Installing adhesive wallpaper, also called "sticker wallpaper", is easier than installing traditional wallpaper since it does not require any glue or additional equipment. However, to obtain a clean and bubble-free result, it is important to follow a few methodical steps. Here is a detailed guide to successfully installing your adhesive wallpaper:
Necessary material
Before you begin, make sure you have the right tools on hand to make installing your adhesive wallpaper easier:
- Adhesive wallpaper
- Ruler or metal square
- Sharp knife or box cutter
- Plastic spatula or scraper to smooth the paper
- Pencil
- Tape measure
- Spirit level or plumb line
- Clean cloth or sponge
Steps to successfully install adhesive wallpaper
1. Preparing the walls
As with any wallpaper, wall preparation is essential. Adhesive wallpaper will not stick well to a dirty or uneven surface. Here are the steps to prepare your walls:
- Clean the wall : Use a damp cloth to remove any dirt, dust or grease marks. Allow to dry completely before applying the adhesive paper.
- Repair imperfections : Fill any holes or cracks with spackling compound, then sand to smooth the surface. A perfectly smooth wall allows the paper to adhere well.
- Paint white (if necessary) : If you have very colorful or dark walls, it may be a good idea to repaint them white to prevent the original color from showing through the adhesive paper.
2. Apply the adhesive wallpaper
Since adhesive wallpaper is self-adhesive, you just need to position it and apply it directly to the wall. Here are the steps to follow for a clean installation:
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Start at the top : Start at the top of the wall. Peel off a small section of the backing paper from the wallpaper, and carefully align the top of the strip with the wall or the line drawn using a spirit level.
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Gradually apply : Once the top of the strip is positioned correctly, continue to remove the protective film little by little, while applying the wallpaper to the wall. Make sure that the paper is well aligned by using a plumb line or vertical line to ensure that the paper is straight.
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Smooth as you go : Use a plastic spatula or squeegee to smooth the wallpaper adhesive as you apply it, working from the center out to the edges to remove any air bubbles. Work slowly to avoid wrinkling the wallpaper.
3. Remove air bubbles
Even with careful installation, air bubbles can sometimes form under the adhesive wallpaper. Here's how to eliminate them:
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Using a spatula or scraper : If you detect bubbles, press gently with the plastic spatula to smooth them towards the edges.
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Pierce stubborn bubbles : If some bubbles are difficult to remove, gently pierce them with a needle or pin to allow air to escape, then smooth out with the squeegee.
4. Adjust and cut off excess
Once the adhesive wallpaper is in place, it's time to adjust the edges:
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Trim excess : Use a sharp craft knife to cleanly trim excess paper along the ceiling, baseboards, or wall edges. Place a metal ruler against the edge to guide the cut and ensure a straight line.
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Laying the next strips : If you have several strips to lay, make sure that the patterns line up correctly with each other. Overlap the edges slightly if necessary, then trim the excess to obtain a clean finish.
5. Finishing and maintenance
After installation, a few final touches and maintenance tips will help you achieve an impeccable result:
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Cleaning residue : If you have left traces of glue or dust on the paper, clean them with a clean, slightly damp cloth.
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Check the finishes : Make sure all edges are secure and the paper adheres well to the surface.
Additional tips for successful installation
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Working in pairs : If possible, have another person help you to make it easier to align the strips, especially if you are hanging large strips of wallpaper.
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Peel and Reposition : One of the great things about adhesive wallpaper is that it can often be repositioned easily before it sets. If you make a mistake, carefully peel the paper off and reposition it.
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Start in an inconspicuous corner : If you're new to hanging wallpaper, start in a corner or small area to practice before hanging the rest.
Conclusion
Hanging wallpaper is a relatively simple project, but it requires a little care and patience to achieve a flawless result. By properly preparing your walls and following these steps, you can transform any room in a short amount of time and with minimal mess. Whether you want to add color, pattern, or texture to your walls, wallpaper is a quick and convenient solution.
