6 Tips for Your Next Wallpaper Project

Afraid you’ll end up more papered than the wall if you undertake a wallpapering project? The huge amount of space and paper involved can easily make you feel that way! But with the right tips, you can hang wallpaper like a pro, even if you’re a rookie DIYer.

And with increasing awareness around the impact our interior has on our well-being, there’s no better time to get stuck in a DIY wallpapering project than now. Before you get to it, here are our top 6 tips for your next wallpaper project.

1) Remove Existing Wallpaper

Credit: Gary Houlder/Getty

To get a smooth and seamless application of wallpaper — without any air bubbles and creases — make sure you remove existing wallpaper. By doing so, you can also expect your new wallpaper to last longer.

Strippable wallpaper is easy to remove. Pry one edge of the wall covering with a putty knife and pull it away until the entire strip is off the wall. If the paper feels stubborn at particular places, use a razor blade to make horizontal strips 10 inches (25 cm) apart and then pull it off.

For other wallpapers, you may require additional chemicals to do the task. Here’s a guide on the process.

2) Prepare Before The Wallpapering Project

Credit: Amazon

As much as you want to dive straight into the wallpapering project and let the fun begin, it’s essential to spend enough time preparing for the project.

Begin by turning off the power and removing electrical outlets and light fixtures, so the wallpaper can be hung without obstructions. Wipe down the target walls to remove dust that may be trapped beneath the wallpaper.

Next, hang lining paper on the wall. This allows for a smooth finish, disguises minor imperfections, and reduces the chance of stains appearing throughout the wallpaper.

3) Make Sure You Have Enough Wallpaper

There’s nothing more annoying than running out of wallpaper midway through your project. Wait, there is … not finding the same pattern in the store!

And so, it’s ideal to play safe and get enough wallpaper in your first purchase. For a quick and concise estimate, hop onto an online wallpaper calculator and insert the dimensions of your room. Remember to measure the windows and doors, too, as you measure the length of the walls, as the calculator requires these as well.

We suggest purchasing 10% extra (even more for wallpapers with large repeat patterns) just in case. Most of the time, you can return unused rolls. Check with your store to see if this is possible.

4) Purchase Wallpaper With The Same Batch Number

Credit: Vintage Wallpapers

Particular wallpaper rolls may seem to have the same appearance. But often, there’s a difference in undertones and/or the finish — even if they’re from the same manufacturer — which you realise only when you have the wallpaper hung on your walls.

To avoid the problem, read the label on the wallpaper rolls and make sure they all have the same batch number. This will ensure you purchase the exact same ones.

5) Plan How To Hang The Wallpaper

Do you want to cover one wall with the wallpaper or use it for all four? The answer to this question is very relative. Here are our guidelines on how to decide:

• More Than One Wall: Wallpaper more than one wall if you’ve got a big room to fill. Spacious areas require more covered area for the same impact you could achieve with a single wall in a small room.

• Single Wall: Wallpaper a single wall with a bold pattern if you’re hoping to create a focal point.

• All Four Walls: If you want to create an immersive, maximalist interior, you may want to wallpaper all four walls. Be sure to choose prints and patterns that don’t go overboard, though.

Credit: Decoist

Additionally, decide how you will hang the wallpaper. Vertical designs make the ceiling look higher (and the room seem taller), whilst horizontal ones make the ceilings look lower. The latter is ideal if you hope to create a cosy ambience.

Credit: Decoist

6) Keep Your Knife Blade Sharp

Wherever your wallpaper meets an obstruction, such as a crown moulding, you’ll need to cut a clean line using a utility blade. And with adhesives and paper, your knife blade can easily turn dull — which can rip your wallpaper in the next cutting.

So, replace your knife blade after every few cuttings to ensure the lines are crisp and clean and no wallpaper is wasted.

Final Words

With huge empty areas and lots of paper, wallpapering your walls can seem like a daunting task. But with the right know-how and a few tips and tricks, as listed in the blog post, you can nail the project even as a first-timer!