Overview: Learn the different ways to install wallpaper to help determine which one is best for your space’s makeover
Installing wallpaper is a great alternative to painting a space because of how versatile, affordable, and less exhausting it is. As one of the only one print shops in Southern California that does everything for the customer — from samples to installation — we appreciate a good wallpaper when we see one because we know the work that goes into it.
One of our personal favorite types of wallpaper is customized mural wallpapers. Of course, there’s more than one way to install wallpaper; we happen to specialize in murals for commercial establishments such as campuses, hotels, and restaurants. But if custom mural designs aren’t your thing, that’s fine.
Let’s consider some popular wallpaper styles and installation techniques (you might be surprised at how many options exist).
5 TYPES OF WALLPAPER & THEIR APPLICATION
1. Paper Wallpaper:
Traditional wallpaper is difficult to maintain and remove, but it also lasts relatively longer compared to more modern approaches. This is one of the main reasons we love this wallpaper technique; if you have a professional handle the installation process, you’ll have a wallpaper that lasts years and years to come.
Preparation requires several steps, including scraping the walls with a drywall knife or sanding them with 50-grit sandpaper to remove smaller imperfections before priming.
INSTALLATION:
Apply paste with a paint roller by using a high-quality 1/2-in.-nap paint roller cover to apply paste. Avoid using the cheap paint rollers — they’ll get fuzzy and will leave fuzz balls behind.
Book the paper before hanging. This is the process of folding the paper in on itself to allow time for the paste to activate and the paper to soften. If you’re booking as a beginner, set the paper in a plastic bag to give you more time to work with them.
You can head over to the Family Handyman website for a detailed process of how to install traditional wallpaper or reach out to us for services.
Some things to keep in mind when it comes to our installation process:
We will print samples for each project so you’re guaranteed that the colors and overall aesthetic are right on the money! A sample is highly recommended before placing your order — as there are no returns on custom projects.
We’ll install your wallpaper in you’re located within a 50-mile radius of our Redlands site. Please contact us if you’re located outside the radius for more information.
Locals receive perks of free delivery. For projects outside the 10-mile radius, contact us for more information to get a more precise estimate of additional charges.
For precise measurements, we can complete a site survey of your wallpapering surface to ensure you’re getting the exact amount of wallpaper needed.
2. Non-Woven Wallpaper:
This requires a special paste mixed of powder and cold water. For installation, the paste is applied directly to the wall (unlike paper-based wallpapers that we discussed in the previous point where the past is spread to the back of the lengths of wallpaper).
INSTALLATION:
The paste then needs to rest for a little while so it can develop its maximum adhesive strength. Its consistency will change from a liquid to a gel.
Start putting the paste on the wall for the first length of wallpaper. To avoid splashing, use a short pile roller to apply the paste or a pasting brush.
Paste the walls and/or ceiling generously and evenly.
Carefully drape the folded strip of wallpaper over your arm and climb up the ladder then gently stick the length to the wall and roll the folded half down towards the bottom.
Now use a clean, dry wallpaper brush to smooth out the wallpaper from the middle towards the sides.
For step-by-step instructions for making the perfect paste, head over to Wallpaper from the 70s.
3. Vinyl Wallpaper:
Vinyl wallpaper is composed of printed paper coated with layered vinyl. It’s a popular type of wallpaper for use in kitchens and bathrooms, as it can withstand steam, water, and moisture environments. It can also be washed, making for easy maintenance.
Vinyl is a very large section and can be categorized into three sub-sections:
Solid which is referred to as the vinyl of all vinyls due to it being highly washable, scrubbable, and scratch resistant.
Vinyl coated wallpaper contains less vinyl than solid vinyl wallpaper. It does have vinyl but like the name implies, it’s coated onto the paper.
Fabric backed is the strongest of all types of wallpaper, combining the strength of vinyl and heavy-duty fabric together. Whenever you see the word “fabric backed” or “fabric-backed vinyl” think of industrial grade material that is used in hotels, office buildings, large event corridors, or airports.
>> READ MORE: What Are The Different Types Of Wallpaper?
4. Pre-pasted Wallpaper:
The paste is applied to the back of the wallpaper (on top of the backing layer) and dries before the wallpaper is added to the roll, so you don’t need any additional glue to install.
Installation: This involves moisture. You need to apply water along the full strip to ensure that the paper holds to the wall.
Wallpaper Boulevard compares the concept of the paste to a familiar item that comes pre-pasted – stamps. “While it is a very different kind of paste (the paste on stamps requires very little extra water), it is the same concept,” they say on an article posted on their website.
5. Peel and Stick Wallpaper:
Unlike traditional pre-pasted papers that need moisture for application, peel-and-stick wallpapers are just as their name reflects. You peel the backing from the wallpaper then stick the wallpaper to the wall. There’s no water, no messy paste, and when you’re ready to remove, simply pull each strip away from the wall leaving the wall’s surface intact.
IN SUMMARY:
With so many different types of wallpaper styles and installation techniques available, it could be hard to choose. We understand designing your space could be overwhelming, but it doesn’t need to be!
Even if your space is a large school campus or a small restaurant, we can help! We can custom design the wallpaper, print samples and print the physical product, and then install it. Our customized mural wallpaper services are guaranteed to give any commercial establishment a fresh look that fits your aesthetic.
Check our portfolio of designs for ideas then contact us one of our dedicated Product Consultants and start transforming your space.
