For most people, installing wallpaper looks like a complicated job. This is in addition to the process which actually consists of several stages, the expensive price of the wallpaper and the texture which is easily damaged also makes some people not dare to try it. In the following, we provide a step-by-step guide on how to properly install wallpaper along with tips to minimize mistakes
Preparing the Room Before Install Wallpaper
Just like the process of painting walls, start by preparing the room so that the wallpaper can be properly installed. Make sure the entire wall surface is clean of dirt. Also, pay attention to the texture of the surface of the wall with an even texture without any bumps or depressions. In order for the wallpaper color to appear clear, the walls should be given white base paint.
Dividing the Wall Into Planes
The function of dividing the wall is to group the wall area into several parts so that wallpaper installation will be easier and neater. Usually, this division is done by giving a line on the long side of the wall every 1 meter. However, you can adjust it with a note to avoid dividing the area that will be used as a focal point. Remember, the length is the right and left of the wall (horizontal), while the width is up and down the wall.
Wallpaper Paper Cutting
Take the wallpaper you’ve purchased and lay it out on a clean desk or floor. Make lines to divide the length of the wallpaper according to the size used on the wall. Don’t forget to add 3 cm on the top and bottom. Look carefully, here you are dealing with patterned paper. So, the pattern that you make as much as possible does not damage the existing motif. This is where the main difficulty in the process of installing this wallpaper lies. After that, scissors according to the pattern that has been made.
Remove the Wallpaper Adhesive
According to the adhesive, there are two types of wallpaper sold in the market, namely wallpaper with adhesive (similar to a picture paste) and wallpaper without adhesive. If the wallpaper you bought doesn’t have adhesive behind it, skip this fourth step.
Apply Wallpaper Glue On Paper
Apply glue evenly to the back of the wallpaper by starting from the center towards the edges. Make sure all parts of the paper are perfectly coated with glue. Paper that is not exposed to glue will result in air trapping in the wallpaper so that the surface is wavy.
Apply Wallpaper Glue to the Wall
Use a roller to apply glue to one of the areas of the wall where the lines were made. Avoid covering all areas of the wall because the glue will dry quickly and of course, it will be wasted.
Installing Paper Wallpaper
Place the ladder against the side of the wall, then hold the top of the wallpaper and have someone else help hold the bottom. Start installing the wallpaper from the ceiling to the floor. Carefully apply the wallpaper, leaving about 3 cm on the top, then work your way down. Use your hands to smooth the position of the wallpaper. Press the surface of this wallpaper from the middle to the edges to get rid of the air in it. Strengthen the adhesion of the wallpaper and walls by using a clean roller in a painting-like motion. Repeat this step until the entire wall has been covered with wallpaper.
Cutting off Excess Paper
Remember, at the top and bottom of the wallpaper we left 3 cm each? To make it look neater, the remnants of the wallpaper must be trimmed first. Use a sharp razor, or scissors if you’re not used to it. After that, wipe the top and bottom of the wall to remove traces of glue and remove any air that may still be left behind.
Installing Wallpaper in the Corner of the Room
Because of its position in a corner, it is often the most difficult to install wallpaper in this section. As a tip, add a piece of wallpaper about 3 cm long. The function of adding this size is so that we can deflect the paper so that the corners are neatly covered. But pay attention, the paper motif that will be installed on the wall must follow the overall motif of the wallpaper.