How to hang wallpaper

1. Getting Ready.

Strip any old wallpaper from the wall completely ? check walls are sound clean and dry, never hang wallpaper on a damp wall.

Fill in and smooth any cracks or holes.

If hanging onto new plaster, 'prime' the wall ? this means apply diluted paste containing a fungicide and allow drying ? the instructions for this are on most paste packets. Allow the 'primered' wall to dry completely

Complete painting of all woodwork and ceilings ? it is easier to wipe paste from paint than to wipe paint from wallpaper!

2. How to cut paper.

It?s best to cut several lengths before pasting

Make marks along the edge of a pasting table about 12? apart ? join these marks with a pencil line ? this will help you measure paper lengths easily without a ruler.

To each full length (this is the height from skirting board to ceiling) add 4?-5?

If using a design with a pattern repeat, allow enough extra length on each piece to ensure that the pattern matches in sequence.

Roll up any cut unpasted lengths and number them to avoid mistakes.

3. Where to start and finish.

Always start at the main window (1) and work towards the longest unbroken wall. Then go back to work on the other side of the window (13) as this helps avoid ?shadow lines? if you have to overlap anywhere.

On chimney breasts it is always best to centre a piece in the middle (18) .

4. Getting started.

The key to a perfect finish is to hang your first piece of paper perfectly straight. Measure the width of paper less ??, from the centre of the window frame and mark the wall.

Hang a plumb line from the ceiling over your mark. Make several dots behind the plumb line and join up using a rulers. This is the line to which you?ll hang your first piece of paper.

Unroll your first piece of paper on the paste table face down. If using pre-pasted wallpaper see note below.

Align with the edge of the table allowing for very slight overlap to keep paste off the table.

Load brush with paste and wipe off surplus on edge of the bucket. Paste evenly down the centre length of the paper. Brush out towards the edge. Pull pasted part to overhang front while you paste the rest.

If using a pre-pasted paper, then immerse in water and soak as per label instructions. Then follow the next steps.

Fold in half the end, which is to be at the bottom of the wall, paste side to paste side. Then fold the top section to the middle. Leave to soak as per instructions on the roll label ? this is called ?booking? a paper.

Once ?booked? take hold of the top corners, press the paper to the wall, starting at the top angle of wall and ceiling (allowing 2? for overlap). Slide the piece to meet your plumb line. Smooth down the middle of the paper with a wallpaper brush, then outwards to the edges. Open the bottom fold and continue smoothing.

Run the back of the scissors along the angle of the ceiling. Peel back and cut along the crease line. Smooth into place. Check for and smooth out any air bubbles.

Then hang the next length matching the pattern and making a good ?butt join? ? this is where the too pieces meet and do not overlap, but instead butt together. Immediately wipe off any excess with a damp sponge.

You can then repeat the process!!

All information provided in good faith courtesy of Graham & Brown