightly sand the walls to create a rougher surface for the paste to grip. Alternatively, you can apply a special bonding primer designed for glossy surfaces. This will create a good base for the wallpaper without the need for sanding.

By taking the time to properly prepare your walls, you'll be setting yourself up for a wallpapering success. It might seem like a lot of work, but trust me, it's worth it in the end!

Hanging with Style: The Art of Wallpaper Application

Alright, guys, the moment we've all been waiting for – it's time to hang some wallpaper! You've prepped your walls like a pro, gathered your tools, and chosen a wallpaper that you're absolutely in love with. Now, let's get down to the art of application. This is where precision and patience come into play, but with a little guidance, you'll be hanging wallpaper like a seasoned professional in no time.

First, let's talk about measuring and cutting. Before you even think about pasting, you need to measure the height of your wall and add a few extra inches at the top and bottom for trimming. This extra length gives you some wiggle room and ensures the wallpaper will fit perfectly. Cut your first strip of wallpaper to this length, using a sharp utility knife and a metal straight edge for clean, straight cuts. If your wallpaper has a pattern, be sure to match the pattern at the seams when cutting subsequent strips. This is crucial for a seamless, professional-looking finish.

Next up: Pasty time! Lay your cut strip of wallpaper face down on a clean, flat surface, like a pasting table or a large piece of cardboard. If you're using pre-pasted wallpaper, simply wet the back of the paper according to the manufacturer's instructions. If you're using unpasted wallpaper, apply a generous, even layer of wallpaper paste to the back of the paper using a paste brush or roller. Be sure to get the edges well, and don't overdo it – too much paste can make the paper slippery and difficult to handle.

Now, for the folding technique: This is where things get a little tricky, but it's essential for preventing the paste from drying out before you hang the paper. Fold the pasted wallpaper onto itself, paste-side to paste-side, like a concertina. This is called