How to wallpaper

Problem solvers

Problem: My wallpaper has been hung perfectly, but I can still see the joins.

Solution: Some papers, particularly solid colour papers, can have a slight variation in tone from one side to the other, which only shows up when the opposite sides are together. To avoid this Problem, reverse each alternate strip of paper as you hang.

Problem: There are dry edges sticking up at the joins in the paper.

Solution: Use a putty knife to ease up the offending edge, then use a small brush to apply paste to the underside of the paper. Leave to soak for a couple of minutes, then press back down and smooth with a seam roller. Use a clean, damp sponge to remove any traces of adhesive from the surface of the paper.

Problem: My border won’t stick to the paper.

Solution: This is usually the result of trying to stick a border onto a vinyl or plastic-coated wallpaper. Take advice when you’re shopping and make sure you use the right sort of adhesive for the job.

Handy hints

If the room has crooked walls (check them with a spirit level and a straightedge), consider a paper with a random pattern to hide crooked corners.

Roll and inspect each roll for flaws. Save the run and dye lot numbers in case you need to order matching paper in the future.

TOOLS

• Broadknives (150mm and 250mm)
• Bucket
• Cloth dropsheet
• Measuring tape
• Plastic broadknife
• Roller 12mm nap
• Scissors
• Seam roller
• Size
• Spare blades
• Sponge
• Spirit level
• Stepladder
• Straightedge
• Soft pencil and eraser
• Utility knife with snap-off blades
• Wallpaper and paste
• Follow the hanging instructions of the paper. (It may affect any warranty.)

Big prints and dark colours make a room feel cosy if the room is large enough to view the pattern from a comfortable distance. Small prints and light colours make a room feel larger and are good for smaller spaces.

If using vinyl or vinyl-coated paper, use a vinyl-to-vinyl adhesive on the overlap. Ordinary paste won’t hold. Use this adhesive any time you’re putting a paper over a vinyl-coated or vinyl paper – on borders, for instance.

TOOLS

• Broadknives (150mm and 250mm)
• Bucket
• Cloth dropsheet
• Measuring tape
• Plastic broadknife
• Roller 12mm nap
• Scissors
• Seam roller
• Size
• Spare blades
• Sponge
• Spirit level
• Stepladder
• Straightedge
• Soft pencil and eraser
• Utility knife with snap-off blades
• Wallpaper and paste