| Wallcoverings can completely transform the
look and feel of a room.
These directions will help you achieve the best possible results every
time.
The results will be rewarding! |
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tools you will need
A. Stepladder
or sturdy step-stool
B.
Large flat surface on which to cut/paste
C.
Plumb line or level, chalk, tack, yardstick, pencil, string
D.
Scissors
E.
Wide-blade putty knife or window squeegee
F. Razor knife, blades
G. Blades
H. Seam roller
I. PRE-PASTED WALLCOVERING - water tray
J. UN-PASTED WALLCOVERING - bucket and wallcovering paste brush, adhesive
– WALL PREPARATION MATERIALS - see directions for your type of wall
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how much wallcovering do I need?
Measure the height of the room. Measure the
distance around the room. Measure over any openings or cut-outs,
such as windows, doors, fireplaces, etc. Count the number of openings
or cut-outs which will not be covered. Use the chart below to determine
the number of bolts or double rolls that you need. You may deduct
one double roll for every five openings not wallpapered.
This chart shows how many bolts or
double rolls to purchase when the bolt is 20.5" wide, and 33'
long. Ask your retailer for assistance with specific questions,
or for different sized rolls.
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before getting started
Open and inspect each bolt for printing and
shading defects. Make sure that all rolls are from the same run
number or dye lot. Read the instructions packaged in each roll for
specific hanging information. If you are working with border and/or
fabric in addition to wallcovering, you should receive and inspect
all items before beginning your project.
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| wall preparation |
New Drywall
Apply primer/sealer with a
brush or roller. This provides a smooth even surface for
the wallcovering to adhere to. Also, it will be easier
to remove the wallcovering at a later date. Note that
fresh plaster must be allowed to cure for 90 days before
priming.
Previously Painted Walls
Fill cracks or holes with
spackling compound. When dry, sand any rough spots until
smooth. Lightly sand enameled surfaces. Be sure to clean
walls with a bleach or ammonia and water solution. Then,
apply a primer/sealer to the entire wall surface or
over the spackled areas at a minimum. This will make
the removal of the wallpaper at a later date much easier.
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Previously Papered Walls
Remove old wallcoverings and
sand smooth. Clean walls with a bleach or ammonia and
water solution. Apply a primer/sealer to the wall surface.
All walls should be sized to maximize the slip. This allows
for easier positioning of wallcoverings as it is being
hung, and makes it easier to remove at a later date.
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types of match
Random Match
Patterns that do not have specific
match points, such as textures. These papers often look better
if the strips are reversed, alternating the top and bottom
of successive strips.
Drop Match
The pattern runs diagonally across
the wall so that every other strip is the same along the ceiling
line. The design may form a diamond grid effect. Also known
as offset match.
Straight Across Match
Forms an overall design motif.
The same elements of the design in each strip are an equal
distance from the ceiling line.
Free Match
Matches between the design elements
should align in a diamond configuration, not side by side.
The design elements may be separated by the trim going between
strips. Design motifs must, however, be aligned to maintain
consistence of form.
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getting started
Hanging the first strip straight is
one of the most important things you can do to ensure a visually
pleasing installation. Use a plumb line to make sure your
first strip and those that follow are straight.
Choose an inconspicuous corner, preferably
close to a window or door. Measure from the corner to a point
1/2" narrower than the width of the wallcovering. Then,
drop a plumb line from that spot. When the line stops moving,
hold it tightly at the baseboard with one hand and snap it
with the other. The colored chalk line on the wall is now
your starting point. For accuracy, snap a new line on each
wall. This placement line will be where your first two strips
of wallcovering meet. Note that some installers choose to
draw this line on the wall using a level.
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cutting lengths
Carefully measure the height of the
wall, and add an extra 2" top and bottom for final trimming.
Cut your first strip. When using a set design motif, cut the
first length of wallcovering so that after final trimming,
the entire motif will be placed at the top of the wall.
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pattern matching
Before cutting more strips remember to allow
for the proper pattern match. Match dry strip to dry strip or wet
to wet. Save remnants, they are often useful for small areas such
as above windows and doors.
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pasting un-pasted wallcoverings
Use the type of paste recommended in
the instructions that came with the wallcovering. If no information
is given, ask your retailer's advice.
Brush or roll the back of the wallcovering
with paste. Apply plenty to the edges. Fold the strip (or
"book") pasted side to pasted side, that is bring
in both edges toward the middle.
Be careful not to crease the paper.
Strips should be booked to allow for sufficient absorption
of moisture and for the wallcovering to become supple. Approximate
time is 3-5 minutes. Once again, see individual instructions
for exact booking time.
