Details
Installing untrimmed wallpaper involves a few additional steps compared to pre-trimmed wallpaper, especially when it comes to cutting and matching patterns. Here’s a detailed guide on how to cut and install untrimmed wallpaper:
### Materials Needed:
1. **Untrimmed wallpaper rolls**
2. **Wallpaper adhesive/paste**
3. **Wallpaper smoothing brush or plastic smoother**
4. **Tape measure**
5. **Sharp utility knife**
6. **Large sponge**
7. **Bucket for water**
8. **Drop cloth or newspaper to protect the floor**
9. **Straightedge or ruler**
10. **Pencil**
### Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Walls:**
- Ensure the walls are clean, smooth, and free of any dust or debris. Repair any cracks or holes and allow them to dry completely.
2. **Measure and Cut the Wallpaper:**
- Measure the height of your wall, adding a few inches to the top and bottom for trimming.
- Roll out the wallpaper on a clean, flat surface with the pattern side down.
- Use a tape measure and pencil to mark the wallpaper according to your wall measurements, leaving extra at the top and bottom for adjustments and trimming.
3. **Cut the Wallpaper:**
- Use a sharp utility knife and a straightedge (such as a ruler or wallpaper smoother) to cut along the marked lines. Take care to make straight cuts to ensure even edges.
- If your wallpaper has a repeating pattern, ensure that each strip is cut to match the pattern at the seams.
4. **Apply Wallpaper Paste:**
- Following the manufacturer's instructions, mix the wallpaper paste in a bucket.
- Use a paint roller or paste brush to apply an even coat of paste to the back of the wallpaper, ensuring to cover the edges well.
5. **Book the Wallpaper:**
- "Booking" refers to folding the pasted sides of the wallpaper together, paste side in, allowing it to rest for the recommended time (usually 5-10 minutes) to activate the paste.
6. **Hang the Wallpaper:**
- Unfold the top half of the wallpaper strip (taking care not to crease it) and position it on the wall, starting from one side.
- Use a wallpaper smoother or brush to gently press the wallpaper against the wall, working from the center outwards to remove any air bubbles.
7. **Align and Match the Pattern:**
- If your wallpaper has a pattern, carefully align each new strip with the previous one to match the pattern correctly. This may involve overlapping the edges slightly to ensure a seamless look.
8. **Trim Excess Wallpaper:**
- Use a sharp utility knife and a straightedge to trim the excess wallpaper from the top and bottom. Be careful not to cut too close to the edge; leave a small margin to ensure a neat finish.
9. **Smooth and Clean Seams:**
- Once all strips are hung and trimmed, use a damp sponge to wipe down the seams and remove any excess paste.
- Use the wallpaper smoother to ensure all edges are firmly adhered to the wall.
10. **Let Dry:**
- Allow the wallpaper to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions. This usually takes 24-48 hours.
11. **Final Touches:**
- After the wallpaper is completely dry, carefully inspect the edges and seams. Touch up any areas that may need additional adhesive or smoothing.
12. **Cleanup:**
- Clean your tools and workspace promptly with warm, soapy water before the paste dries.
### Tips:
- **Pattern Matching:** Take your time to match the pattern correctly when cutting and hanging each strip of wallpaper.
- **Work Methodically:** Start from one corner of the room and work your way across to ensure a consistent finish.
- **Smooth Out Bubbles:** If air bubbles form during application, gently lift the wallpaper and re-smooth from the center outward.
By following these step-by-step instructions, you can effectively cut and install untrimmed wallpaper to create a beautiful and professionally finished look in your space.
### Materials Needed:
1. **Untrimmed wallpaper rolls**
2. **Wallpaper adhesive/paste**
3. **Wallpaper smoothing brush or plastic smoother**
4. **Tape measure**
5. **Sharp utility knife**
6. **Large sponge**
7. **Bucket for water**
8. **Drop cloth or newspaper to protect the floor**
9. **Straightedge or ruler**
10. **Pencil**
### Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Walls:**
- Ensure the walls are clean, smooth, and free of any dust or debris. Repair any cracks or holes and allow them to dry completely.
2. **Measure and Cut the Wallpaper:**
- Measure the height of your wall, adding a few inches to the top and bottom for trimming.
- Roll out the wallpaper on a clean, flat surface with the pattern side down.
- Use a tape measure and pencil to mark the wallpaper according to your wall measurements, leaving extra at the top and bottom for adjustments and trimming.
3. **Cut the Wallpaper:**
- Use a sharp utility knife and a straightedge (such as a ruler or wallpaper smoother) to cut along the marked lines. Take care to make straight cuts to ensure even edges.
- If your wallpaper has a repeating pattern, ensure that each strip is cut to match the pattern at the seams.
4. **Apply Wallpaper Paste:**
- Following the manufacturer's instructions, mix the wallpaper paste in a bucket.
- Use a paint roller or paste brush to apply an even coat of paste to the back of the wallpaper, ensuring to cover the edges well.
5. **Book the Wallpaper:**
- "Booking" refers to folding the pasted sides of the wallpaper together, paste side in, allowing it to rest for the recommended time (usually 5-10 minutes) to activate the paste.
6. **Hang the Wallpaper:**
- Unfold the top half of the wallpaper strip (taking care not to crease it) and position it on the wall, starting from one side.
- Use a wallpaper smoother or brush to gently press the wallpaper against the wall, working from the center outwards to remove any air bubbles.
7. **Align and Match the Pattern:**
- If your wallpaper has a pattern, carefully align each new strip with the previous one to match the pattern correctly. This may involve overlapping the edges slightly to ensure a seamless look.
8. **Trim Excess Wallpaper:**
- Use a sharp utility knife and a straightedge to trim the excess wallpaper from the top and bottom. Be careful not to cut too close to the edge; leave a small margin to ensure a neat finish.
9. **Smooth and Clean Seams:**
- Once all strips are hung and trimmed, use a damp sponge to wipe down the seams and remove any excess paste.
- Use the wallpaper smoother to ensure all edges are firmly adhered to the wall.
10. **Let Dry:**
- Allow the wallpaper to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions. This usually takes 24-48 hours.
11. **Final Touches:**
- After the wallpaper is completely dry, carefully inspect the edges and seams. Touch up any areas that may need additional adhesive or smoothing.
12. **Cleanup:**
- Clean your tools and workspace promptly with warm, soapy water before the paste dries.
### Tips:
- **Pattern Matching:** Take your time to match the pattern correctly when cutting and hanging each strip of wallpaper.
- **Work Methodically:** Start from one corner of the room and work your way across to ensure a consistent finish.
- **Smooth Out Bubbles:** If air bubbles form during application, gently lift the wallpaper and re-smooth from the center outward.
By following these step-by-step instructions, you can effectively cut and install untrimmed wallpaper to create a beautiful and professionally finished look in your space.