Transform Your Space: The Professional’s Guide to a Flawless Wallpaper Installation

Transform Your Space: The Professional’s Guide to a Flawless Wallpaper Installation

Wallpaper is officially back, and it’s bolder than ever. Whether you’re eyeing a moody floral or a sophisticated grasscloth, a high-quality installation is what makes the difference between a "DIY project" and a high-end interior transformation.

At Foord Wallcoverings, we believe a stunning room doesn’t happen by chance. It happens by design. In our world, nothing is an accident.

 

 

1. The Blueprint: Architectural Symmetry

Before a single drop of paste touches the wall, we spend significant time mapping the room. Professional installation isn't just about sticking paper to a surface; it’s about balancing the pattern against the unique architecture of your home.

  • Identify the "Hero" Wall: We start by identifying the focal point—usually the wall behind the bedhead, the TV wall, or the wall you see the moment you enter the room.

  • Centering the Motif (Not the Roll): Centering a wall isn’t about putting the edge of a roll in the middle. It’s about ensuring the pattern motif is balanced. If you have a large-scale design, we ensure it sits perfectly central to your main wall, even if it means the rolls start at an unconventional point.

  • The "Kill Point": Eventually, the wallpaper wraps the room and meets back up. We strategically plan this "kill point" for an inconspicuous spot, like above a door frame, so any pattern break remains invisible.

2. The Golden Rule: Don’t Force It

One of the biggest mistakes in DIY is "overworking" the paper. Wallpaper can be surprisingly delicate when dampened by adhesive.

  • Slow and Gentle: Each drop must be applied gently. If a seam isn't lining up, never stretch the paper.

  • The Danger of Stretching: If you force the paper to meet, it can "snap back" as it dries. This leads to gaps between panels or warped patterns.

3. Keep the Face Flawless

A hallmark of a master hanger is a clean finish. Our goal is to never get adhesive on the face of the wallpaper at all.

  • No Surface Paste: Adhesive left on the surface can cause "flashing" (shiny patches) or permanent staining, especially on delicate papers, dark colours, or matt finishes.

  • Prevention Over Cure: We work with extreme precision to keep our hands and tools clean. If a tiny amount of paste does touch the surface, it must be removed immediately with a clean, damp (not soaking) natural sponge using a light dabbing motion—never scrub the paper.

4. Preparation is 90% of the Job

You cannot expect to hide a poor wall under good wallpaper. In fact, wallpaper can act like a magnifying glass for every lump and bump.

  • Smooth it Out: We sand down high spots and fill holes with a fine-surface filler until flush.

  • The "Secret Sauce" – Primer: We always recommend the use of a high-quality primer. This ensures the paper adheres perfectly but can still be removed years from now without stripping the paper face off the plasterboard.

5. Find Your "True North" (And Reset Often)

Never assume your walls or corners are perfectly straight—they almost never are.

  • The Plumb Line: Before hanging your first drop, use a spirit level, plumb line or a laser level to draw a perfectly vertical line. This ensures your pattern stays level across the entire room.

  • Every Wall is New: A common DIY trap is "carrying" the paper around a corner and assuming it’s still straight. Every new wall needs a new "North." Once you turn a corner, you must strike a fresh plumb line for the first drop on that new wall. If you don't, any slight lean in the corner will be magnified as you move across the room.

6. The Perfect Trim

  • A dull blade is a wallpaper hanger’s worst enemy. It will tear the wet paper rather than slicing it.

  • Pro Tip: We go through dozens of blades on a single room. We snap off or change the blade every few cuts to ensure a crisp, clean edge at the skirting boards, architraves and ceiling.

 

 

Ready to tackle your next DIY project and wallpaper installation adventure?

We love seeing homeowners take pride in their spaces, and with patience, many can achieve a fantastic result. However, it is important to remember that the paper itself is only half the story.

The other half is that wallpaper needs to be thoughtfully installed. After putting in all of the human energy to make a beautiful product, it would be a shame if it were not beautifully hung. This is why, for the best possible results, we always recommend that it be installed by a professional. These are the artisans that bring the product to life.

By choosing Foord Wallcoverings, you are investing in:

  • Precision Engineering: Navigating tricky alcoves and light switches with surgical precision.

  • Specialist Knowledge: Understanding exactly how different materials behave.

  • Peace of Mind: Professional-grade lasers and years of experience to ensure your investment looks like a work of art.

Don't leave your interior to chance. If you are within our service area, we would love to help you bring your vision to life. If you’re further afield, we hope this guide helps you master your next project!

 

 

Ready to give your walls the upgrade they deserve? At Foord Wallcoverings, we offer expert supply and installation services tailored to your specific space.

 

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