Introduction
Installation and removal of peel & stick wallpaper seems like a simple task. However, you need to have good knowledge to do the job appropriately. Besides, there is a complete range of tools and equipment to complete the task seamlessly. When you have the right set of tools, and proper wallpaper installation skills the task becomes easy.
If you are planning to add wallpaper in any corner of your home or wondering why should you hire an expert. The blue section can help you know about these tools and their functions. Read on to learn about the different tools necessary for appropriate wallpaper installation.
Necessary wallpaper tools
Seam Roller
Just a tool is necessary for applying pressure over the seams of the wallpaper during installation. Seams can easily stand out after hanging the wallpaper. It is important to properly flatten the section before the starts to peel off. With a seam roller, you can make the seams invisible and the wallpaper will hang on for a longer period.
Level
This simple tool is critical for peel & stick wallpaper installation. You will never want to install wallpapers in a zigzag pattern. Your eyes simply cannot keep the wallpapers straight when applying without any markings.
Smoothing Tool
The first part of hanging wallpaper is finding air bubbles and ripples. Using a smoothing tool you can easily fix these after application. It will allow you to effectively smooth wallpaper, especially around the heart to reach edges and corners without damaging the material.
Paste Brush
For the application of non-pasted wallpaper, you need to apply the paste before hanging it on the wall. Any type of brush lying around can be suitable for this however it is best to use a brush that has been specifically designed for paste application. The design of a paste brush makes it suitable for doing the job effectively without causing damage to the peel & stick wallpaper.
Removal Sponge
Whenever you work with liquid materials keep a sponge, bucket, and towel handy for cleanup. It is excellent for removing tough stains around the difficult-to-reach corners.
Ladders
The walls in your home are around 10 feet or more in height. Hence even for a tall person, it is difficult to reach those high ceilings for proper wallpaper installation. A ladder is essential for proper wallpaper. Also, it is important to have a proper ladder and avoid using furniture to increase height as it can become a safety risk.
Tape Measure
A tape measure is helpful for different tasks when applying wallpaper. Most critical it is necessary for measuring the room so that you have a clear estimate when purchasing wallpaper. This tool also allows you to measure the length of the wallpaper during application.
Primer
Before adding adhesive to the wall you must use a primer to get the best results. Professionals from Designer Wallpaper store in Lexington prefer to use sealer compounds for ceilings and priming porous surfaces. Primers provide a good addition between the peel & stick wallpaper and the wall. It is also a good solution for joint compound, MDF board, and damaged drywall.
Putty Knife
Putty knife is one of the most versatile wallpaper application tools. It serves as a wallpaper remover in most cases. Designer Wallpaper store in Lexington installers use it as a straight edge or smoother. Sometimes they also use the putty knife to feel holes or dance in the drive all before the installation of wallpaper.
Utility Life
Wallpaper size does not usually match the size of the wall, and you are required to trim them, especially near the ceiling and floors. The best tool for this purpose is a utility knife. These can make the quick work of cutting and offer good flexibility in hard-to-reach angles.
Consider using a knife with a snap-off blade. These ensure that the edge is always sharp and avoid unnecessary damage to the wallpaper materials. Always keep a straight edge handy to keep the cuts under control.
Waterproof Floor Protection or Drop Cloth
Cover the work area to make certain the floor is protected from spills. This helps save a lot of headaches as well as making certain you don't spend extra money on unnecessary repairs due to accidents and spells. If you are taking on the task for the first time this is an absolute must. For wallpaper application purposes the use of non-skid Canvas drop cloth is best. Plastic drop clothes can become slippery when the floor is wet.
Wallpaper Application Process Step-By-Step
Preparing the Wall
The first step of wallpaper installation is to prepare the wall. Remove hooks, nails, and screws. Remember to cover the outlets using tape. If there is old wallpaper on the walk completely remove them. Use the putty knife for this purpose. Scraping old wallpaper is an extensive processor so have sufficient time in hand. Clear all dresses of old wallpaper including adhesive. After peel & stick wallpaper removal clean the wall completely to get rid of mildew and dirt. Smooth out cracks and holes on the wall using putty. Covering the cracks in the world is necessary so that the final result is smooth and clean.
Measuring the Wall
Measure the wall properly to know the exact length of the wallpaper necessary. At the time of taking measurements add 20 cm of leeway at the top and bottom. This is necessary to cover for wrong measurements.
Applying the First Strip of Wallpaper
A thumb rule for wallpaper application is to paste the wall and paste the paper material. The process is a bit tough and easily turns messy. The application of paste on the paper makes it difficult to transport to the wall. If you are not careful it will stick to everything and even to itself.
Install the first strip gently and smooth it out from top to bottom. Leave about 2 inches on the top and below. Press it firmly against the wall to create a faint line.
Working Around the Corners
Simply put the paper around the next wall to cover the corners. You will find that the patterns start forming around the edges. After aligning the first wall appropriately make a small cut at the top using a scissor. This is necessary for easy folding of the paper.
Cutting Off Excess Paper
Use the utility knife to cut out the excess wallpaper. You can either use a ruler or cut the paper free hand. Always be patient during the cutting process to avoid removing excess paper from the wall.
Conclusion
If you need to strip the old wallpaper before installation of new wallpaper the process is likely to become more difficult. It is not just about tearing the old peel & stick wallpaper. You need to have the right set of tools to do the task appropriately.
One of the common ways is using water from a spray bottle to lose the adhesive material. You can also consider using wallpaper scorer as it helps in water absorption by making small holes in the paper. The streamer helps in loosening the adhesive. The scraper tool is suitable for spots that do not peel easily.
Wallpaper installation requires good skills and a lot more tools than you meet. However, with the right set of tools, the job becomes relatively easier. Many homeowners choose to hire Designer Wallpaper store in Lexington so that the job is done right in the first attempt.