How to Apply Wallpaper Without Making a Mistake

Changing a room’s wallpaper is an excellent way to transform its appearance. Wallpapers come in a wide range of patterns and colors, allowing you to express your personality. However, mistakes during the wallpaper application are easily seen, so you need to apply wallpaper correctly. Handyman Connection® of Winter Park explains how:

Preparing the Walls

Smooth and clean walls are necessary if you want professional quality results. Wipe down the walls using a sponge and warm water and get rid of grime and dirt. Wait for the walls to dry and then sand away the remaining imperfections and bumps on the wall. If there are uneven areas or holes, fill them in with drywall compound. Wait for the compound to dry for at least 24 hours. 

Use a brush to apply primer to the wall and let it dry for at least two hours. The primer will help the wallpaper stick better. When you’re ready to hang your wallpaper, draw a guideline on the wall using a ruler and a level to ensure that the lines are straight.

Applying the Wallpaper

Measure and cut the wallpaper to your desired length and leave four extra inches at the top. Next, reverse-curl your wallpaper to get rid of its natural tendency to curl up on itself. Spread out the wallpaper on a flat surface. Handyman Connection of Winter Park recommends applying the adhesive in a figure-eight motion for an even application. 

Fold the ends of the wallpaper on itself to give you a dry section to grip when applying the wallpaper. Align it along the guideline you drew, and leave out at least two inches at the bottom and top. Use a smoothing brush on the wallpaper and trim away the excess using your utility knife. Repeat these steps for the rest of the walls, then press the seams tightly together using a seam roller.

If you have the time and energy to spare, applying wallpaper is a great DIY home improvement project you can finish over the weekend. However, for better quality and quicker results you can hire a professional like Handyman Connection of Winter Park. Call us at (407) 270-2348 or contact us here to learn more about our different home improvement services. You can also request an estimate.