Necessary tools and materials for installing wallpaper murals
When starting with wallpaper murals, specific tools and materials are required. Although installing wallpaper murals may initially appear challenging, it becomes manageable with the right equipment and supplies.
You need a measuring tape to get the right size of the mural. A utility knife or scissors is used to cut any excess. Wallpaper adhesive sticks the mural to your wall. And a paintbrush or roller helps smooth out bubbles afterwards.
When putting up wallpaper murals:
- Clean walls of dirt and debris;
- Check for areas that may need repair;
- Use low-VOC paints on wall surfaces;
- Secure grip on the edge of the mural to stop bubbles.
It’s essential to clean the walls and examine for repairs before installing wallpaper murals.
In big cities like New York City, decorating a media room can be costly – One client needed to cover a large wall space but could only afford five panels. It was enough material to bring the vision together without looking unfinished.
Better get that wall cleaned, or else your dirty secrets won’t look good on a mural!
Preparing the surface for installation
To achieve a great wallpaper mural finish, proper prep is essential. This includes:
- Cleaning the wall with warm soapy water and rinsing off any residue.
- Slightly roughing up the wall’s surface with sandpaper for better adhesive grip.
- Filling any holes with spackle or joint compound and levelling them.
- Applying a coat of latex primer paint to patched areas.
Remember to use high-quality materials and double-check your measurements before starting the installation process. Skipping prep steps may lead to future maintenance issues!
Measuring and cutting the wallpaper mural
Accurate measuring and cutting your wallpaper mural is key for seamless installation. Here’s how to do it right:
- Measure the wall’s height and width. Add 2-3 extra inches for trimming.
- Unroll the mural on a flat, clean surface. Mark it with a pencil to the measured dimensions. Avoid overlap and underlap.
- Cut along the line using scissors or a knife. Go slow, no jagged edges.
- Label each panel with its intended order of placement.
- Gather all panels. Check if they align seamlessly.
Tip: Clean any adhesive from scissors or knife blade.
Easy measuring and cutting saves time and effort during installation. Plus, wallpaper murals provide more personality and texture than paint.
When applying adhesive, think of it like spreading peanut butter – but the bread is your wall, and the PB is sticky!
Applying wallpaper adhesive
To hang your wallpaper mural, you must use a special adhesive. Here’s what to do:
- Mix the Adhesive: Follow instructions on the adhesive and mix with water.
- Put Adhesive on the Wall: Use a roller or brush to spread it evenly.
- Hang the Wallpaper: Install the wallpaper as per manufacturer instructions.
- Smooth Out Problems: Use a soft cloth to remove bubbles and wrinkles.
Be sure to clean the wall first and turn off HVAC systems when applying adhesive. Now you can easily make your boring wall a masterpiece with wallpaper murals!
Installing the wallpaper mural
To successfully install a wallpaper mural, here are five steps to follow:
- Make sure the walls are clean and even.
- Measure wall dimensions and compare to mural.
- Mark center point of wall and align with mural’s center point.
- Apply adhesive to back of paper and stick onto wall with squeegee or wallpaper smoother.
- Trim any excess material from edges of mural.
A unique detail to be aware of is that some wallpaper murals may need more than one person for installation due to size or complexity. If this is the case, get help from someone else to ensure proper alignment.
For a successful installation, prep your workspace beforehand by having all necessary tools ready. Also, be patient when dealing with pricey wallpaper murals, any tear or wrinkle can ruin its look.
Finally, give those excess wallpaper pieces the final cut and make them wish they never came into your home.
Trimming the excess wallpaper
Once the wallpaper is up, you’ll need to cut off any extra. This makes the space look neat and hides any wallpaper errors. To trim the wallpaper, try these three steps:
- Place a straight edge or razor blade at the corner where the two edges meet.
- Cut along the straight edge until you reach the bottom of the wallpaper.
- Use scissors to cut off any remaining wallpaper near plugs, fixtures or window frames.
Be careful not to tear or damage the paper!
You’ll also need to remove any bubbles. Small ones can be smoothed out with a ruler or card, while bigger ones may need you to redo them.
Fun fact: Jean-Baptiste Réveillon created a machine in 1785 for printing scenery called “papier peint”. This led to modern wallpaper. Don’t forget to clean up any wall glue before your guests arrive!
Final touches and clean up
The wallpaper murals are up – now it’s time to tidy and make it look great! Here’s how:
- Check the mural for bubbles or other imperfections.
- Use a smoothing tool to flatten any bubbles or creases.
- Trim off excess material with a sharp knife. Make sure the edges line up with no overlap.
- Remove protective tapes and adhesive residue from walls, floor, ceiling or skirting board. Use an adhesive remover spray if necessary.
- Dispose of waste items according to local regulations. Enjoy your beautiful wall.
Wear gloves when tidying, and avoid smudging or scratching the mural.
If you have paste left, wrap cling film tightly around the top of the container – contact with air will make it useless.
Chad Banton – one man – struggled to install his first mural. He even ordered pizza multiple times! His dedication paid off – so can yours!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What tools do I need to install wallpaper murals?
A: You will need a tape measure, razor or utility knife, smoothing tool or squeegee, a level, a pencil, a step stool or ladder, and wallpaper paste or adhesive.
Q: Can I install wallpaper murals on textured walls?
A: It is possible, but it may not provide a smooth finish and could cause the mural to peel over time. It is recommended to apply a smooth wallpaper liner first.
Q: How do I prepare the wall for installation?
A: Make sure the wall is clean, dry, and free of any bumps or holes. Sand down any rough spots and fill in any holes with spackle. It is also recommended to prime the wall beforehand.
Q: Can I install wallpaper murals in a bathroom or kitchen?
A: Yes, but it is important to use a waterproof or moisture-resistant adhesive to prevent the wallpaper from peeling or becoming damaged due to humidity and moisture.
Q: How do I align the mural correctly?
A: Use a level to mark a straight line on the wall where you want the mural to be placed. Start from the center and work your way out, aligning the edges of the mural with the marked line and smoothing out any bubbles or wrinkles as you go.
Q: How long will it take to complete the installation?
A: This will vary depending on the size and complexity of the mural and your level of experience. In general, it can take anywhere from a few hours to an entire day or more to complete the installation.