Wallcovering Fact Sheet

Wallcovering installation is by its nature a subjective decorating process. Some of the contributing factors to this subjectivity are the following:

  1. Existing wall surface and related structure.
  2. Pattern, texture and colors, especially very dark reds and other dark colors.
  3. Physical property of the wallcovering.

Walls can have a rough texture, bow in and out, sway, lean and most often, do not have plumb corners. Surrounding structures, such as doors and windows are often out of plumb, sometimes drastically. The ceiling can sway and dip unevenly. All of this will visually affect the horizontal and vertical look of the installation to some degree.

A pattern that crosses the seam in many places will tend to hide the seam. A paper with no pattern crossing the seam will tend to show wall defects and texture in those areas. In general a busier paper will mask wall imperfections better than a plain paper. Grasscloths and heavily textured papers hide many surface irregularities. A slick or shiny wallcovering will reflect light. High hats above a wall will show any imperfections in the wall.

Dark colored wallpapers are frequently printed on a white substrate; frequently it is necessary to chalk the edges, apply acrylic colorants to the edges to mask that “little white line” that sometimes can be seen. Any paper shrinkage can make this very noticeable. Some papers do not trim well and have a tendency to shread even when cut with a sharp razor blade. Some papers are flexible and maileable, others are rigid and unyielding, and some a combination of the two.

All of the above listed factors will impact the finished wallcovering installation to some degree. The wisest course of action is to take all three factors into consideration when selecting your wallcoverings. Precision Paperhanging can give you valuable advice in this area-Please ask!

We have more than 30 years’ worth of experience with a myriad of wallcoverings and will employ that experience in installing your wallcovering. Our superior craftsmanship produces beautiful installations.

What you should expect

The Wallcovering Contractor you select to install paper in your home or business should:

  1. Protect surfaces with drop cloths or plastic.
  2. Repair cracks with spackle.
  3. Undercoat glossy surfaces with an appropriate wallcovering primer to insure proper adhesion.
  4. Use quality materials, which give the best results and last longer.
  5. Complete work in a neat and professional manner. Craftsmen should be polite and friendly.
  6. Remove Wallcovering debris from the premises.
  7. Leave no paste on wallcovering, woodwork etc.
  8. Return calls promptly
  9. Show up on the day and time scheduled.

YOU CAN EXPECT MORE FROM A…….

Member of the Wallcovering Installers Association
A Certified Professional Paperhanger.