Wallpapering should be easy, but there are always a few hurdles and problems that arise, so here's our handy solution guide.
© Andreas Hoernisch
Wallpaper and plug photograph © Andreas Hoernisch
Wallpaper can be a statement and easy update addition to your home, but installing it can sometimes come with its challenges. Whether it's light sockets or uneven surfaces, we've got a solution for you, so check out this step-by-step guide.
Start by pasting and hanging your wallpaper in the usual way as far as the window frame. Then, push the paper around the windowsill with the paper-hanging brush to highlight the shape of the frame.
Make a diagonal cut down to the corner where the wall and windowsill meet. Use sharp scissors to do this and aim to make small cuts so that you’re not cutting away too much in one go.
Use the paper-hanging brush to smooth the paper around the corner of the window reveal. Next, make a vertical cut to the top of the reveal, leaving an extra 30mm overlapping the window edge to allow for turnaround.
Next, make diagonal cuts in towards the next part of the moulding and continue snipping around the corner of the sill. It might make it easier to first press with your fingers to mould the outline in the paper.
Then pull the paper away and cut along the outline you’ve just made using a small pair of scissors.
Press the paper into the angle between the wall and the windowsill with the rounded back of the scissors to mark a cutting line and trim off any excess paper.
To finish, smooth the paper with the brush, using the bristles to press the paper around the corner.
Measure the width of the window reveal and cut a new strip of wallpaper 30mm wider and 60mm longer than the reveal, taking care to match the pattern. You can get a perfect straight line along the external corner by cutting the paper with a metal straightedge and knife.
Paste and hang the paper in the normal way, neatly trimming the excess and wiping away any paste from the woodwork before it has a chance to dry.
First make sure the electricity is switched off, then hang the wallpaper from the top of the wall straight over the switch or socket. Brush gently over the fitting with a dry paperhanging brush to make a slight impression on the paper, being careful not to tear it.
Holding the paper over the fitting, make a pencil mark from each corner into the centre of the faceplate. Pierce a hole in the paper at the centre point with a small pair of scissors. Cut the paper along the pencil lines to the corners and pull back the flaps.
Trim the flaps to just inside the outer edge of the switch or socket, so there’s an overlap of about 6mm covering the fitting.
Next, carefully unscrew the faceplate a little and pull it about 6mm away from the wall.
Carefully ease the faceplate through the hole in the paper. Use the brush to push the trimmed edges behind the faceplate and smooth away any air bubbles.
Put the faceplate back in position and screw back into the wall.
Let the paste dry before turning on the power.
Be extra careful when lifting the paper away from the wall to cut it as the paste will make it much softer and more prone to tearing.
Step-by-step instructions from B&Q