The Today Show is giving wallpaper hanging tips.
Imagine my dismay as I turn on the Today Show this morning and begin packing my painting crates. Tomorrow I have a wallpaper removal job and I don't want to haul the entire workshop so I'm spending some time weeding through painting supplies versus wallpaper removal supplies. Now, I've sworn off of wallpaper removal after every single job I've done. I absolutely hate doing it but then someone will call and I'll feel bad for them and their wallpaper woes and I'll agree to take the job.
So, this morning the Today Show is giving tips to hang wallpaper perfectly. I haven't heard or read that wallpaper is back but if they Today Show says its so then it's probably so. Which means in a few years I'm going to be flooded with more wallpaper removal requests. So I'll share the tips from the Today Show, BUT please remember to properly size and prepare your walls before wallpapering. You want it to stick to the walls but there will be a time when you want to remove the wallpaper and painting over it is just not a very satisfactory option.
1) Properly prepare the wall. Spackle and sandpaper the wall and apply sizing or wallpaper primer. Cover a work table with a drop cloth and also protect your floor.
2) Cut your vertical strips 4 inches longer than the wall and trim the excess later. Arrange strips on the floor to line up the pattern and tape together with painters tape.
3) Use a tape measure and pencil to mark where paper will lie.
4) If using premixed wallpaper glue apply it to the back of the paper and apply quickly.
5) Apply the paper quickly and smoothly, one piece at a time. Do not overlap, but butt pieces against each other and smooth with a wallpaper smoother and burnish seams with a seam roller.
6) Use the wet glue time to perfectly position the piece and roll out any bubbles.
7) Wash off excess glue.
8) Celebrate with a cocktail. (This is the Today Show's suggestion, not mine).
I'd like to add that once you're done with one wall you should trim off the excess paper with a razor before beginning another wall. The good news about the Today Show story is that they're suggesting using wallpaper for non-traditional projects, like a headboard, which I'm all for. I believe wallpaper used to cover walls should be used sparingly and it should be recognized that you'll be putting about twice as much time and effort into removal as you do into the application process.
