Useful Tips and Inspiring Ideas for Paint an Wallpaper

Avoid These Common Mistakes When Hanging Your Own Wallpaper

Hanging wallpaper is a good way to add colour and style to any room, and to add some texture to walls without the hassle and headache of fancy painting techniques. You can also use scrap or leftover wallpaper for coordinating projects, such as covering the front of dresser drawers or wardrobe doors. While wallpaper can add a great touch to any room, hanging it isn't always as easy as you might assume. Note a few common mistakes to avoid so you know your paper will look its best once installed in your home.

Working in extreme temperatures

High heat and humidity can weaken the glue and adhesive of the wallpaper so it doesn't adhere, and your paper may start to slide out of place after you hang it on the wall. Very cold weather can also make the glue brittle, and the paper won't cling to the wall. Therefore, you never want to work in the middle of summer or winter when hanging wallpaper, and you may also want to use a dehumidifier or space heater as needed. This will protect the paper and ensure it stays in place until the glue sets.

Using a dull blade

When you hang wallpaper, you'll need to trim it all around as you go; a dull blade won't cut the paper but will just pull and tug at it. If the paper doesn't outright shred, you may pull it out of position so it's not installed evenly; however, you may not notice this happening until you're ready to install a new sheet or until the paper has dried, and you need to repeat your work. Not only should you start with a fresh blade when you're ready to begin installing the paper, but you may also need to change that blade frequently throughout the job.

Trying to cover imperfections

Wallpaper does not cover a multitude of sins, as the old saying goes. While you may be tempted to try to cover drywall cracks, peeling paint, stains on the wall, and so much more with a layer of wallpaper, this will usually result in wallpaper that shows those bubbles and cracks and which may also allow stains and discolorations to show through. If the wall is in bad repair because of water damage, that water can also seep into the wallpaper and loosen the adhesive. Prime the walls before covering them so the wallpaper has a smooth surface to which it will adhere, and this will ensure the finished job looks its best.

For more information about hanging wallpaper or improving your walls with paint, contact professional painters in your area.