If wallpaper was fashionable for a very long time before disappearing, it has been making a strong comeback in recent years and is attracting more and more French people for decorating their interiors. It must be said that the trend has evolved. From now on, wallpaper is more decorative than simply practical. It often only covers a wall or a section of wall to bring a particular aesthetic to your rooms. Discover the different types of wallpaper and our advice for a successful installation.
What are the different types of wallpaper?
There are three different types of wallpaper: traditional wallpaper, non-woven wallpaper and vinyl wallpaper.
The traditional wallpaper
Classic wallpaper consists of several sheets of paper, the surface of which is directly printed with patterns. It is an easy to apply paper, but its thinness makes it imperative to apply it on clean, smooth, regular and perfectly dry walls. If it costs little, it is a less durable product, because it weakens on contact with light. As for its maintenance, it is limited since it does not support humidity.
Non-woven wallpaper
Non-woven wallpaper is more and more present in specialized stores and DIY stores. It’s a bit more expensive than traditional wallpaper, but it’s sturdy and easy to hang. It is a coating that does not retract, which does not move over time, which does not tear during installation and which is very easy to cut. In addition, the gluing is done directly on the wall, which is practical. It consists of fibers and a vinyl layer on the surface which contains the pattern.
The vinyl wallpaper
It is the type of wallpaper that remains the most sold today. It must be said that its price is attractive for a very simple installation. As it is paper covered with a layer of PVC, it is very resistant to time and does not tear. It is also waterproof, which allows it to be cleaned with a damp sponge if necessary without fear of damaging the surface.
How to hang wallpaper?
The installation of wallpaper is relatively simple, it is enough to be well equipped and to prepare its site correctly. The standard size rolls offer a length of 10.05 meters and a width of 0.53 meters. It is therefore usually possible to cover around 5 m² with one roll, but some models require offsets for the patterns to match well. It is therefore always recommended to provide an additional roll to avoid unpleasant surprises.
How to prepare for wallpapering?
The wall must be ready to receive the wallpaper, which means that it is imperative to clean the support well, to remove any old wallpaper or old peeling paint and any elements in relief such as nails, dowels or the screws. Fill holes and cracks with a suitable filler and let dry well before sanding and dusting. We recommend that you apply a suitable undercoat which will smooth out your wall and make it easier to hang the wallpaper.
Remove the plates from switches and electrical outlets after taking care to turn off the electricity. This will allow you to achieve more aesthetic and easier finishes. Also dismantle your radiators to line behind them without risk and for a perfect result.
Draw a discreet line 50 cm from the corner of the wall to facilitate the installation of the first length. Make sure using a spirit level that it is perfectly vertical. It’s best to start that way rather than straight from the corner, as these are rarely truly straight.
Prepare your glue by referring to the manufacturer’s instructions if you have not opted for a ready-to-install product. Cut your strips with a cutter or scissors. To do this, unroll a roll on a flat table, back towards you and draw a mark corresponding to the height of the wall with an additional 10 cm for the leveling cuts before cutting.
Glue your lengths by applying the glue evenly over three quarters of the length of the length before folding the glued part back on itself. Then glue the rest of the length and do the same. Let the wallpaper get soggy quietly by referring to the manufacturer’s instructions. You can prepare several lengths that you will let soak the time to lay them in order to save time.
Hang the wallpaper
Unfold the top of your first strip, aligning it well with the ceiling and your previously drawn mark. When it is in place, smooth with a spatula to eliminate bubbles and mark the angles properly. Then unfold the rest of the length and proceed in the same way to lay it. You can then lay the next length, making sure to be perfectly edge to edge. You can smooth the joints using a joint roller or your finger.
Finishes
Equip yourself with a cutter with a new blade and cut the wallpaper that overflows at the level of the ceiling, the floors and the angles. Be precise and careful not to tear the paper. Change the cutter blade regularly when it is dull.
Also cut out circles at sockets and switches. Do not put the plates and radiators back until the wallpaper is completely dry, then you can put the electricity back on. All you have to do is admire your work!