Hang Wallpaper Like A Boss

Preparation is Key

Before you unroll a single strip, take the time to get your walls ready. This is the secret weapon of boss-level wallpapering. Here's what you need to do:

• Clear the Canvas: Remove furniture, switch plates, and anything else hanging on the walls.
• Clean Up Your Act: Wash the walls with a mild detergent solution to remove dust and grime. Let them dry completely.
• Fix Up the Flaws: Patch any holes or cracks with spackle. Sand smooth once dry.
• Prime Time: Apply a coat of primer suitable for wallpaper. This will create a smooth, even surface for the adhesive to bond to.

Planning Makes Perfect

Once your walls are prepped, it's time for some planning. Here's how to avoid wallpaper mishaps:

• Measure Twice, Cut Once: Measure the wall and calculate how many strips of wallpaper you'll need. Factor in pattern repeats to minimize waste.
• Getting the Drop: Decide where you want the wallpaper to start at the top of the wall. Mark this line with a level for reference.
• Practice Makes Perfect: If you're a wallpapering newbie, try hanging a test strip in an inconspicuous spot to get the hang of it.

Wallpapering Like a Champion

Now that you've prepped and planned, it's time for the fun part! Here's how to hang your wallpaper with confidence:

• Gather Your Supplies: You'll need a paste table, a plumb line, a smoothing tool, a wallpaper brush, and a sharp cutting tool.
• Mix It Up: Prepare the wallpaper paste according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Paste and Hang: Apply paste to the back of the first wallpaper strip, following the manufacturer's directions for pasting time (pre-pasted or not). Carefully hang the strip according to your plumb line and reference mark.
• Smooth Operator: Use the smoothing tool to gently press the wallpaper onto the wall, eliminating air bubbles.
• Repeat and Rejoice! Continue hanging strips, carefully matching the pattern as you go.

Pro Tips for Wallpapering Glory

• Work with a Partner: Having a helper can make the process smoother and more efficient, especially when hanging long strips.
• Embrace the Overlap: It's easier to trim excess wallpaper at the seams and edges than to fight with perfectly straight cuts.
• Clean Up as You Go: Use a damp sponge to remove any excess paste from the wallpaper or trim any stray edges with a sharp cutting tool.

With these tips and a can-do attitude, you'll be hanging wallpaper like a boss in no time. Get ready to transform your space and enjoy the satisfaction of a DIY project well done!