Wallpapering Preparation

Introduction:

 So you want to do some wallpapering and you have never done it before. It isn't as messy as house painting but it’s a moderately difficult DIY project that can be performed by most anyone. There are a few cautions to keep in mind before you take on a wallpapering task. Wallpapering can be a fun family project that when properly planned well can have a satisfactory outcome. If not the results can be a poor wallpapering job and a waste of your time and money.

Once you have selected wallpaper you must determine the quantity you need to do the job. This is the easy part. Simply measure the square footage of the wall space you intend to wallpaper. Do not take out for nominal size windows or doorways; otherwise you may not have enough wallpaper to complete the job. If there are very large windows and doorways they should be taken out of the square footage equation to avoid ordering too much or too little wallpaper. Present your total square footage to the store clerk who will determine the quantity needed to complete the job and order the wallpaper you want it if is not in stock.

• Razor knife with extra blades
• Step ladder
• Straight level
• Marking Pencil
• Table suitable for cutting and pasting wallpaper
• Smoothing brush
• Wallpaper paste
• Wallpaper
• Measuring tape
• Plastic pail
• Sponge
• Paper shears
• Paste brush
• Edger roller (small roller for rolling out seams)

Prepare the wall by thoroughly cleaning it. Remove all light switches and wall plug cover plates. Fill in any holes with spackle and lightly sand. Remove all furniture from around the room perimeter and lay down drop cloths to protect floor coverings from glue. Insure there is plenty of light so you can see the details of any dark corners. Usually walls are primed with a sizing compound (starch based primer) before wallpapering. It is a light liquid primer that seals walls before wallpapering. If the wall is painted before wallpapering, sizing may not be necessary however, it will make removing wallpaper much easier. I recommend sizing all walls before installing wallpaper.

Now you are ready to wallpaper. Good luck.

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