All About Wallpaper Installation 101: The Ultimate Guide
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22-03-2024
All About Wallpaper Installation 101: The Ultimate Guide
Wallpapers are becoming a regular feature for consumers in India. However, there still seems to be a lack of understanding of how to go about it in terms of installation and maintenance.
Deciphering Wallpaper Needs
Embarking on a wallpaper project requires careful planning to ensure you have the right amount of material.
Here's a straightforward guide to help you determine the quantity you'll need before your wallpaper installation.
Step 1: Measure Your Walls
Start by measuring the length and height of each wall you plan to cover.
Step 2: Calculate Wall Area
Multiply the length by the height of each wall to find its total area.
Step 3: Account for Doors and Windows
Subtract the area of any doors and windows from the total wall area.
Step 4: Determine the Total Wall Area
Add up the areas of all the walls to get the total wall area you'll be covering.
Step 5: Consider Pattern Repeat and Waste
Factor in an additional 10% to 15% for pattern matching and trimming.
Step 6: Find Usable Area per Roll
Check the wallpaper specifications to determine the usable area per roll.
Step 7: Calculate the Number of Rolls
Divide the total wall area (including the extra for pattern matching and waste) by the usable area per roll, rounding up to ensure you have enough wallpaper.
Should I DIY Wallpaper or Hire a Pro?
Installation of wallpapers all by yourself is possible, but it requires careful consideration of your skills and the complexity of the project.
Here's a breakdown to help you decide.
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DIY Wallpapering |
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Cost-effective: You save on labour charges by doing it yourself. |
Requires skills and knowledge: Proper application techniques are crucial to achieve a smooth, flawless finish. |
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Sense of accomplishment: The satisfaction of completing a project yourself. |
Time commitment: Especially for large areas or complex patterns, wallpapering can be a time-consuming process. |
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Suitable for small projects: If you |
Risk of mistakes: Mistakes during application can lead to wasted wallpaper, uneven seams, bubbles, or even wall damage. |
Pros & Cons of Hiring a Professional for Wallpaper Installation
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Pros |
Cons |
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Guaranteed quality: Professionals have |
Your DIY skills: If you're comfortable with home improvement projects and have some experience with similar tasks like painting or installing wall decals, you might be able to handle a DIY wallpaper project. |
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Saves time: They can complete |
Wallpaper complexity: Simple wallpapers like peel-and-stick or pre-pasted options are generally easier for DIY applications. |
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Knowledge of proper techniques: |
DIY can suffice for Smaller Projects: For small, simple projects with easy-to-use wallpaper and if you're comfortable with DIY tasks, attempting it yourself can be a cost-effective option. |
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Cost: You'll need to pay for the professional's labour charges |
Budget: DIY saves labour costs to the project. |
How do I prepare the walls before applying wallpaper?
Transforming your space with wallpaper can add a touch of personality and style. But before you unleash your creativity, proper wall preparation is crucial for a successful and long-lasting application. Here's a comprehensive guide to ensure your walls are prepped and ready to receive their new vibrant cover:
Smoothening the Surface:
Remove protrusions: Take down any fixtures like hooks, nails, and switch plates. Address any bumps or holes with spackle to create a level surface. Sand the filled areas until smooth.
*Deep textures might require extra attention. Consider filling them for a seamless wallpaper application.
Handle Flaky Paint: If your wall has loose or peeling paint, scrape it off using a putty knife. For extensive flaking, sanding with coarse sandpaper might be necessary.
Cleaning the Walls
Dust Removal: Vacuum the wall surface to eliminate dust particles.
Cleaning Solution: Wash the walls using a solution of warm water and vinegar or sugar soap (a mild detergent specifically meant for pre-painting cleaning). This removes dirt, grease, and grime that can hinder adhesion.
*Rinse the wall thoroughly with clean water and ensure it dries completely before proceeding.
Priming:
Primer Selection: Apply an appropriate primer to create a good bonding surface for the wallpaper. Opt for a stain-blocking primer if you're covering dark colours or stains.
Application: Use a roller to apply a thin, even coat of primer. Let the primer dry completely as per the manufacturer's instructions.
Final Touches:
Second Cleaning: Wipe down the primed wall with a damp cloth a day before hanging the wallpaper. This removes any dust that might have settled after priming.
Additional Tips:
New Plaster: Allow new plaster to cure completely (usually around a month) before wallpapering.
Lining Uneven Walls: For highly uneven walls, consider using lining paper to create a smoother base for the wallpaper.
Turn off Electricity: Remember to turn off the electricity supply before working near outlets or switches.
Can wallpaper be removed easily?
Removing wallpaper can range from relatively straightforward to quite laborious depending on several factors:
Wallpaper Type is Vital
Vinyl wallpaper: Generally tougher to remove due to its water-resistant properties.
Pre-pasted wallpaper: Comes with adhesive already applied, often making removal more challenging.
Non-vinyl wallpaper: Usually easier to remove as it absorbs water better, allowing the adhesive to loosen.
Adhesive Strength: Stronger adhesives will naturally require more effort and potentially additional tools for scraping.
Wall Surface: Wallpaper adhered to drywall is typically easier to remove than textured surfaces like plaster or brick.
Here's a general idea:
Simple scenario: For non-vinyl wallpaper on a smooth surface with weaker adhesive, you might be able to peel it off directly with some effort.
More challenging scenario: For vinyl wallpaper or situations with stubborn adhesive, you'll likely need to employ methods like marking the surface, applying hot water or steamer, and scraping to loosen and remove the material.
Important safety note: When dealing with wallpaper removal, especially older versions, be mindful of potential lead hazards. If you suspect lead paint might be present beneath the wallpaper, it's crucial to consult a professional for proper removal to avoid health risks.
Transforming Spaces with Designer Wallpapers: Expert Installation Guide for Impeccable Results
As wallpapers increasingly grace homes across India, understanding the intricacies of installation and maintenance becomes paramount. Our step-by-step guide ensures that every homeowner embarking on a wallpaper project is equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions and achieve impeccable results. As you prepare to embark on your wallpaper journey, Excel Home Decor stands ready to complement your vision with a diverse array of high-quality wallpapers and impeccable service. With our commitment to excellence and nationwide delivery, Excel Home Decor is your trusted partner in transforming spaces into expressions of style and sophistication. Experience the difference with Excel Home Decor and embark on a journey of inspired living today.
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