Helpful Wallpaper Installation Instructions and Tips
Handling
It may be best to both consult with and use a professional wallpaper hanger. It is, after all, what they do and you want the process to be exact. This process, however, can certainly become a rewarding DIY project, and one that would be pridefully on display as you enjoy the outcome and finished results from your very own efforts in wallpaper hanging.
You can handle the wallpaper in much the same way as you would vinyl coated paper, but it is always best to not use tape on any image surface as this could very well peal back the images and damage the quality.
Pastes
Use Rowan Professional Heavy Duty Clear Pro 838 or another heavy-duty vinyl adhesive such as ICI Ultra Heavy Duty Clear 22643. It is always best practices to thickness test the paste. If necessary, you can easily think down with a touch of water. Be mindful not to add too much water, however, as this could very well counteract the tack and stickiness of the actual adhesive. Do avoid any clay-based pastes, as they are not recommended and can be much too thick and even dry way too quickly.
If you are using fabric wallpaper (versus paper wallpaper), then it is very important to use clear glue as the fabric wallpaper has no backing. It also advisable to roll the adhesive/ glue on the wall and not the fabric when using fabric wallpaper as this could cause a slight shrinkage in the paper as the adhesive dries.
Wall Preparation
Ensure that the wall surfaces are cleaned, dried and smoothed prior to application of the wallpaper. It is highly encouraged and recommended to lightly sand the walls. If necessary, make any and all repairs to cracks, scrapes and any other surface irregularity.
We also highly recommend that you always seal the wall with a primer-sealer, and an oil-based primer sealer works perfectly. Cover Stain by Zinsser is one such product that has been used consistently and quite effectively. Oil-based primers not only seal the wall, but the wetness provides more and accurate time for the individual that is installing and smoothing out of the wallpaper panels. The wetness from the oil-based primer also allows for easy removal if the installation goes awry, and removal for accuracy is then needed. An acrylic option that makes for a good replacement in the event that an oil-based primer is not available is the Bulls Eye 1-2-3 brand from Rust-Oleum.
Wallpaper Preparation
It is well-advised to pre-dampen the wallpaper with a damp rag or sponge. Apply the water lightly and sparingly but use enough to cover the entire panel back and prior to applying the adhesive paste. Wait for 5-10 minutes after this step in the process. Apply a thin coat of adhesive onto the wall, and especially where the seams will meet (the extra adhesive ensures the seams bond well). Now is the time to apply adhesive evenly to the back of the wallpaper. Book the wallpaper (folding the paper onto itself) for 5-8 minutes. A common mistake made by the DIY wallpaper hanger is the failure to properly book the wallpaper before applying it to the wall. This can cause bubbles and wrinkles. The wallpaper booking time should expand the wallpaper panels 1/4 “ to 1/2” depending paste thickness and the room temp.
Hanging
Hang wallpaper panels using standard procedures. Line up mural panels in order. Level the first panel to ensure a straight line and proper pattern match. Use a smoothing brush or plastic squeegee to lay down panels. Smooth out air pockets. If persistent bubbles don’t go away, simply pop with a pin. Do not overwork the panels as this could cause tearing of the wallpaper. Trim the top and bottom of the panel. With clean water and a sponge, wipe down the wallpaper panel and dry with a towel. Avoid aggressive rubbing.
Cutting
Wallpaper panels require an accurate double-cut at the seams as the selvage edge makes this a mandatory step in the custom wallpaper hanging process. Ensure that you overlap the panels along the pattern match, then you can double cut. Gently remove the cut selvage edges, and now you can roll down the seam. Over-rolling the seams could take the color off, so ensure that this is not done. To reiterate, it is best practices to neither overlap nor double-cut your custom printed wallpaper.
Cleaning
It is critically important that you do not use cleaners with harsh solvents, as they can damage plastic finishes. Instead, we recommend that your wallpaper be gently cleaned with a damp cloth. A softly dampened sponge also works very well, but be certain to only use the water sparingly. A great cleansing solution is a hand dish-washing liquid and slightly colder water.
Starting from the bottom, clean upwards while very gently wiping all of the overlapping areas with and in a circular motion. You may want to have one sponge/ wash cloth that is slightly damp with suds first, and then have a 2nd damp rinsing sponge without the suds. After applying the suds and removing the dampness on the wallpaper, gently pat dry and to remove any excess surface moisture. Be certain to let this initial process dry completely if there are areas that need to be re-washed, and always avoid aggressive rubbing to ensure that you do not damage the custom wallpaper. Finally, gently remove residual cleaning suds or the solution with a dry cloth.
