Tools you will need

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How much wallcovering do I need?

Measure the height of the room. Measure the distance around the room. Measure over any openings or cut-outs, such as windows, doors, fireplaces, etc. Count the number of openings or cut-outs which will not be covered. Use the chart below to determine the number of bolts or double rolls that you need. You may deduct one double roll for every five openings not wallpapered.

This chart shows how many bolts or double rolls to purchase when the bolt is 20.5" wide, and 33' long. Ask your retailer for assistance with specific questions, or for different sized rolls.

Coverage Chart - Metric Double Rolls

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Before getting started

Open and inspect each bolt for printing and shading defects. Make sure that all rolls are from the same run number or dye lot. Read the instructions packaged in each roll for specific hanging information. If you are working with border and/or fabric in addition to wallcovering, you should receive and inspect all items before beginning your project.

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Wall preparation

New Drywall - Apply primer/sealer with a brush or roller. This provides a smooth even surface for the wallcovering to adhere to. Also, it will be easier to remove the wallcovering at a later date. Note that fresh plaster must be allowed to cure for 90 days before priming.

Previously Painted Walls - Fill cracks or holes with spackling compound. When dry, sand any rough spots until smooth. Lightly sand enameled surfaces. Be sure to clean walls with a bleach or ammonia and water solution. Then, apply a primer/sealer to the entire wall surface or over the spackled areas at a minimum. This will make the removal of the wallpaper at a later date much easier.

Previously Papered Walls - Remove old wallcoverings and sand smooth. Clean walls with a bleach or ammonia and water solution. Apply a primer/sealer to the wall surface. All walls should be sized to maximize the slip. This allows for easier positioning of wallcoverings as it is being hung, and makes it easier to remove at a later date.

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Types of match

Random Match - Patterns that do not have specific match points, such as textures. These papers often look better if the strips are reversed, alternating the top and bottom of successive strips.

Drop Match - The pattern runs diagonally across the wall so that every other strip is the same along the ceiling line. The design may form a diamond grid effect. Also known as offset match.

Straight Across Match - Forms an overall design motif. The same elements of the design in each strip are an equal distance from the ceiling line.

Free Match - Matches between the design elements which should align in a diamond configuration, not side by side. The design elements may be separated by the trim going between strips. Design motifs must, however, be aligned to maintain consistence of form.

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Getting started

Hanging the first strip straight is one of the most important things you can do to ensure a visually pleasing installation. Use a plumb line to make sure your first strip and those that follow are straight. Choose an inconspicuous corner, preferably close to a window or door. Measure from the corner to a point 1/2" narrower than the width of the wallcovering. Then, drop a plumb line from that spot. When the line stops moving, hold it tightly at the baseboard with one hand and snap it with the other. The colored chalk line on the wall is now your starting point. For accuracy, snap a new line on each wall. This placement line will be where your first two strips of wallcovering meet. Note that some installers choose to draw this line on the wall using a level.

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Cutting lengths

Carefully measure the height of the wall, and add an extra 2" top and bottom for final trimming. Cut your first strip. When using a set design motif, cut the first length of wallcovering so that after final trimming, the entire motif will be placed at the top of the wall.

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Pattern matching

Before cutting more strips remember to allow for the proper pattern match. Match dry strip to dry strip or wet to wet. Save remnants, they are often useful for small areas such as above windows and doors.

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Pasting unpasted wallcoverings

Use the type of paste recommended in the instructions that came with the wallcovering. If no information is given, ask your retailer's advice. Brush or roll the back of the wallcovering with paste. Apply plenty to the edges. Fold the strip (or "book") pasted side to pasted side, that is bring in both edges toward the middle. Be careful not to crease the paper. Strips should be booked to allow for sufficient absorption of moisture and for the wallcovering to become supple. Approximate time is 3-5 minutes. Once again, see individual instructions for exact booking time.

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Pre-pasted wallcoverings

Fill water tray with luke-warm water and roll the strip pattern side in. Immerse in water tray for the time recommended in the instructions supplied in each roll. Then take the top end of the roll and pull sheet out of water allowing it to unroll as it is drawn from the tray. Book the strips as described in the previous paragraph. Change the water after every six strips.

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