Prepasted wallpaper rolls are a significant improvement for anyone looking to update their walls without the fuss of traditional paste application. These rolls come with a dry adhesive pre-applied to the back, activated simply by soaking the paper in water. This makes the installation process significantly cleaner and more manageable, especially for beginners.
Understanding how prepasted wallpaper works
The adhesive on prepasted wallpaper is a dry, water-activated glue. When you immerse the wallpaper strip in water, the adhesive rehydrates and becomes sticky, ready to adhere to your prepared wall surface. The key is to find the right soaking time – too short and it won’t stick, too long and the paper can become oversaturated and tear easily. Most manufacturers provide specific instructions, but a common method involves a water tray and a soaking time of 30-60 seconds. After soaking, you usually book the paper – folding the pasted sides inward – for a minute or two to allow the adhesive to fully activate before hanging.
Preparing your walls for prepasted wallpaper
Proper wall preparation is crucial for any wallpaper installation, and prepasted rolls are no exception. Start by cleaning your walls thoroughly. Remove any dirt, grease, or old adhesive residue. If your walls are glossy, you’ll need to lightly sand them to create a surface the wallpaper can grip. For best results, apply a wallpaper primer or size. This seals the wall, prevents the wallpaper from sticking too permanently (making future removal easier), and provides a uniform surface for the adhesive. Ensure the primer is completely dry before you begin hanging the wallpaper. Also, turn off the power to any outlets or switches in the area you’ll be wallpapering and remove the cover plates.
Tools and materials you’ll need
Gathering the right tools before you start will save you time and frustration. For prepasted wallpaper, you’ll typically need:
- A water tray or large tub for soaking the wallpaper.
- A smoothing tool (like a plastic smoother or a wallpaper brush) to press out air bubbles and ensure adhesion.
- A sharp utility knife or razor blade for trimming excess paper.
- A straight edge or measuring tape for accurate cuts.
- A level or plumb bob to ensure your first strip is perfectly vertical.
- A soft cloth or sponge for wiping away excess paste.
- A stepladder for reaching higher areas.
- Optional: Painter’s tape to secure edges or protect trim.
Having a helper can also make the process much smoother, especially when handling long strips of wallpaper.
How to hang prepasted wallpaper
Hanging prepasted wallpaper involves a few key steps:
Measuring and cutting strips
Measure the height of your wall from the ceiling to the baseboard. Add at least 2-3 inches to each end for trimming. Unroll your wallpaper and cut strips to this measured length. It’s best to cut several strips at once if you’re working with a repetitive pattern, ensuring you match the pattern repeat correctly as you cut. You can find the pattern repeat information on the wallpaper roll’s label.
Soaking the wallpaper
Fill your water tray with clean, lukewarm water. Submerge one strip of wallpaper completely, ensuring it is fully saturated. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended soaking time, typically between 30 and 60 seconds. Gently lift the strip out of the water, letting excess water drip off.
Booking the wallpaper
Carefully fold the pasted sides of the wallpaper inward, creating a smooth, folded strip. This is called booking. Let it rest for the time recommended by the manufacturer, usually 1-2 minutes. This allows the adhesive to fully activate and the paper to relax, making it more stable and less likely to tear.
Applying the wallpaper to the wall
Start in a corner or at a point where you’ve hung your plumb line. Unfold one side of the booked wallpaper, then the other, and position it on the wall. Leave about an inch of overlap at the ceiling and the baseboard. Use your smoothing tool to press the wallpaper onto the wall, working from the center outwards to push out any air bubbles. Ensure the edges are firmly pressed down.
Trimming excess wallpaper
Once the strip is in place and smoothed, use your sharp utility knife and straight edge to trim the excess paper at the ceiling and baseboard. Make clean, confident cuts. For outlets and switches, carefully cut an ‘X’ in the paper over the opening, then trim outwards to the edges of the opening.
Hanging subsequent strips
For the next strip, butt the edge of the new strip up against the edge of the previous one. Avoid overlapping strips unless specifically instructed to do so by the manufacturer, as this can create a visible seam. Continue this process, carefully matching the pattern repeat for each new strip.
Dealing with common issues
Even with prepasted wallpaper, issues can arise. Here’s how to tackle them:
Air bubbles
Small air bubbles can often be smoothed out with your smoothing tool. For stubborn bubbles, you can try gently lifting the edge of the wallpaper and re-smoothing. If the bubble persists and is unsightly, you might need to prick it with a fine needle and then press it flat.
Seams
If seams start to lift, it could be due to insufficient paste activation or inadequate smoothing. You might need to re-wet the area lightly with a sponge and re-press, or apply a small amount of wallpaper seam adhesive. For patterns that don’t align perfectly, try to adjust the second strip slightly before the adhesive fully sets. If you’re struggling with pattern matching, consider wallpaper from brands known for intricate designs like Rifle Paper Co., but be extra diligent with your measurements and cuts.
Moisture and prepasted wallpaper
While prepasted wallpaper is convenient, its reliance on water means it’s not ideal for consistently damp environments like a shower enclosure. For areas with high humidity or potential direct water contact, explore options designed specifically for such conditions, such as specialized prepasted wallpaper for bathrooms that offer enhanced durability and moisture resistance, or consider other materials entirely.
Removal of prepasted wallpaper
One of the significant advantages of prepasted wallpaper is its relatively easy removal. Most prepasted wallpapers are strippable, meaning they can be peeled off in large sections. Start by finding a corner or loose edge, usually at the baseboard or ceiling. Gently pull the wallpaper downward at an angle. If it resists, or if you encounter paper tearing, you might need to use a wallpaper remover solution or a steamer, especially if the original adhesive was particularly strong or if it’s been up for a long time. Pre-treating the wallpaper with a scoring tool can help the remover penetrate.
Choosing the right prepasted wallpaper
When selecting prepasted wallpaper rolls, consider the following:
Material
Prepasted wallpapers are available in various materials, most commonly paper or vinyl. Paper options are generally more affordable but less durable and susceptible to moisture. Vinyl wallpapers offer greater durability, are easier to clean, and often have a more luxurious finish, making them suitable for high-traffic areas. For unique aesthetics, you might even find options that mimic the look of antique wallpaper rolls.
Pattern and design
The design is paramount to the overall look of your room. Whether you prefer bold geometric prints, subtle textures, or floral motifs like those found in wallpaper featuring beautiful flowers, there’s a prepasted option for every style. Consider the scale of the pattern relative to your room size and the existing decor. A large, busy pattern can make a small room feel smaller, while a subtle texture can add depth without overwhelming the space.
Durability and maintenance
Think about where you’re installing the wallpaper. For kitchens, hallways, or children’s rooms, choose a more durable and washable option, often vinyl. For bedrooms or formal living rooms, a paper-based option might suffice. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications for cleaning instructions and durability ratings.
When to call a professional
While prepasted wallpaper is designed for DIY enthusiasts, there are times when professional help is advisable. If you have complex architectural features like vaulted ceilings, intricate moldings, or numerous windows and doors, a professional can ensure a seamless finish. Also, if you’re attempting to wallpaper a very large space or if you have a pattern that is particularly difficult to match, hiring an expert can prevent costly mistakes. For those unsure about how many rolls to purchase, utilizing a calculator to determine the exact quantity of rolls needed is a good first step, but a professional installer can confirm these calculations and ensure you have enough for the job without significant waste.
