Wallpapering

WALLPAPERING

When using lining paper to lie beneath wallpaper, start with a half-roll width of the lining paper so that the edges of the wallpaper and the lining do not coincide, so that the finished effect is as smooth as possible.

To avoid accidents and mess with a wallpaper paste brush, fasten string or a straightened piece of old coathanger wire across the paste bucket. Then rest the handle of the paste brush on one edge of the bucket with the bristles of the paste brush on the string or wire. You can also use the string or wire to wipe excess paste off the brush straight into the bucket.

To prevent old stains on a ceiling from water leaks or cigarette smoke showing through new ceiling wallpaper, seal the old surface with a spray-on stain blocker or a very light PVA mix and allow to dry before applying the new ceiling paper.

To make a neat finish around wall switches, ceiling light fittings or other protruding edges, lay the wallpaper over the fitting then cut in towards the centre of the fitting with a sharp knife. Cut outwards from the hole in small, neat lines to create an asterisk-like effect. Then each surplus part of the wallpaper can be peeled back and trimmed tight onto the fitting with a sharp knife or small scissors.

To avoid bubbles in wallpaper, make sure that the wallpaper paste is allowed to soak in for the whole length of wallpaper being laid for the same amount of time, which can take ten minutes or more with heavier wallpapers. This means the paper will have stopped expanding due to being soaked by the paste. If the wallpaper is already hung and a bubble appears, which is usually due to a dry spot, cut a small cross in the wallpaper, add paste with a small paintbrush then the edges can be pushed back into place leaving little or no sign.