Wallpaper 101
The last decade has seen the introduction of ‘paste-the-wall’ wallcoverings and they are thankfully quicker and easier to hang and the process is not as messy as the old method of pasting the wallpaper.
So if you are good with DIY, you could do it yourself but if not, a professional installer is a good idea. They know all the tips and tricks of the trade and we would definitely recommend a professional installer if you are purchasing a speciality wallpaper. Contact us on support@dreamweaverstudios.co.za if you need a list of installers in your area.
Here are some important tips for hanging non-woven wallcoverings which is also sometimes referred to as 'paste-the-wall' or 'easy-up' wallpaper.
If your selected wallpaper is not 'non-woven' then you will have to approach the installation differently and will need to apply paste to the wallpaper. This method is more difficult and a professional installer is recommended unless you have experience.
Wall preparation
Wall must be dry, smooth, clean and free of dust. They must be of a uniform light colour so that there are no marks or colour variations which could show through the wallpaper. Any holes or cracks must be filled and sanded smooth and surfaces need to be primed and allowed to dry if not already primed.
Dark coloured papers may need their edges coloured with a chalk or pastel of a similar tone to avoid white edges showing.Matching stripes painted on the wall at the joins will also help.
Open and inspect the wallpaper rolls
Check if you have received the correct wallpaper with the correct code, quantity and all rolls should be from the same batch The batch number is printed on each roll. If anything is not correct, please contact us immediately and do not hang the wallpaper.
Now open the rolls and check for any flaws and again contact us immediately and do not hang if there are any queries. No claim can be accepted on wallpapers that have been cut and hung if they show defects which were apparent at the time of hanging.
Measure your wall length, consider the pattern repeat and once sure of how the pattern will lay out, cut your lengths accordingly. Add on extra at the top and bottom to make trimming easier.
Ensure that there are enough rolls to complete the job as it may be difficult to get the same batch with exact matching colours at a later date.
Select the paste or glue
Follow the instructions and purchase the appropriate paste or similar quality paste as advised on the instructions received with each roll. A premixed paste not a powder paste, is recommended.
If installing heavy paper like a vinyl or speciality wallpapers like grass, cork, flock, you should use a clear, non-staining heavyweight premixed paste as opposed to a clear, light-medium weight paste.
Apply the paste to the wall for non-woven wallcoverings
This should be done with a roller before each drop of wallpaper is hung. Paste an area slightly wider than the width of the roll so that you don't roll paste onto the already installed drops to the left. Use a paint brush to apply paste at the top of the wall, around sockets, or just above the skirting. This will ensure even coverage in difficult areas and avoid the wallpaper lifting when dry. No table is necessary with this ‘paste-the-wall’ technique and no soaking of the wallpaper is required.
Apply non-woven wallpaper directly to the pre-pasted wall being sure that the first drop is hung plumb. Use a wallpaper tool or brush to smooth down the wallpaper, from the centre to the edges of the roll. Immediately wipe away any paste that squeezes out and do not leave any on the surface of the wallpaper. Also be sure to wipe the ceiling and skirting to remove any paste and protect the face of the wallpaper when cleaning.
To hang the second drop, look to see where the pattern matches at the joins and position carefully. After three drops have been hung, examine the installed panels for uniformity in colour before proceeding with the entire job. Continue from left to right hanging each drop. Seams should be butt fitted and the wallpaper should be free of air and paste bubbles.
Trim the excess wallpaper off at the top and bottom of each drop with a wallpaper ruler and a sharp cutter with snap-off blades.
Allow to dry
This may take a few day depending on the wallpaper and the atmospheric conditions in the room. Do not try to speed up the drying time so do not turn on an air conditioner or fan.
Eventual removal
Years later the non-woven wallpaper will be simple to remove if the correct paste has been used. Simply pull off the wallpaper by hand in sheets. The wall stays dry and undamaged, making it easy to re-apply a new non-woven wallpaper.
Care
Follow the care symbols on the instructions received with every roll. If the wallpaper has a 3-wave wash symbol, it can be easily washed so dirt, dust and other non-staining marks can be simply washed off using a mild detergent and a damp cloth. If the wallpaper has a 2-wave wash symbol then it can be gently wiped with a clean damp cloth making sure you do not get the wallpaper too wet. Please use caution when cleaning as Dreamweaver Studios cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage during cleaning.
Contant us
If you need any further info or advice, please contact us on support@dreamweaverstudios.co.za.
