How to hang wallpaper — a step-by-step guide
How to Hang Wallpaper — A Step-by-Step Guide
Wallpapering is a classic way to transform the look of your walls and create an entirely new atmosphere at home. Whether you are looking for wallpapering tips for a major renovation or want to refresh a single room, this guide is designed to take you through every step of the process. With the right preparation, tools and technique, you can achieve a professional result that lasts for many years.
Preparation — The Foundation of Success
Before you start wallpapering, it is absolutely crucial to prepare your walls properly. This step often makes the difference between a lasting result and one that soon starts to peel or bubble.
Start by stripping the walls completely. Remove all old wallpaper by scraping carefully with a filling knife or wallpaper scraper. Use water and a wallpaper stripping solution to make the job easier. Once all the wallpaper is off, wash the walls thoroughly with a damp sponge to remove any remaining paste and dust.
Inspect the walls closely for cracks, unevenness and damp damage. Use Brittfurn Wall Filler Premium to fill any small cracks and holes. Larger damage may need several coats. Let the filler dry completely according to the instructions before you continue.
Next comes sanding. Use fine sandpaper (ideally 120–150 grit) to sand down the dried filler and create a smooth surface. An even wall surface is essential for the wallpaper to adhere properly and look professional.
Finally, apply Brittfurn Wall Primer Universel to all the walls. This primer ensures the wallpaper paste adheres optimally and makes the wallpaper easier to work with.
Choosing the Right Materials and Tools
Choosing the right wallpaper and tools is key to a successful project. There are many different types of wallpaper on the market, from classic paper wallpapers to modern fabric and vinyl wallcoverings.
For most home renovators we recommend vinyl wallpapers for their durability and easy care. They are moisture-resistant, which makes them perfect for bathrooms and kitchens. Paper wallpapers are more environmentally friendly and offer a more authentic look, while textured wallpapers can hide small imperfections in the wall.
As for tools, you will need:
- A pasting brush or large paintbrushes for applying paste
- A wallpaper smoother or plastic spatula for smoothing out bubbles
- A paste applicator or roller for even paste coverage
- A measuring stick and pencil for marking
- A knife for trimming edges
- A plumb line to ensure vertical lines
Use Brittfurn Wallpaper Paste Extra Strong for the best results. This high-quality paste is easy to apply and creates an unbreakable bond between wallpaper and wall.
Measuring, Cutting and Hanging
Now for the practical part. Measure the height of your walls and work out how many drops of wallpaper you need. Lay the roll out on a clean table and measure carefully before cutting.
Tip: Always cut at least two extra centimetres on each drop to allow for adjusting and trimming. If your wallpaper has a pattern, make sure you match the pattern as you cut to create a seamless finish.
Start hanging from a corner or from the centre of your wall. Use the plumb line to mark a perfectly vertical line. This is your reference line to ensure every subsequent drop hangs straight.
Apply Brittfurn Wallpaper Paste Extra Strong to the back of the wallpaper according to the instructions. You can paste either the wall directly or the wallpaper — both methods work, but pasting the wall often gives better control.
Position the first drop on the wall, starting at the top and working your way down. Use your wallpaper smoother to smooth the drop from the top downwards, which helps eliminate air bubbles. Work methodically from the centre outwards to ensure an even finish.
Continue with the next drop, making sure the pattern matches perfectly before you press it into place. This process calls for a little patience, but the result is well worth the effort.
Finishing Touches and the Final Result
Once all the drops are in place, it is time for the finishing touches. Trim the excess close to the ceiling, floor and corners with a sharp knife. Use a straight edge or a filling knife as a guide for perfect cuts.
Inspect all seams and bubbles carefully. If small bubbles appear, you can often press them down gently with your wallpaper smoother. For bigger problems you may need to cut out the bubble, inject a little paste and smooth it down again.
Let the wallpaper dry completely before rehanging pictures or moving furniture back. Most wallpapers need 24-48 hours to dry fully, depending on humidity and temperature.
With these steps and Brittfurn Premium products on your side, you can create a beautifully papered room that reflects your personal style. Whether it is your first wallpapering project or your twentieth, this guide will help you achieve professional results at home.
Good luck with your wallpapering project!