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pre-pasted wallcoverings
Fill water tray with luke-warm water
and roll the strip pattern side in. Immerse in water tray
for the time recommended in the instructions supplied in each
roll. Then take the top end of the roll and pull sheet out
of water allowing it to unroll as it is drawn from the tray.
Book the strips as described in the previous paragraph. Change
the water after every six strips.
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hanging
Carry the folded strip to the wall.
Check which is the top end of the strip, and holding the top
corners, open the top fold and line up to the right of your
plumb line. Establish your ceiling line and allow the 2"
overlap. Smooth down the middle of the strip using a smoothing
brush or soft sponge working out toward the edges removing
the wrinkles and air bubbles as you go. Open the bottom fold
and continue to smooth the strip into place.
Position the next strip on the wall
and slide it precisely into position against the first piece
so that the pattern matches at normal eye level. Butt edges,
do not overlap. If need be, move entire piece by sliding it
over. Do not push or pull seams into place. After you finish
each strip, immediately sponge off any extra paste with clean
water. Wipe paste off of ceiling and baseboards before it
dries. Approximately 20 minutes after hanging, if necessary,
use a seam roller to gently flatten the joints between strips.
To ensure your satisfaction, hang
three strips and inspect for your overall approval. If there
is a problem, stop hanging and contact your local retailer
for advice.
After you have three strips up, trim
them at the ceiling and baseboard using a broad knife or wall
scraper as a guide and cutting, with a very sharp knife. Go
slowly and change your blade often.
Go slowly and change your blade often!
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hanging corners
When you come to an inside corner, you will
do some basic arithmetic, allowing you to cut the strip into two
pieces, rather than wrapping the whole strip around the corner.
This will result in a very neat installation.
First, measure the distance from the edge
of the last strip that you have hung to the corner. Do this at several
points between the ceiling and the baseboard. Determine the widest
measurement.
Cut a strip of wallcovering 1/2" wider
than the widest measurement. Save the remainder of the strip. Hang
the first side into the corner and extend 1/2" around the corner
onto the next wall.
Measure the remaining strip for the
second side. Use this width to establish a new plumb line on the
second wall. Once hung, it will overlap the first strip into the
corner. Match as closely as possible. Any slight paper mismatch
will not be noticeable. Re-glue the overlap using vinyl-to-vinyl
adhesive.
Outside corners Follow the same technique,
although you should allow a wrap-round of at least 2".
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doors & windows
Hang wallcoverings right over the windows
and doors. Then cut away excess with scissors, leaving a few
inches of overlap all around. Make diagonal cuts into the
corners and then smooth the wallcovering into the edge of
the frame and trim as usual with your blade and straight edge.
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ceilings
Paper the ceiling before the walls.
Apply the wallcovering strips across the narrow width of the
room. Measure the width of the wallcovering roll and subtract
1/2". Measure this distance from both corners of the
short wall and insert tacks at these points. Tie chalk line
to tacks and snap to create a guideline.
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Measure and cut strips 4" longer
than the length of the short wall. After pasting or immersing
in water tray, fold and book the paper. Support the paper
with a broom head (a partner may be needed here). Open the
first fold, slide into position against guideline and smooth
as usual. Unfold strip, fold by fold, and brush into position
leaving 1/2" overlapping the wall on long, finished edge side,
and 2" overlap on the short, cut edges of the paper.
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switch plates & electrical outlets
Remember to turn off the electricity.
Remove switch plates and outlet covers. Hang wallpaper and
simply smooth strip gently over the outlet or switch area.
With a sharp knife, pierce paper at the center of the fitting
and make diagonal cuts toward each corner. Press paper against
wall around edge. Trim away surplus. You can cover the outlets
and switch plates with leftover wallcoverings.
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hanging borders
Measure wall width corner to corner.
Each border strip should extend to full width of wall plus
1/2" to extend around corners.
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Submerge border in water tray for prescribed
time, book by loosely folding accordion fashion, and apply
to the wall. If the border is being applied over wallcovering,
do not wet border but use a vinyl to vinyl adhesive. Hang
border, wrapping corners by about 1/4". Smooth as you
go. Make sure you wipe with clean sponge to remove excess
paste.
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repairing damage
Cut a piece of extra wallcovering slightly
larger than the damaged area. Paste it in place over the damaged
spot, carefully matching the pattern. Using a straight edge and
sharp blade, cut through both layers of wallcoverings around the
damaged area. Remove excess paper and position new patch into the
opening.
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