Commercial Wallpaper Techniques

Commercial Wallpaper

• You can purchase commercial wallpaper in two basic types and several different patterns and colors. The first type is manufactured with the wall paste already applied to the back--just wet and apply--and the second type is manufactured without any paste applied. The second type will require that you apply the paste yourself. One main characteristic of commercial wall paper is that it is a bit thicker than residential wallpaper. Another difference--although not important--is that some commercial wallpapers may be wider that residential.

Tools

• To complete the commercial wallpaper installation, you will need several tools. You will need a water tub the width of the wallpaper so you can dip the pre-pasted wallpaper into water. This won't be necessary for wallpaper that is not pre-pasted. You will need a sharp razor knife, a straight edge for holding and pressing edges, a seam roller for flattening seams between the paper, a squeegee for rubbing out air bubbles, a work surface large enough for laying out the wallpaper, a tape measure and a pair of scissors. You can use a foldable table or saw horses and plywood for the work surface. Make sure that the plywood is clean and without splinters.

Application

• Applying the wall paper should be done in several steps. You will need to clean the wall, measure the paper and cut the length, remembering to leave 1 inch for trimming. Run the paper through water or apply the paste to the backside, fold the paper end to end and allow to set for five minutes. Apply the paper to the wall, work out any bubbles with the squeegee and trim the ends to fit neatly. If you are papering an unpainted wall, such as drywall or paneling, then prime the wall with a water based primer. If the wall is already painted, scuff the surface with 120 grit sandpaper so that the paper will have a good adhesion.