1.The preparation of the surface to be papered

The first step before papering a wall is to prepare it for the paper. The wall must be level, without humps, cracks or damp patches. Any humps is visible on the paper and it is even possible that the paper may be torn. The question of dampness is also of vital importance since if it is not treated, it will show through the paper.

If on the wall there are nails, picture hooks, etc. we must remove them and fill in the holes before papering. But if we wish to keep the picture in the same place on the new wallpaper we only remove the hook, leaving the plug in the wall. Once we hang the paper we carefully make a hole in it where the plug is. This is easily found by touch. Then we screw in the hook and hang the picture again.

In the very likely event oh having to hang paper over an electrical switch or a power point, it is a good idea to remove the latter. After papering we perforate the paper where the power point or switch is situated so that the cables pass through. We then mount the switch or power point in such a way that any tear in the paper is covered by the cover of the power point or switch.
It is important to realize that unless we can hang the paper with the light switched of we must insulate any electric cable to avoid accidents.

2.The preparation of the paste and its aplication

To prepare the paste is simple if we follow the makers instructions. Paste comes in powder form which is then mix with water. The important think is to mix the paste properly, without any lumps or dry bits. After mixing allow the paste to stand for about 15 minutes.

Our wallpapers have a non-woven fabric base which means that it is an excellent paper to hang. Unlike convencional papering, the paste is applied evenly and sufficiently on the surface (wall or ceiling) to be papered and then the dry paper is hang on top of this.

3.Papering walls

Papering a wall is not a very difficult task but it calls for a certain amount of care on our part. The most important thing is to hang well the first length of paper since this will be the mark for the rest. If thi first length of paper is put on at an angle the rest will not be straight and we will probably finish up with a space without paper at one of the ends of the wall. To ensure that this first length is vertical it is recommended to use a plumb line or spirit level to draw a straight line on the wall as a starting point. We recommend that you cut the rolls of paper beforehang to speed up the work or at least a good number of them, leaving a margin of 4-5 cms. top and bottom. It is preferable to waste a little paper in adjustment, rather that find that we are half a cm. short in the length.

Depending on the type of paper we have acquired the joint between the different lengths will be not the same:

If the paper is plain or with a simple decorative pattern we can hang the lengths quite simply one beside the other without worrying about the patterns not matching. This is generally call free joint papering.
If on the other hand, our wallpaper has a design which is repeated, when we cut and joint the lengths we must ensure that the patterns are in line.

As we can see, we often find a lot of lengths of cut wallpaper on the floor. When patterns are complicated and we have to carefully adjust both the horientation and possition of the paper, it is a good idea to number previously with a pencil all the lengths of wallpepers on the back.

Once we have hang the top half of the  length we smooth well with a wallpaper brush or indeed with our hand if we do not have the correct tool. It is important that there are no wrinkles or bubbles. The brush movements must be diagonal to the outside in such a way that any air bubble is pushed from under the roll. After we have brushed the top half of the length, we then procide to unfolder, paste, smooth the bottom half in the same way as before. After this we use a cutter or a sharp knife to cut the surplus. We must pay particular attention where the wallpaper meets the skirting board. If the latter is stained we must clean it with a damp cloth or sponge before the paste dries. We must also trim the paper around the window frames or doors as well as power points and switches.

We may find that, after trimming the edges of the paper or even adjusting the position of the roll, the edges of the length have lost a great deal of paste and do not stick; in which case it is a question of raising them a little and applying some more paste with a paint brush or similar. The joint between the different lengths of paper on occasions have a tendency to rise a little and to be visible, and for this reason we must carefully smooth them out.

Pay particular attention to the paste coming out at the edges of each length. Remove inmediately with a damp cloth or sponge so as to avoid damage to the paper.