Are you planning to give your walls a new look? Wallpaper is a great way to add personality and style to any room. However, putting up wallpaper can be a daunting task, especially if you have never done it before. In this article, we will guide you through the process of putting up wallpaper in the UK, from preparing the walls to hanging the wallpaper and adding finishing touches.
Table of Contents
Preparation
Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials. Here’s what you’ll need: – Wallpaper – Wallpaper paste – Wallpaper brush or roller – Wallpaper smoother – Tape measure – Pencil – Scissors – Cutting knife – Spirit level – Step ladder Once you have everything you need, prepare the walls by cleaning them thoroughly and filling any holes or cracks. If you are wallpapering over existing wallpaper, remove any loose or peeling sections and sand down the surface.
Measuring and Cutting
Measure the height and width of the wall and add a few centimetres to each measurement to allow for trimming. Cut the wallpaper into strips, making sure each strip is slightly longer than the height of the wall. Use a spirit level and pencil to draw a vertical line on the wall, marking where the first strip of wallpaper will go.
Pasting and Hanging
Apply wallpaper paste to the first strip of wallpaper, making sure to spread it evenly with a brush or roller. Fold the strip in half, pasted side to pasted side, and let it rest for a few minutes to activate the adhesive. Then, starting at the top of the wall, line up the edge of the wallpaper with the vertical line you drew earlier and smooth it out with a wallpaper smoother, working from the centre to the edges. Repeat this process for each strip, making sure to match the pattern and overlap the edges slightly.
Trimming
Once you have hung all the wallpaper strips, use a sharp cutting knife or scissors to trim the excess from the top and bottom of the wall. Be careful not to cut too close to the edge, as this can damage the wallpaper. Use a wallpaper smoother to press down any loose edges and ensure a smooth finish.
Finishing Touches
Finally, use a damp sponge or cloth to remove any excess paste from the wallpaper and let it dry completely. If you have any electrical sockets or switches on the wall, carefully cut around them with a cutting knife or scissors. You can also add a border or wallpaper trim to finish off the look.
Tips and Tricks
– If you are using patterned wallpaper, make sure to match the pattern as you hang each strip. – Use a wallpaper smoother to remove any air bubbles or creases as you hang each strip. – If you are wallpapering a large room, consider starting at a focal point, such as the fireplace, and working outwards. – Take your time and be patient – wallpapering can be a time-consuming process, but the end result is worth it.
Summary
Here’s a quick summary of the steps involved in putting up wallpaper in the UK: 1. Prepare the walls by cleaning them and filling any holes or cracks. 2. Measure and cut the wallpaper into strips, allowing for trimming. 3. Apply wallpaper paste to the first strip and hang it, smoothing out any air bubbles or creases. 4. Repeat for each strip, matching the pattern and overlapping the edges slightly. 5. Trim the excess from the top and bottom of the wall using a sharp cutting knife or scissors. 6. Remove any excess paste with a damp sponge or cloth and let the wallpaper dry completely. 7. Add finishing touches, such as wallpaper trim or a border.
