Replacing wallpaper in a home or building is a task that requires both patience and careful planning to achieve a professional and polished result. The process usually begins with a thorough evaluation of the existing walls to determine whether the old wallpaper can be removed easily or if additional steps will be required for stripping. Before starting, it's important to gather all necessary tools – such as a utility knife, scraper, sponge, bucket, adhesive remover, and possibly a steamer. Having all materials ready helps ensure the job progresses smoothly without interruption. Adequate preparation at this stage sets the tone for a successful wallpaper replacement project.
The next step is removing the 建設業 働き方改革 old wallpaper. This can often be the most time-consuming part of the process. Some wallpapers peel off easily, especially if they are newer or were installed with a peelable backing. In other cases, you may need to score the surface of the wallpaper with a scoring tool to allow water or wallpaper remover solution to penetrate the adhesive beneath. Spraying the walls with warm water or a mixture of water and vinegar can help loosen the glue. The wallpaper should then be carefully scraped away using a putty knife or scraper, taking care not to damage the wall underneath.
Once the old wallpaper has been removed, the walls need to be cleaned thoroughly to remove any remaining adhesive residue. This can be done using a sponge and warm soapy water or a commercial adhesive remover. Cleaning is crucial because any leftover glue can create bumps under the new wallpaper or prevent it from adhering properly. After cleaning, allow the walls to dry completely. Some people also take this opportunity to sand the walls lightly or apply a primer or sealer, which provides a smooth surface and helps the new wallpaper stick better.
Measuring and cutting the new wallpaper accurately is essential for achieving a professional finish. Start by measuring the height of the walls and adding a few extra inches to each strip to allow for trimming at the top and bottom. Lay out the wallpaper on a clean, flat surface and cut the strips according to your measurements. If the wallpaper has a repeating pattern, extra care must be taken to ensure that the pattern aligns across each strip. This step can be time-consuming but is important for creating a seamless and visually appealing result on the wall.
Before applying the wallpaper, it is important to apply the appropriate adhesive if the wallpaper is not pre-pasted. Some wallpapers come pre-coated with adhesive and simply need to be soaked in water to activate it, while others require a separate paste to be applied to either the wall or the back of the wallpaper. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. If applying paste to the wallpaper itself, make sure to spread it evenly using a brush or roller, making sure that all edges are covered. Fold the pasted wallpaper strip inwards (known as "booking") to allow the paste to activate and to prevent it from drying out before application.
Applying the wallpaper to the wall should be done with precision and patience. Start from a corner or a plumb line you marked earlier to keep the first strip perfectly vertical. Gently press the top of the wallpaper onto the wall, smoothing it down from top to bottom using a smoothing brush or a wallpaper squeegee to remove any air bubbles or wrinkles. Continue with the next strips, carefully matching the pattern and slightly overlapping or tightly butting the edges depending on the wallpaper type. It’s important to smooth each strip properly and wipe away any excess paste with a damp sponge.
Trimming the excess wallpaper at the top and bottom of each strip is the final step of the installation. Use a sharp utility knife or a pair of scissors along with a straight edge to cut cleanly along the ceiling and baseboard. Be sure to press firmly and use a fresh blade to avoid tearing the wallpaper. After trimming, check for any seams that may need extra paste and smooth them down. Allow the wallpaper to dry completely over the next 24 to 48 hours, ensuring the room is well-ventilated during this period. Avoid touching or adjusting the wallpaper while it's drying.
Once the wallpaper is fully installed and dry, you can begin cleaning up the workspace and replacing any furniture or fixtures that were moved. Inspect the finished walls to ensure everything is secure and there are no loose edges or bubbles. This is also the time to touch up any areas that might need a bit more adhesive or smoothing. Replacing wallpaper can dramatically transform the appearance of a room, giving it a fresh and updated look. The process may take some effort, but the final result is often worth the time and care invested.