Hanging paper-based wallpaper

Paper-based wallpaper

Hanging a paper-based wallpaper is in many ways the same as hanging a non-woven wallpaper, but there is one significant difference: with paper-based wallpaper you don't apply the paste to the wall, but to the wallpaper itself.

Which tools do you need?

        * Pasting table
        * Wallpaper paste for paper-based wallpaper
        * Snap off knife
        * Wallpaper roller and small brush
        * Wallpaper spatula
        * Spirit level & pencil or plum line
        * Stepladder
        * Cleanup cloth or sponge

1. Preperation

Well begun is half done! Make sure that your walls are smooth, clean, dry and uniform in color. Remove any existing wallpaper.

Fill any holes or imperfections in your walls with a filler and a spackle and remove the covers from switches and sockets. Switch off electrical groups. Avoid temperature fluctuations and drafts, as this can shrink wallpaper and cause the seams between the wallpaper strips to widen.

Tip: Check if the batch numbers on the wallpaper labels are matching to avoid shade variations. 

2. Perpendicular line

Because door frames, walls or ceilings are not always level, it is best to draw a straight vertical line on the wall using a spirit level or plumb line. Do this about 50 centimeters (roll width - 3 cm) from the point where you start to paper. It’s best to start papering from the window (where the light is) so wallpaper seams will stand out less.

Tip: Did you know that you can easily make your own plumb line by attaching a weight or heavy nail to a piece of rope?

3. Cutting strips

Once you finished the preparations you can start by cutting the wallpaper in strips. Measure the height of your wall and add an extra 10 centimeters for final trimming. Note: If the wallpaper has a pattern repeat your strips need to be: the length of the wall + 1 time the pattern height + 10 centimeters for trimming. For example: Your wall is 240 cm high and your wallpaper has a pattern repeat of 53 cm. In this case your strips need to be 240 + 53 + 10 = 303 cm. Mark the strips, clearly indicate which side is the top.

4. Applying paste

Lay the wallpaper strip "face down" on the pasting table. Apply the paste with the wallpaper roll or pasting brush. Start from the middle and brush out towards the edges. Make sure that the paste is applied evenly en generously (without overdoing it) and  that the edges and corners are well lubricated.

5. Soak the wallpaper

Lay the wallpaper strip "face down" on the pasting table. Apply the paste with the wallpaper roll or pasting brush. Start from the middle and brush out towards the edges. Make sure that the paste is applied evenly en generously (without overdoing it) and  that the edges and corners are well lubricated.

6. Hanging the strips

Apply the first strip to the top of the wall, leaving a small overlap (±5 cm) at the ceiling. Unfold the wallpaper strip carefully and slide the strip into position, lining up with the plumb line. Gently press the strip to the wall using the wallpaper spatula. Do you still have air bubbles under your wallpaper after smoothing? Small air bubbles disappear when drying. If large air bubbles have formed, you can carefully puncture them with a pin. Then wipe the wallpaper smooth again with the wallpaper spatula.

Cut the excess paper along the ceiling and the baseboard with the snap off knife. Use the wallpaper spatula to cut off the wallpaper straight.

Apply the next wallpaper strip in the same way, but stick it just over the edge of the previous strip. Paper-based wallpaper usually shrinks a bit. If any excess paste got on the front of the wallpaper, you should immediately wipe it off with a damp cloth or sponge. When applying the next strip, make sure that the pattern matches the previous strip. Below you will find more information about matching the pattern.

Tip: Wait before replacing sockets and covers until the wallpaper has dried properly. Wallpaper that is has not properly is fragile and can be damaged quickly.

7. Pattern match

Each wallpaper has a repeating pattern. On the wallpaper label you can verify after how many centimeters the pattern repaeats itself. This is indicated with the number after this symbol. With most plain or striped designs you do not have to take the pattern repeat into account in order to get a good pattern match. With other patterns it is important that you do pay attention to how offset the pattern is in relation to the strip beside it when applying. In the drawing below you can see the four different options with the corresponding symbols.