Don't think that wallpaper is going
to cover defects in a wall. As a matter of fact, wallpaper
will cling to every bump, every ding and every crack, exposing it
for all to see. When thinking of hanging wallpaper to cover unsightly
walls, remember that preparation is the key to a job that will both
please the eye and last a while.
Anyone who has wallpapered before
knows that there is no such thing as hurrying or taking shortcuts
when it comes to preparing a wall for wallpaper or for the process
itself. Believe us, we've tried 'em all. As such, you must be patient
and take the time, hours if necessary, to fix flaws to make sure
the paper will properly bond. You won't be able to actually see
your efforts pay off until after the paper is hung, but the result
is more than worth the time spent getting ready.
You'll need a bucket or two, sponges,
clean, dry rags and pliers or a hammer with a claw to pull
nails or picture hangers out of walls, in addition to spackling
paste or wall joint compound & mud, as it's commonly known,
to fill holes and cracks. Don't forget a selection of fine grit
sandpaper; around 120 should do for most fine sanding tasks.
So, first things first.
Clean the walls of dirt, grease and
dust with warm, sudsy water. You'd be amazed at how much dust and
dirt can accumulate on an average living room wall. If smokers are
present, clean entire wall with TSP solution or a bleach and water
solution if smoke odors linger on the wall.
Patch holes, cracks and pinholes,
and then sand smooth with a fine grit sandpaper. Run the flat of
your hand over wall surfaces to catch spots that your eyes can't
see.
If wallpapering on new drywall, primer
the wall surface before applying wallpapers. The primer will seal
the drywall and allow a better bond between the wallpaper adhesive
and the surface of the wall. A sealer will also hide and
seal in water and smoke stains.
Now you're ready to start measuring
and cutting and hanging. While preparation is a drag and takes up
valuable time, you will certainly get better results for
your time and money in the long run when adequately preparing your
walls before you hang the paper.
