Available in a variety of colours and textures, wallpaper is the perfect way to add a touch of originality to your decor. However, installing it can be tricky and painstaking if you don’t know how. Here are some tips to help you successfully carry out your decoration project!
How to choose your wallpaper
Although this step may seem simple, it is essential to choose the right wallpaper, as it could have a big impact on the success of your project. For the bathroom, give priority to vinyl wallpaper. For irregular surfaces, textured wallpaper is a great choice. Also keep in mind that the quality of wallpaper is directly related to its thickness: the thicker it is, the more resistant it will be. Once you have made your choice, figure out how many rolls you will need by calculating the number of square feet to cover. Be sure to add 15 to 20% extra, as you will certainly have some losses, especially if the model you choose is patterned. When selecting your rolls, make sure the batch number is the same for all the rolls; otherwise you may end up with slight differences in colour.
Prepare your surface before installation
Before installing your wallpaper, put together all the equipment and materials you will need: step ladder, spatula, wallpaper roller and brush, cutting tool, ruler or tape measure, pencil, level, pail, sponges and a cloth. Then make sure you prepare the surface so that the wallpaper can adhere properly to it. To do this, repair any holes and other bumps that may prevent the wallpaper from bonding well. If the surface is shiny, you will have to sand it; if it is matt, you will need to clean it with a grease remover. You will then need to apply a coat of wallpaper primer, which you will have to let dry for at least 24 hours.
Be patient and careful, for best results
Once the surface has been prepared, it’s time to start the installation. However, even if the walls seem straight to you, they may have some irregularities. The level will therefore be your best tool to determine whether the structure is straight. To help you, it is recommended to draw horizontal lines on the wall, which will allow you to align your wallpaper properly. Before cutting, carefully measure the height to be covered, adding at least 2 inches, which will give you the necessary slack to cover the entire surface. If you have chosen a patterned model, place two strips side by side so that you can find the best place to start the pattern. This will prevent you from cutting your strip too quickly and then wasting it.
Some types of wallpaper are pre-pasted: this means that they are already coated with paste. If that is the case, just soak them in a water pan before installation. If you have chosen a model that needs to be pasted, the paste must be applied directly onto the surface. You will then need to stop and wait a bit for optimal absorption. If you are not sure what kind of paste you need, don’t hesitate to ask the Décoration Le Corbusier team for advice. Then place the wallpaper strip on the wall and smooth the surface with a sponge or smoothing tool (also called a smoother) to remove the air bubbles and any excess paste. The wallpaper must be hung from top to bottom and once well pasted, you just need to cut the excess at the bottom, before the paste dries. Many explanatory videos will help you learn more about the various considerations that may apply to your situation: irregular angles, electrical outlet, window or radiator. Keep in mind that precision is essential and that it is better to work together with another person in order to make the job easier for you.
At Décoration Le Corbusier, we carry the Concord and Crown brands—high-quality wallpaper with unique patterns. Feel free to contact us for advice from our decorators who will be happy to help you. To add sparkle to your decor, dare to use wallpaper!
