DIY

How to Wallpaper

Scroll down this post past the bathroom remodel week 4 updates to see HOW TO WALLPAPER.

 

It is Bathroom Remodel Week 4, and I have to admit that I am exhausted. This week was filled with a lot of not-so-fun projects that had to be done, but it is also the week that the wallpaper went up and the vanity was installed. I created a video for those of you who have never tried it but want to know how to wallpaper!

But first, all the non-exciting things that had to happen this week:

The trim was put back up (luckily we salvaged the majority of the trim which saved a lot of time), and it was painted.  It was a creamy color, but it is now painted white to match our gorgeous newly installed Jeffrey Court tile.

After all the trim was installed and painted, it was caulked using the RYOBI Caulk Gun.  It saves a lot of time (and no more hand pain from the manual caulk guns).  However, there are a couple tips I want to share when using this gun.  Be sure to only use brand new caulk bottles when using this gun and note that some caulk brands have an inner foil that needs to be popped before using the gun (or you will have an explosion and caulk will be everywhere).

I shared in week one about my dad helping me add some electrical wires, and those were for my new vanity sconces. The pretty sconce pair was installed.

I have removed enough tile to know you want to select tile you will love for a LONG time. The demo process is very hard and very messy, so much consideration went into the tile selection. I selected:

I have major commitment issues when it comes to design, so I wanted to select a wall tile that I would love for a long time. I chose the classic subway tile, but I changed things up and had fun with the pattern.

The white octagon tile for the floor is such a classic look, and I was in love with it at first sight.  Now, I do love color, so I added color through wallpaper (and wallpaper is MUCH easier to change the tile)!

Want to know how to wallpaper?  Watch the full video tutorial here:

SUPPLIES NEEDED TO WALLPAPER:

  • Water tub/basin
  • Wallpaper brush
  • Rags
  • Ruler
  • Level
  • Scissors
  • Wallpaper

And although not pictured, I would recommend:

  • Razor blade/utility knife
  • Painter’s tape

How to Wallpaper Before you begin, make a plan.  I found the center of my room and wallpaper (the  bird pattern), and began there.

From the center piece, wallpapered on to the right and then to the left. Ceilings are not always level, so be sure to check how level (or not level) your wallpaper is.

I prefer to hang my paper with painter’s tape and cut rather than using a tape measure.

Create a strong fold line when you do cut the paper.

I always suggest using a pre-pasted wallpaper – it will save you time and your sanity.  Some pre-pasted wallpaper suggests misting, but I prefer to use a basin and wet the entire paper.

After you wet the wallpaper, be sure too book it (see video for more details) for a few minutes.

Don’t rush the job.  Slow and steady wins the race!

Now that the wallpaper was up, it was time to install the vanity. My husband stepped in to help with the plumbing work, and he installed the sink before we moved the vanity because it was much easier than trying to crawl in the vanity once the piece was installed against the wall.

Our plumbing in the bath comes out through the floor, so we had to cut a hole in our new vanity…

My oldest son helped out, and the three of us moved the vanity into the space.

The vanity and plumbing are installed and working, and now we are on to the toilet.  It is beginning to look like a bathroom again – only much prettier this time around!

Our fall break is coming up, so I am actually rushing to get the bathroom finished a week early. I am hoping there are bonus points for finishing early. On to week 5!

Follow along on my 6-week DIY bathroom remodel journey:

Go create something!

Are you new to my blog? Go HERE to see my home tour and HERE to shop for items I use in our home.

Find me on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Pinterest This post is sponsored by Jeffrey Court and RYOBI.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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DIY

Wallpaper Tutorial

See how I hung wallpaper for the first time with this wallpaper tutorial.

Toy Room Wallpaper

Art Cart and wallpaper

I have always loved wallpaper, but I have major commitment issues.  So, I’ve always found other ways to get the look without actually using wallpaper. Like using starched fabric as wallpaper:

Rolling Starch on Wall

However, I bought what I thought was temporary wallpaper (peel, stick, and easily removable) for my kid’s playroom.  However, I bought the wrong stuff.  It was actual wallpaper.  The kind you have to add the paste to.  I LOVED this wallpaper (“Funky Frames” from Graham & Brown).  So I decided to go for it…

Wallpaper with Frames

In preparation, I watched a wallpaper tutorial on YouTube that you can see by clicking HERE.  It looked so easy. I started rounding up my wallpaper supplies:

  • Wallpaper
  • Wallpaper paste (if you don’t have pre-pasted wallpaper)
  • Scissors
  • Razor (I ended up not using it – the scissors worked best.)
  • Level (I used this for the first strip to make sure it was hung level.)
  • Roller
  • Paintbrush (I ended up preferring the roller.)
  • Tape measure
  • Tag / Bucket with water
  • Table (That you don’t mind getting paste all over.)

Wallpaper Supplies

Measure the wall.  (Before buying your wallpaper, there are all kinds of wallpaper calculators you can find online.)

Measuring before wallpaper

When you’re actually ready to begin, measure the height of the wall.  I measure twice and added about 2-3 inches.  I didn’t want to take any risks. Then, measure your wallpaper.  Measure twice and cut once!

Measure Twice, Cut Once

Once I had my first-panel cut, I layer it out on a table.  I used a plastic portable table because you will get past everywhere.

Wallpaper Paste

I also found that I preferred the foam roller over the brush when adding the paste.

Using Wallpaper Paste*

My paste dried pretty quickly, so I had to work fast.  I added the first panel to the center of my wall.  I left about an inch and the top and had leftover at the bottom.  I used a level along the side of the panel to make sure I was hanging the wallpaper straight.  (Don’t trust your ceiling line.) The first panel was pretty tough for me.  I was almost ready to throw in the towel.  However, I kept at it.  The following panels were so much easier to hang.

Adding Wallpaper

Start at the top of your panel and move down.  I used a wet rag to rub down my panel.  You will have to work out a lot of air bubbles. How to wallpaper

To cut the excess, I just rang my scissors along the ceiling line or trim line.  Then, I pulled back the wallpaper a little and cut off the extra.

Wallpaper Trimming

Playroom Wall Before

Finished Wallpaper

 

Art Cart with Frame Wallpaper

 

 Graham & Brown Frame Wallpaper

Please let me know if you have any wallpaper secrets or tips you’d like to share.  I’d love to hear them!  

Go create something!

Are you new to my blog? Go HERE to see my home tour and HERE to shop for items I use in our home.

Find me on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Pinterest