Wallpaper Hanging Tips: How the Professionals Do It

Professional Wallpaper Application

Wallpaper application is a job that requires patience, the right equipment and technical knowledge. The mistakes most often seen in amateur work are bubble formation, crooked seams and pattern mismatch.

Wall Preparation

Before application the wall surface must be smooth, dry and clean. If existing paint is rough it should be sanded smooth; porous surfaces should be primed. The ideal surface pH value should be between 7 and 8.

Mixing the Adhesive

The paste consistency is adjusted according to the weight of the paper. Overly watery paste extends the drying time and causes the paper to swell. Paste prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions makes a critical difference in application.

Hanging the First Strip

Placing the first strip perfectly vertical (plumb) determines the pattern alignment throughout the whole job. Starting from the centre of the room rather than next to a door or window provides a symmetrical look.

Preventing Bubbles

After placing the paper on the wall, air bubbles must be pushed out from the centre towards the edges with a plastic spatula or a special smoothing brush. Using a seam roller on the edge joints makes the connection points invisible.