Buying Guide

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What are the advantages to using wallpaper over paint?
There are many advantages to using wallpaper over paint to decorate your space. For instance, wallpaper can cover up imperfect or damaged walls as well as add texture and dimension in way paint simply cannot do. Wallpaper also offers a wide range of colors and complex patterns that would be difficult to create with a paintbrush.

How do I know what type of wallpaper is right for my project?
Choosing the right wallpaper for your space is an important consideration. Not only do you want to think about patterns and colors, but you should also consider the installation process, durability, and cleaning procedures. For instance, grasscloth and string cloth are made of natural and synthetic fibers and provide great texture to a room. However, steam and moisture can easily damage them so they are recommended for low-traffic, dry rooms. Other more durable papers are good for high-traffic areas. Solid vinyl wallpaper is very durable and can be easily cleaned. Vinyl coated paper is treated to repel water and soil and is appropriate for most rooms.

What type of wall paper works best for kitchens and bathrooms?
When working on a project for a kitchen or bathroom, you want to use a wallpaper that is moisture resistant and unaffected by exposure to humidity. Vinyl coated or solid vinyl wallpapers are more durable and able to be washed which is ideal for projects in bathrooms and kitchens.

Can I use wallpaper on any wall?
You can wallpaper over just about any surface such as drywall, concrete, paneling, masonry, new and old plaster, and even tile or laminate. For uneven, newly repaired, or slick surfaces, you will need to apply lining paper which provides a smooth surface for the wallpaper to adhere without blemishes. The key to a successful project is correctly preparing the walls and choosing the right kind of wallpaper.

What is the difference between Paste-the-Wall wallpaper, Paste-the-Paper, and Pre-Pasted wallpaper?
The difference between these three types of wallpaper is the method of applying or activating the paste before hanging the paper. When using Paste-the-Wall wallpaper, the paste is applied directly to the wall before hanging each strip. This wallpaper is made with a special backing that does not expand when wet; therefore, it does not need to soak as in other application methods. When using the Paste-the-Paper method, the paste is applied to the back of the wallpaperbefore hanging. This method requires a process called “booking” which is a way to activate thepaste while letting the paper rest before hanging the strip. Pre-pasted paper already has adhesive on the backside of the paper which is activated by dipping the wallpaper into a trayof water. The paper also requires the “booking” process after the paper has been soaked inwater.

What else can I wallpaper besides my walls?
Wallpaper can cover more than just your walls. It is an easy way to add design and dimension to many places in your home. Use a bold patterned wallpaper inside your bookshelves to make your books and display pieces stand out. Add texture and pattern to your room by wallpapering your ceiling. You can also paper smaller pieces such as dressers, coffee tables, and nightstands. Design blogs and DIY tutorials are great places for unique wallpaper ideas and inspiration.

How do I know how much wallpaper I need?
Generally, in order to calculate how much wallpaper you need, use the following steps: First, calculate the wall area by multiplying the height of the wall by the width. Second, calculate the area of the wall you will not be papering (i.e. windows and doors) by multiplying the height by the width of each area you will not paper. Third, subtract the unpapered area from the area of the wall. This will give you the wallpapering area. Fourth, divide the wallpapering area by the square footage of the wallpaper you would like to purchase. This will give you the total number of rolls needed to complete your project. However, you will need to consider extra paper for the pattern repeat and extra trimming (would be easier to reach out to a professional hanger, I'd be happy to help though)

Do I need to order extra wallpaper for a pattern repeat?
Yes, you will need to consider the usable yield (the amount of each roll that is usable). The usable yield will depend on the length of your repeating pattern. The longer the pattern, the less usable yield. You will need to order additional roles of wallpaper to match your design’s horizontal sequence.

What type of paste should I use?Most commercially available pastes will work for the majority of wallpaper projects. However, some heavy grade wallpapers might require a stronger adhesive.

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