Wallpaper Cutting and Hanging

Once you have prepared the room and walls for wallpaper hanging and gathered the tools and equipment it is time to get to work cutting and hanging wallpaper. Prepare the cutting table and mix the glue in accordance with the manufactures instructions. Do not rely on pre-glued wall paper to hold the paper to the wall without additional glue. For the best results and to provide working time before the paste dries out use a liberal amount of paste on all pieces.  Use caution when cutting paper with a razor knife. A slippage can cause major personal injury and damage to the wall or cutting table.

Measure the length of the wall from ceiling to the floor baseboard and cut the first piece of paper. Always cut the paper approximately two inches long. Final cuts will be made on the wall after the paper is in place.

1. The first cut is the key to a professional looking job with a straight, even, and matched wallpaper. To insure that, always start in a corner, preferably behind a door.  

2. Draw a straight line down the wall approximately four inches from the corner using a level as a straight edge. This will be the beginning and end point. Cut the first strip of paper and unroll it on the work table with the pattern side down. Brush a liberal amount of paste on the full length of paper.

3. Hang the first piece by starting at the top and aligning the edge along the straight vertical line you made on the wall. Use the wallpaper brush to smooth all wrinkles and bubbles. Use the edge roller along the side and top edges to insure that the paper is flat on the wall.

4. Unroll the next strip and match the pattern before cutting. Study the pattern carefully and match it exactly before cutting. There will be waste as a result of matching. Usually the pattern repeats every twelve inches so you can expect that much waste on every strip. Do not cut more than one strip at a time. Cut each strip and hang it before cutting the next strip. Butt the edge of each strip up against the edge of each adjoining strip. Do not force the two edges together too tightly, it will form a ridge. If they are not placed together tightly enough, you will leave a gap between the two edges. Use the palms of your hands when positioning the paper. Try not to pull on the edges. Once in place roll the edge roller.

5. If you are using pre-pasted paper and do not want to apply additional paste, run the paper through clear water in the trough. Plastic and metal dip troughs for pre-pasted paper are available at any home supply store. Position the drip trough nest to the wall and dip the paper in the water with the bottom of the strip in the water first. Remove the strip by the top and positioned it on the wall and position it in place.

• It may be necessary to trim the edge of the paper to ensure a proper fit. You can trim the paper with a razor knife and a straightedge.

• Use extreme care when carrying long strips of pasted wallpaper. Drape the folded paper over your arm like a coat. Do not open the paper until it is in position to hang on the wall.
• When the paper is in position to hang, unfold the top half of the pasted sheet. Align the match point starting at the top edge of the pasted paper. Cut away any overlap in the trimming process.
• Insure that all wrinkles and bubbles are removed by working the paper with the paper brush and roller.
• Apply the wallpaper right over light switch and wall plug openings and then cut with the razor knife and straightedge.
• Do not attempt to cut the paper to fit around doors or windows. Make a trim cut after the paper is in place.

6. Continue to apply each sheet of paper in this same manner. Use care to align the design in each succeeding sheet.

7. Use clean water to sponge all the paste off the wall, baseboards, and casings before it dries.        

8. Trim off the surplus paper at the bottom and top of each strip. Use a metal paint edger and a razor 

9. Be especially careful to get the paper into all the corners. Take care to not split the paper as you work it into the corners.

10. Be especially careful when trimming the paper along the edges around light switches, wall plugs and windows. Sometimes the weight of the paper causes it to tear at its narrowest point.

11. The last strip will overlap the first strip. Lay it in place and cut through both pieces at the overlap point with a razor knife. Carefully remove the cut under piece and overlap piece and push the splice point together.

12. Install all removed fixtures and clean up all traces of paste.

That is all there is to it. Stand back and admire your work.