Cleaning your wallpaper borders can be an overlooked but necessary task when you add your border to your room. But if you follow these simple steps, you can eliminate the problems that might come up. Any time you want to wallpaper your house, you are changing the look of it. You want it to be a fresh new look that you can be proud of and that your friends and neighbors will love.

Step One: Placement Issues

By Shawna L. Krautheim

The task of stripping wallpaper is a sure way to bring a groan to the lips of anyone who has ever struggled with the cantankerous décor. It's messy, painstakingly slow, and tedious work, and few can say that they enjoy stripping wallpaper from the walls of any room. Unfortunately, there are times when it is a necessity, and one has no choice but to tackle this task head on. Before you despair, however, try these easy steps for removing wallpaper - they're bound to say you time and money, as well as helping alleviate some of the stress.

Due to the unique variety of wallpaper, refer to the manufacturer's guidelines or contact the manufacturer for the particular paper you are using.

Basic Guidelines:

Stains should be removed as soon as possible to eliminate any possible reaction between the stain and the wallpaper. If soil remains on the wallpaper too long, permanent discoloration may result.

Maintaining the life of contract wallcoverings is easy if maintenance personnel keep these points in mind.

Twenty-five years ago, most wallpapers were "washable," meaning that the ink would not run if you wet it lightly. Then came vinyl coated, vinyl acrylic, solid sheet vinyl, laminated vinyl, etc. Most wallcoverings are labeled "non-washable," "washable" or "scrubbable." If your paper wasn't labeled, but you have a small piece, take it to a wallpaper dealer and ask them what they would recommend.

Deteriorating Wallpaper

This can be one of the worst prepping problems. Usually you will not want to paint or paper over old wallpaper but will want to remove it instead. Often a home has several layers of old wallpaper that must be removed before painting or papering. If you do not plan to remove it, repair problem areas by re-gluing and working out any bubbles until it has a good smooth surface. If the areas are too bad, you will need to scrape away some of the paper and fill the area with compound and sand flush.

Before hanging wallpaper, take the time to prep the wall with a vinyl-acrylic sizing. (It's applied like paint but dries quickly and somewhat tacky.) It assures adhesion and can allow for easier removal of the paper years later. Also, there are a few additional steps that we recommend for a professional-looking job. It is important that the walls be very clean and free of any dust or debris.

What You Will Need

Time. Wall-papering will average 10 to 20 minutes per sheet, longer if encountering trim.

Tools for Wallpapering.
Wallpapering takes some very specialized but simple tools. As always, never skimp on quality. You will only regret it later. Most stores sell wallpaper application kits which include a full set of tools that will cover most of your needs. See the linked checklist for other tools you will need.

Tools for Prepping Walls
 

• Safety glasses or goggles
• Respirator or face mask
• Ear protectors
• Rubber gloves
• Pry bar
• Paint scraper
• Wallpaper steamer (rent if needed)
• Can opener or widening tool
• Fan
• Hand sanding block
• Orbital sander
• Screwdriver
• Putty knife
• Sponge
• Old clothes

Materials for Prepping Walls

This section has been designed to assist you in doing your own wallpapering. These are rather simple projects, and by following the advice presented here you will find it to be enjoyable and effective as well. You'll learn how to prepare a wall, estimate materials, and use your tools correctly. Pay particular attention to the section on wall preparation and repair. It will guide you through this most neglected step for a final result that is more attractive and longer lasting.