Designing the walls in a bathroom can be one of the most important aspects of completing the look of the room. In today’s market, wallpaper goes far beyond what hung in your grandmother’s living room. With these easy to follow steps from Strasser Woodenworks, your newly decorated walls will be done in no time, and will be the perfect complement to your new bathroom vanity!
Choosing the Right Wallpaper
There is a vast variety of wallpaper colors and styles to choose from. While bold prints are often the most popular style among homeowners everywhere, there are many other options to consider such as: woven grass, wood grain, metallic, cork, birch, moire and botanicals. Also, keep in mind, vinyl is great for areas with a lot of moisture such as the bathroom.
Choosing the Right Adhesive for Your Wallpaper
Wallpaper pastes and adhesives differ depending on which surface and the paper type you are working with. It’s also important to know the difference between paper and vinyl/. Check the label on your wallpaper for the right one.
Prepare for Mistakes
Order extra wallpaper for your project – this will make your life easier! Always order two to four more rolls of paper for waste and overages. Rounding your measurements will give you extra paper to work with. Mistakes will happen whether you’re a professional or not. Manufacturers may discontinue a certain style, or your wallpaper may be on backorder, so getting extra paper at the start of your project may save you headaches later.
Leveling is Critical
Surprisingly, your house won’t have been built as accurately as you may think. Your walls may slope slightly, altering what you think looks straight half way through hanging your wallpaper. Nothing to worry about – it’s just the way houses settle once they’ve been built and luckily for you, using a level can make ensure your wallpaper is perfect.
Smooth Out Your Walls
This step is the most important part of the process. Starting with a smooth wall surface can help prevent bubbles and blisters. Lightly sand your walls and then scrub them down with a wet sponge and light detergent.
Know Where All Your Paper Is Going
Speaking from experience, always plot out where your seams are going to be on the wall. If you don’t, you could end up with a mismatched pattern in the middle of your wall.
Don’t Re-Use Razors
Razors dull quickly, so it’s important to change them out often. This is critical to keeping your cuts clean and avoiding rips. Purchase a box of a hundred so you’ll have plenty of extras on hand.
Use a Wallpaper Sweep
Make sure you use a wallpaper sweep and not a brush. You can buy one for a few dollars at any home improvement store.
Don’t Panic If You See Bubbles
Even with the greatest care and preparation, bubbles and blisters can appear in your newly hung wallpaper. The good news is most bubbles and blisters are easy to fix, as long as they don’t result from poor wall prep or improper booking. If the paste hasn’t dried, spend a bit more time working it with a roller. If the wallcovering and adhesive have already dried, you must determine whether the blister has air under it by pushing gently with your finger. If so, cut a tiny slit with your utility knife and gently push the air out. Gently flatten out the paper with the wallpaper sweep.
If you’re in the market to update not only your walls but your bathroom vanities and cabinets, give Strasser Woodenworks a call today!
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