"I only use James when I need some work done to my house. He responds fast, gets the work done quicker than just about anyone else I've ever used and seems very concerned with leaving his customers happy."
Hanging wallpaper may seem simple, but in practice it requires significant planning and finesse to make it look professional. To start, you need to get an even application of wallpaper paste across all of your wallpaper, which requires experience and large pasting tables to get right. You also need to plan out your design and match it exactly so that you don’t have imperfections in the finished product. It’s often better to hire a professional wallpaper hanger who can get the job done properly for a clean, smooth finish.
In most cases, it is not recommended to wallpaper over existing wallpaper, as the success depends on the type of paper already on the wall. While you might be able to cover non-coated wallpaper, you should never apply new wallpaper over a vinyl-coated one, which is more common. Doing so can lead to poor adhesion, resulting in bubbles, imperfections, and peeling. It can also trap moisture, potentially causing hazardous mold growth between the layers.
Even if the existing wallpaper is suitable, experts recommend applying only one new layer. Adding multiple layers (more than two total) can cause significant adhesion problems, leading to warping and bubbling. For the best results, the recommended approach is to remove the old wallpaper and all paste residue before hanging the new paper. If you are unsure about your wallpaper type, consider consulting a professional.
If you need a stronger magnetic surface, or you need to use a different type of paint in the room (like waterproof paint in a damp basement), there are other accessible options. You could fit a steel panel over the wall, try magnetic wallpaper, or apply chalk paint instead.
If you want an inexpensive shortcut, hang a pinboard or chalkboard on your wall. These removable options are ideal if you’re a renter who can’t repaint or plan to move in the near future.
There can be too much of a good thing when it comes to accent walls, so avoid creating one in every room in your house. Some rooms, like bathrooms and kitchens, don’t naturally lend themselves to accent walls, so it’s best to skip them there. Of course, your home should reflect your own sense of style, so if accent walls in multiple rooms appeal to you, there’s no hard-and-fast rule forbidding it.
You should be aware of the current wallpaper and interior trends before hanging it, especially if you are planning on selling or listing your home soon. Do people in your market tend to prefer bold designs and accent walls, or does having a simpler print all over seem like a better idea? Lastly, you want something that appeals to your aesthetic preferences; hanging wallpaper is an investment of your time and money after all.
The Dateland, AZ homeowners’ guide to wallpaper services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Discover wallpaper installation cost. Learn about material, labor, and project factors to estimate your budget and make informed choices for your home.
Whether you can put wallpaper over wallpaper depends on the type of paper you’re using and the condition of the existing surface. Learn more with this guide.
