Calculating the amount of wallpaper you need is a tricky task. Getting it wrong can result in wasting money or ending up short on needed material.
Be sure to consider areas occupied by windows and doors when measuring. Trimming these can take as much material as the wall itself, so don’t forget to include them when calculating your needs.
Preparation
When it comes to wallpapering, the preparation process is what can make or break the final look of your room. In this case, the best preparation starts long before you even get your hands on a roll of wallpaper.
First, you need to clean the walls. This includes removing any hooks or nails and sanding any bumps or raised areas on the wall. This will help to ensure a smooth surface that the wallpaper will adhere to. For more info I’ll suggest you visit the website wallpaper singapore.
You should also make sure that your walls are dust free, as this can affect how well the wallpaper adheres to the wall. Finally, you will need to allow the walls to dry. This can take between 2 and 7 days, depending on the climate and ventilation conditions in your home.
Applying the Wallpaper
Getting the prep right is one of the most important aspects of wallpapering a room and will ensure a professional finish. If there are any issues to deal with like light sockets, switches, corners or fireplaces then these must be dealt with before applying the wallpaper.
Most painters/decorators charge around PS150 a day and will provide you with a quote before commencing work. Larger rooms may take a day and a half to two days.
If you are using paste-the-paper wallpaper then hang each length or ‘drop’ dry from the roll, lightly brushing it into place as you go. When you reach the end of a drop then trim off any excess paper with a knife or scissors and then use this to line up the next drop at the corner.
Hanging the Wallpaper
If the walls are in poor condition or have been previously wallpapered they will need to be sanded down and prepared before applying the wallpaper. If there are serious stains or holes that need to be filled in this could add time to the project.
If you are able to find a helper, this can speed things up considerably. However it is important to be able to work at your own pace, and not rush to get the job done quickly.
When hanging the wallpaper, it is a good idea to use a plumb line (or a carpenter’s level) as a guide. This will help ensure that the paper is straight on the wall. You should also release any air bubbles with a plastic smoothing tool before they have a chance to set.
Trimming the Edges
To get a nice, clean finish with wallpaper, it’s important to trim the edges. This can be a tedious job, but it’s crucial to the final appearance of your room.
It’s best to start in a corner that doesn’t have any obstacles (such as window frames or light switches) in the way, if possible. When you’re ready to begin, use a level and pencil to draw a straight line from ceiling to baseboard. This will be your guideline.
Once you have determined how many strips you need, you can start trimming the paper. For this, you will need a measuring tape or folding rule to measure the height of your wall at various points and add half of the pattern repeat. (This information is also on the wallpaper label). Cut your first length to this measurement and put it aside.
Cleaning Up
Wallpapering a room is a messy job. Glue gums up whatever you wipe it with and can be very difficult to get off even a smooth surface. If you don’t clean it up thoroughly, the wallpaper may lose its adhesion and come loose.
Cleaning is important for any wall covering, but it’s especially crucial for wallpaper. Dust, air-borne grease particles, and fingerprints will eventually dull the surface.
If your wallpaper is washable, a simple solution of water and a little dishwashing detergent will do the trick. Just make sure the solution is mild and test it in a hidden area to ensure the surface won’t be damaged. Otherwise, dry cleaning is your best option.
