HOW TO APPLY WALLPAPER LIKE A PRO

Wallpaper is a versatile and exciting room feature available in a range of designs and colour combinations that can turn an ordinary wall into a work of art. Black Fabrics is a leading distributor of international wallpaper designs, from bold and bright to simple or subtle in a wide spectrum of colour combinations. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to dress up your walls with some of Black Fabrics’ wallpaper.

STEP 1:
Make sure the wall surface is clean, dry and free of any nails or fixtures. Fill up any holes and sand till smooth. It is advisable to remove skirting and switch plates before starting.

STEP 2:
In order to hang the wallpaper straight you have to determine a plumb level from which to work – keep in mind that cornices or ceilings are not necessary level. Measure out guidelines the width of the wallpaper minus 2cm and mark in pencil.

STEP 3:
Measure the height of each panel and transfer the measurement plus 20 cm to the wallpaper and cut it using a hobby knife and a steel ruler. If you are using a repeat pattern you need to cut the strips even longer to be able to match up the pattern.

STEP 4:
Lay the wallpaper on a long flat, dry surface. Apply the wallpaper glue with a roller brush from the top to the middle and then fold the section onto itself, being careful not to crease the paper. Repeat from the bottom to the middle. Let the piece rest for 5 minutes.

STEP 5:
Starting from the top 2 cm above the cornice, undo the first fold and apply the paper to the wall.
Unfold the rest of the paper as you move down, lightly smoothing out wrinkles from the middle outward with a plastic smoother.

STEP 6:
Smooth out any air bubbles with a sponge and wipe away any excess paste. Trim the top and bottom using a hobby knife before the paper is completely dry.

Look out for the Black Fabrics advertorial in the Holiday issue of VISI. In the latest issue of Plascon Colour Stephen Black also gives tips on how to choose the perfect wallpaper.

Wallpaper demonstration done by Phumelela Wallpapers: 082 923 7613

Visit www.blackfabrics.co.za or call:
Cape Town 021 461 7905
Durban 031 312 4394
Johannesburg 011 262 3130
Port Elizabeth 041 585 4100