Add a feature wall
Whether you add a single panel, an entire wall, or cover the back of a bookcase, paintable wallpaper gives you an easy way to create a stunning feature wall.
25/10/2017
It's paint month at Builders, and you will find a huge selection of affordable ways to give your home a new look. In this article we look at using paintable wallpaper to create an eye-catching feature wall.
YOU WILL NEED:
Paintable wallpaper in your choice of design
Wallpaper paste
Mutton cloth
Paint in your choice of colour, sheen or gloss
TOOLS:
Long table or work surface
Paint roller or blocking brush
Stiff paintbrush
Craft or utility knife
Bucket and paint stirrer
Squeegee
Stepladder
Tape measure and pencil
Buy everything you need for this project at Builders Warehouse.
HERE'S HOW:
Preparation
Roll out the paintable wallpaper on a flat surface to minimise the coil spring-back. Check for rips or tears beforehand, as you won't be able to fix this once you hang.
GOOD TO KNOW: A clear marking can be made with a pencil to ensure the paper will be cut accurately for precision – only ever cut the paper once you are one hundred percent certain it will be a perfect fit.
Inspect the wall and check for cracks and imperfections, remove all screws or nails and fill the holes with interior crackfiller. Sand smooth and wipe clean.
GOOD TO KNOW: Use 120-grit sandpaper to remove imperfections.
Mix wallpaper paste
Always follow the instructions on the pack. You want your paste to be thick but not too stodgy and free from lumps. Let the mixture sit for the time specified in the instructions.
GOOD TO KNOW: Cold glue can be added to wallpaper paste for added tack. This is recommended for heavier, textured wallpaper. If you’re covering melamine cupboard doors, or lining the back of a bookcase, use only cold glue to fix the paper to the surface.
How to hang wallpaper
Use a tape measure to measure from floor to ceiling, adding 10cm extra. Cut the wallpaper according to that length. The extra length is carefully cut away after being applied to the wall.
GOOD TO KNOW: When trimming off the excess, only use a sharp knife and carefully cut to avoid ripping the wallpaper.
Apply wallpaper paste to the back of the paper using a roller or blocking brush. Spread the paste liberally, making sure that the edges are well covered.
Carefully lift the wallpaper and - starting at the top - affix to the wall. Air pockets might appear between the wallpaper and the wall. When this occurs, Use a squeegee or soft cloth to wipe the air bubbles from the middle outwards.
GOOD TO KNOW: Check that any pattern on the paper is the right side up. Before cutting a new section bring the roll up to each installed panel and match the pattern every time you apply a panel. This means the patterns must line up and there will be a little bit of overflow at the top for each new panel which can be cut away after it has been hung.
Painting the wallpaper
Let the wallpaper dry for at least 24 hours before painting. When painting textured or paintable wallpaper, use a paint roller indicated for use on semi-smooth to rough surfaces.
