Frequently Asked Questions: Wallpaper
All your burning wallpaper questions answered...
What paste should I use?
All of our wallpapers use the 'Paste the Wall' method. We recommend using Solvite 'Paste the Wall' paste as it rolls on pink and dries clear, giving you visibility of where you're pasting.
How do I know how many rolls I'll need?
We have a handy wallpaper calculator tool on each of our wallpaper product pages. All you need to do is input your wall measurements and the calculator will do the rest. You can read all about here.
What does 'Paste the Wall' mean?
There are two types of wallpapers and two different methods to hang them. The first is the traditional Paste the Paper wallpaper, which uses the method of pasting the paper on a pasting table, leaving the paste to soak in and then hanging it on the walls. The second type of wallpaper is Paste the Wall, which means you paste the wall and then hang the paper. We find the Paste the Wall method much easier and less messy, which is why all of our wallpapers, murals and borders are Paste the Wall.
How do I measure my walls?
Read this blog post for all the info you need to measure your walls, no matter what the wall type!
Can I use wallpaper in my bathroom?
All of our wallpapers are durable and hardwearing and are therefore often used in bathrooms, however there are a few things to keep in mind...
- Keep the wallpaper as dry as possible by avoiding splash zones or anywhere that comes into direct contact with water
- Make sure your bathroom is well ventilated
- Sometimes our customers use a clear varnish such as Polyvine Decorators Varnish in ‘Dead Flat’ on top of the wallpaper to provide some added water resistance.
Click here to read our bathroom wallpaper how to.
What can I use to protect the wallpaper in my bathroom?
Sometimes our customers use a clear varnish such as Polyvine Decorators Varnish in ‘Dead Flat’ on top of the wallpaper to provide some added water resistance.
Click here for our 12 panel hanging instructions.
Keep an eye out also on our Instagram page, where we post lots of useful reels to help you hang your wallpaper.
Do I need to prime my walls before hanging my paper?
Yes. On fresh plaster and/or painted walls, "size" or "seal" the wall before wallpapering. This means making up a diluted solution of paste and liberally applying it to the walls being decorated, then letting it dry. It will be absorbed in the porous plaster and will stop the paste being absorbed when it is applied.
How to I prepare my walls for wallpaper?
Click here to read our guide on prepping your walls correctly before decorating.
Are the images on your website accurate?
They're as accurate and as high quality as can be, however variations in screen colours can alter the image. We always recommend ordering samples first. The added bonus being you can move the sample around your room to see how it works in various lighting throughout the day.
What if I don't have enough wallpaper?
We always recommend over ordering wallpaper for your project as it's always better to have too much than too little. As we print to order we don't necessarily print in batches, however to guarantee consistency throughout every roll, it's always better to order everything at the same time. Over ordering also saves time and added decorating costs as it avoids decorators waiting around for another delivery to arrive. Any unopened rolls can be returned for a full refund at the end of your project.
Can I wallpaper over existing wallpaper?
We wouldn't recommend it. It's better to strip the existing wallpaper and then prep your walls as normal to ensure a long lasting and perfect finish.
It's summer and it's hot! Will this affect my wallpaper?
Wallpaper is best hung when temperatures aren't too high as heat may cause the wall paste to dry too quickly.
How do I hang my wallpaper straight?
To begin with, you need to find a straight 'plumb line'. You can do this with a plumb line tool (available to purchase quite cheaply at most DIY stores) or a laser level.
Why is my wallpaper bubbling?
If your wallpaper is bubbling, try taking it off the wall and starting again (our wallpaper is very forgiving and can withstand being rehung whilst the paste is still wet). Make sure you're gently smoothing out any air bubbles with a clean dry paperhanging brush and brush from the centre of the wallpaper out to the edges. Do not pop or pick air bubbles with a needle as it will almost certainly cause creasing in the paper.
A common cause for this is that the paste dried before you were apply to smooth down your wallpaper. Should this happen, reapply the paste to the wall and try again. Use your finger tips to push the seams together (without overlapping) and use a seam roller to make sure the edges are sealed.