Hanging silk wallpaper can be a tough gig,
especially when it comes to matching patterns. Wide format wallpaper can become quite heavy when they are wet with
glue, so two sets of hands to hang the wallpaper definitely helps. The guide below will take you through the steps to hanging
silk wallpaper like a pro.
You will need:
- Wallpaper adhesive – prepare as directed
- Measuring tape
- Box cutter/Stanley knife
- Large steel ruler or spirit level
- Paint brush x 2 or paint roller
- Soft cloth
Step 1. Preparation
Preparation is key when it comes to hanging silk wallpaper.
Your wall must be clean, smooth and dry. So
sweep away those old cobwebs and get rid of dust, dirt and grime. We find that
washing your walls with sugar soap and a one of those big fat orange or yellow
sponges you use to wash your car is a great way to clean them.
Sand away any irregularities. Always remove
old wall coverings before applying new wallpaper. Highly absorbent surfaces
should be treated with a pre-glueing process.
You can prep your wall with a product such
as Dulux Stain Lock which will make it easier to remove the wallpaper in the
future and will protect your wallpaper from dampness through the wall.
Step 2. Prepare the wallpaper paste
Most wallpaper adhesive mixes require some
time to set before applying them to the wallpaper, so prepare the mixture first
to save yourself some time.
Follow the instructions on your packet of
paste.
Paste is applied to the back of the
wallpaper, rather than on the wall. Our wallpaper is not pre-pasted.
Step 3. Measure and cut the silk wallpaper
This is the most difficult step if you have
a pattern that repeats and needs to be matched. Always make sure you start with
enough wallpaper to allow for an occasional mistake (and don’t worry – at three
times the size of traditional wallpaper, our rolls are more than enough to do a
standard feature wall and will probably allow you to make a mistake… or two!).
Measure the height of your wall. Allow an
extra 5cm (2 inches) for trimming top and bottom. We find it easier to hang the
wallpaper when you don’t have to put it flush with your cornice.
Roll out the wallpaper and note where you
have to cut it. Carefully cut the paper using a box cutter or Stanley knife
against a steel ruler or large spirit leveller. Roll out more wallpaper and
match the pattern. Cut the wallpaper and discard the unmatched portion.
Continue measuring, matching and cutting
the wallpaper until you have all the pieces to complete your feature wall.
Mark points vertically along your wall so
that as you are hanging the wallpaper, you can check to make sure it’s in a
straight line.
Step 4. Apply the paste to the wallpaper
Use a paint brush or roller to liberally
apply the paste to the back of the silk wallpaper, from top to bottom. After you
have applied the paste, fold the wallpaper in on itself in half and in half
again with the pattern on the outside and set it aside for 30 minutes to allow
the paste to absorb into the silk wallpaper. You can also place the folded wallpaper
in a garbage bag. This helps the paste to absorb into the paper.
Continue with each strip of wallpaper. Keep
folding the wallpaper in on itself until it is a size that will comfortably fit
in a plastic bag or garbage bag. Remove the air from the plastic bag and seal
it to help prevent the wallpaper from drying out as it will be some time before
you’re ready to hang the final strip.
Step 5. Hang the wallpaper
Start at the top. Don’t forget your extra
5cm (2 inch) trim at the top! Use your hands and soft sponge to smooth the
wallpaper against the wall. Then use a plastic lathe to lightly smooth the
wallpaper and remove the air and excess paste. Use the marks on the wall to
make sure you’re hanging the wallpaper in a straight line.
Use a soft cloth to remove any excess paste
from the edges.
It is important to smooth the surface of
the silk wallpaper while it is still damp from the paste to ensure all air bubbles
are removed. Keep removing the excess glue, too and keep an eye on any air
bubbles that may arise as the paste dries.
When you have hung each strip, cut off the
excess trim at the top and bottom.
After you’ve cleaned up, it’s time to step
back and admire your handy work!
