Peel-and-stick wallpaper offers an easy and affordable way to add pattern or color to a room. But it’s important to follow some basic rules to ensure smooth results.
To start, use a level to create a plumb (perfectly vertical) line as your guide for the first strip of wallpaper. This will help your wallpaper look more even and longer-lasting.
Prepare the Walls
You can use removable peel and stick wallpaper to add a splash of color to any room in your home. It’s perfect for renters who want to make a space feel like their own but don’t have the option to paint, and it’s also great for homeowners who might change up their look frequently.
Before you begin hanging your wallpaper, you must prepare the walls. Start by cleaning the wall surface with a sponge and all-purpose cleaner, then let it dry completely. Remove any wall fixtures like light switch or outlet covers, and move any furniture out of the way so that you have plenty of workspace to work with. Get more info on this wallpaper singapore website.
Wipe away any dust and dirt on the wall, then spackle any cracks or imperfections so they’re smooth to the touch. If the wall is already painted, be sure that it’s completely dry, and apply a skim coat if necessary to fill in any rough spots.
Cut the Wallpaper
For paste-the-paper wallpaper, use a sharp utility knife to cut lengths from the roll, taking the height of the wall and pattern repeat into account. This method allows you to line up patterns as you work and create a clean, tight seam.
If you’re using a pre-pasted wallpaper, apply a coat of wall sealer ($44, Target) to the wall before applying your new paper. This will improve adhesion and help prevent creases, bubbles and wrinkles.
Remember to keep a pencil with you while working on the project — this will allow you to mark lines on the wall if necessary. It’s particularly important to mark corners as they are difficult to wrap wallpaper around, and lining them up will ensure that you have a seamless look. This is especially important if you’re using a patterned wallpaper. It’s easy to make a mistake and ruin the entire strip of wallpaper by missing one small point of alignment.
Apply the Wallpaper
For most people, peel-and-stick wallpaper is the easiest option for their decorating project. But, even this easy option doesn’t come without its challenges. For the best results, follow these tips for applying and removing wallpaper to ensure bubble-free, long-lasting results.
Before starting, make sure your walls are clean and dry. You can use a damp rag or sponge to wipe down your wall. Just be careful not to get it too wet, as excess water can damage the wallpaper.
Start at the top of your wall and slowly roll down the wallpaper, smoothing it as you go. Use a guideline or plumb line to help you stay straight. If your room has an angled ceiling or obstructions like a doorframe, window frame, light switch, or electrical outlet, be sure to trim the wallpaper so that it can be properly installed around these items.
For most types of wallpaper, score the surface with a scoring tool to perforate it and allow the solution you’re using in the next step to seep into and soften the adhesive underneath. This is especially important if your wallpaper is strippable or vinyl.
Trim the Wallpaper
The last step in the process of applying peel and stick wallpaper is to trim the material. Use a straightedge and sharp razor knife to cut along the ceiling and baseboard, making sure to change the blade frequently for a clean and smooth cut. For a more polished look, consider overlapping each strip of wallpaper slightly. Just be sure the pattern aligns properly when you’re done!
Many professionals prep walls with Zinsser Gardz, a paint that creates a translucent finish and a slight sheen. This works well with most peel-and-stick wallpapers.
Make sure to test the adhesive of your chosen wallpaper before applying it to the wall. It doesn’t adhere well to textured or dirty surfaces, so be sure to thoroughly clean and smooth all areas you plan on wallpapering. Also, keep in mind that this type of wallpaper won’t hold up as long if it is removed and reapplied more than once. If you find that your wallpaper is starting to peel, try cleaning it with a mixture of 2/3 isopropyl alcohol and 1/3 water before reapplying it.
