Decorating your home with wallpaper is an exciting way to achieve a wide array of looks: from the charm of country to the drama of contemporary to the warmth of traditional.
We can help you through the entire wallcovering process with these easy-to-follow tips and How-To's.
Planning
Tips on wallpaper selection, the right project tools and calculating exactly how much wallpaper you'll need.
Preparing
A beautiful finish begins with proper preparation.
Hanging Techniques
These step-by-step tips take the mystery out of hanging wallpaper.
Planning
Achieving professional-looking results starts with the right wallpaper and tools. In addition to the useful guidelines you'll find here, your questions are always welcome at your neighborhood Sherwin-Williams store, where you'll find friendly people and expert decorating advice. We're here to help you every step of the way.
Preparing
If the surface was painted prior to 1977, check to determine whether the paint contains lead. Lead may be harmful. Do not remove or sand paint without contacting local health officials for information on lead paint testing and safety precautions.
- New walls: must be thoroughly cured, dry and primed.
- Previously painted walls: Fill cracks or holes with patching paste, then sand smooth. Spot-prime the patches and prime all walls to be papered with Sherwin-Williams PreWallcovering Primer.
- Walls with old wallpaper: Remove, patch, sand and clean. Be sure the old adhesive is gone and the walls are completely dry. Prime walls with Sherwin-Williams PreWallcovering Primer.
- Prepare the room: Paint ceiling, windows, doors and trim, if needed. Paint 1-inch onto walls to avoid any gaps between the paint and wallpaper.
WARNING! Removal of old paint by sanding, scraping or other means may generate dust or fumes that contain lead. Exposure to lead dust or fumes may cause brain damage or other adverse health effects, especially in children or pregnant women. Controlling exposure to lead or other hazardous substances requires the use of proper protective equipment, such as a properly fitted respirator (NIOSH approved) and proper containment and cleanup. For more information, call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (in U.S.) or contact your local health authority.
Hanging Techniques
In this section:
Choose an inconspicuous spot for your starting point. The edge of a door frame is a good choice. This is where the first and last strips of wallpaper in the room will meet and those strips won't match perfectly. That's why it's important to find an inconspicuous spot.From the starting point, measure the width of the wallpaper minus 1/2". Tack a chalked plumb line to the wall near the ceiling. When the weight stops moving, hold it tightly at the baseboard and snap the line so it leaves a chalk mark down the wall. Or, use a 4-foot level to make the line.
Snap a new plumb line before beginning each new wall.
Lay a drop cloth on the floor in the area you're working because hanging wallpaper involves a lot of water or paste.
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