Superfresco Easy Wallpaper FAQs
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES TO USING WALLPAPER OVER PAINT?
There are many advantages to using wallpaper over paint to decorate your space. For instance, wallpaper can cover up imperfect or damaged walls as well as add texture and dimension in a way paint simply cannot. Wallpaper also offers a wide range of colours and complex patterns that would be difficult to create with a paintbrush.
CAN I USE WALLPAPER ON ANY WALL?
You can wallpaper over just about any surface such as drywall, concrete, panelling, masonry, new and old plaster, and even tile or laminate. The key to a successful project is correctly preparing the walls, to ensure there are no issues with the wallpaper adhering to the wall.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PASTE-THE-WALL WALLPAPER, PASTE-THE-PAPER, AND PRE-PASTED WALLPAPER?
The difference between these three types of wallpaper is the method of applying or activating the paste before hanging the paper. When using Superfresco Easy Paste-the-Wall wallpaper, the paste is applied directly to the wall before hanging each strip. Superfresco Easy wallpaper is made with a special backing that does not expand when wet; therefore, it does not need to soak as in other application methods. Paste-the-Paper method, the paste is applied to the back of the wallpaper before hanging. This method requires a process called “booking” which is a way to activate the paste while letting the paper rest before hanging the strip. Pre-pasted paper already has adhesive on the backside of the paper which is activated by dipping the wallpaper into a tray of water. The paper also requires the “booking” process after the paper has been soaked in water.
DO I NEED TO ORDER EXTRA WALLPAPER FOR A PATTERN REPEAT?
Yes, you will need to consider the usable yield (the amount of each roll that is usable). The usable yield will depend on the length of your repeating pattern. The longer the pattern, the less usable yield. You will need to order additional roles of wallpaper to match your design’s horizontal sequence.
WHAT ELSE CAN I WALLPAPER BESIDES MY WALLS?
Wallpaper can cover more than just your walls. It is an easy way to add design and dimension to many places in your home. Use a bold patterned wallpaper inside your bookshelves to make your books and display pieces stand out. Add texture and pattern to your room by wallpapering your ceiling. You can also paper smaller pieces such as dressers, coffee tables, and nightstands. Design blogs and DIY tutorials are great places for unique wallpaper ideas and inspiration.
HOW DO I KNOW HOW MUCH WALLPAPER I NEED?
Generally, in order to calculate how much wallpaper you need, use the following steps:
- Measure the walls (including doors & windows): height x width to get the square metreage.
- Subtract 6.4 square metre for each door, 4.6 square metre for each window.
- Find the pattern repeat on the wallpaper label. Solids and stripes will not list a repeat, so use 0 as the repeat.
- Determine the usable yield per roll of wallpaper by consulting the chart below.
- Divide the room square meterage by the usable yield to determine the number of rolls needed for the project.
| Repeat Size | Usable Yield/Roll |
|---|---|
|
0 to 15cm |
15 square metre |
|
16 to 28cm |
13 square metre |
|
29 to 41cm |
12 square metre |
|
42 to 52cm |
10 square metre |
| Walls | 9.1m | 15.2m | 21.3m | 27.4m |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Height from
skirting board |
Distance around room in metres (doors and windows included) |
|||
|
2.1m |
1.2m |
2.1m |
3.0m |
3.6m |
|
2.4m |
1.5m |
2.4m |
3.3m |
4.2m |
|
2.7m |
1.8m |
2.7m |
3.6m |
4.8m |
|
3.0m |
1.8m |
3.0m |
3.9m |
5.1m |
WHAT TOOLS WILL I NEED FOR MY PROJECT?
Most of the tools you will need are probably already in your toolbox with the exception of a few specialised tools.
Gather the following items:
- Tape measure
- A pencil
- Putty knife or straight edge
- Sponge and bucket of clean water
- Smoothing tool (brush or plastic)
- Wallpaper trimmer
- Wallpaper Paste
- Paste roller
- Drop cloth
HOW DO I PREP MY WALLS?
Wallpaper hangs best when walls are clean of debris and the surface is smooth. It is important to take the time to remove old wallpaper, fill in any cracks, and repair imperfections in the walls surface. This will help the wallpaper to lay flat and avoid potential problems with the paper adhering to the wall. If it is a painted wall, you will need to smooth out the walls with sandpaper. Once all repairs have been made and your walls are smooth, you will want to clean them up. Use a sponge and a little soap to remove dirt and grease. Rinse the wall with clean water and allow the wall to dry before proceeding. When walls are clean and smooth you are ready for the next step.
DO I OVERLAP THE SEAMS WHEN HANGING WALLPAPER?
Wallpaper seams should not overlap but instead should be “butted” together. The two edges of the wallpaper should be touching but not overlapping.
HOW DO I TRIM THE EXCESS WALLPAPER?
Once the wallpaper is hung, you will trim the excess paper from the top and bottom for an exact fit. Use a wallpaper trimmer to guide a sharp blade in a long, continuous cut across the excess paper around the ceilings and baseboards.
HOW DO I AVOID WALLPAPER SEAMS SHOWING?
A wallpaper smoothing tool should be used after you hang each strip. This will help the seams line up and smooth out the paper.
HOW DO I WALLPAPER AROUND WINDOW AND DOOR FRAMES?
When you reach a door/window frame, allow the paper to hang over the door or window while you smooth the paper until it meets the door/window frame. Once the area is smoothed, cut off the paper that hangs over the door/window, leaving only a few centimetres for trimming.
You will want to make a diagonal cut in the paper at the corner of the door/window frame, allowing the paper to lay flat at the edge of the frame. Smooth the paper down around the corner. Use your smoothing tool and wallpaper trimmer to trim the excess paper around the door/window frame.
HOW DO I AVOID BUBBLES AND CREASES IN MY WALLPAPER?
Bubbles and creases are caused by air bubbles underneath the paper and can be the result of uneven smoothing. This can be avoided by smoothing down the centre of the strip first and then smooth outward. Bubbles that form during hanging can be fixed by lifting the paper up around the bubble and smoothing it back down.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR MY WALLPAPER TO DRY?
Time for drying can depend on the type of wallpaper and the condition of the room. The average time for drying is somewhere between 24-48 hours.