1. Choosing the Right Wallpaper
When selecting a wallpaper for your home, it's essential to understand its performance and characteristics. These details are often indicated on the product label. Decorative wallpapers can be broadly categorized into two types based on their design: realistic and abstract. Realistic patterns, such as landscapes, floral motifs, or cartoon characters, align well with traditional Chinese aesthetics. However, when applied over large areas, they may appear overwhelming. As a result, they are commonly used in specific rooms—like cartoon-themed wallpapers in children’s bedrooms or floral designs in master bedrooms. On the other hand, abstract patterns dominate imported wallpapers. While these may look chaotic when viewed up close, they create a stunning visual impact when used across larger spaces like living rooms.
When choosing wallpaper for your home, focus on both pattern and color. Manufacturers often offer multiple color variations for each design, so it's important to compare how different color combinations look together. Ensure that the chosen colors complement your overall interior design and maintain a cohesive aesthetic. Pay special attention to how the wallpaper will look when applied in large quantities, as this is crucial for creating a balanced and harmonious space.
2. Preparing the Wall Surface
Before applying wallpaper, the base surface must be clean, smooth, and free of any debris. Proper preparation is key to ensuring a long-lasting finish. This usually involves using wall putty to level the surface. There are three common types of putty: gypsum-based, oil-based, and ready-mixed SG821 putty. Gypsum putty is mixed with water and latex, while oil-based putty uses a combination of gypsum powder, tung oil, and varnish. SG821 putty is a pre-packaged product that only needs to be mixed with water. It dries quickly, offers excellent hardness, and resists cracking or flaking. Before applying putty, make sure the wall is thoroughly cleaned to remove dust, grease, and other contaminants. Apply the putty in two coats, allowing it to dry before sanding it smooth with fine-grit sandpaper. This ensures a perfect surface for wallpaper application.
3. Applying the Wallpaper
Before pasting, it's important to mark reference lines on the wall to guide the placement of the wallpaper. Start by drawing a horizontal line at the top of the wall, followed by vertical lines to ensure alignment. The first strip should be placed near the corner, leaving a gap of 50-80 mm to allow for trimming. If there are windows, ensure the pattern is symmetrical around them. When cutting the wallpaper, measure from the top of the wall to the baseboard, and cut the paper slightly longer than the actual size. For large-patterned wallpapers, plan the layout carefully to avoid wastage. Once cut, the paper should be soaked in clean water for about 10 minutes before being glued.
Applying the adhesive is a critical step. Both the back of the wallpaper and the wall should be evenly coated with glue. Avoid missing any spots, and ensure the glue is spread smoothly without excessive buildup. Use a brush that is 30 mm wider than the width of the wallpaper to cover the entire area. After applying the glue, place the wallpaper face down on a flat surface to prevent the rubber backing from drying too quickly. This also helps keep the surface clean and makes the pasting process easier.
The technique for pasting the wallpaper involves starting from the top and working downward, ensuring that each strip is aligned properly. The first piece should be placed along the vertical line, gently pressed from top to bottom, and then flattened from the center outward. When joining the next strip, overlap the edges by 20 mm and use a ruler to press the seam tightly. If the pattern requires matching, align the designs carefully before cutting and smoothing the excess. At the top and bottom of the wall, make sure the seams are tight and flush. Any excess glue should be wiped away with a damp cloth to maintain a clean appearance.
For electrical outlets and switches, gently apply the wallpaper over the area, locate the center point, and make a cross-cut from there. Trim the excess with a utility knife and smooth the edges with a scraper to ensure a neat finish.
4. Understanding the Cost of Wallpaper
Wallpaper prices vary significantly depending on the brand and quality. Imported wallpapers typically cost 1.5 to 3 times more than domestic options. However, with recent technological advancements, domestic wallpapers have improved dramatically and now offer competitive quality. For most home decoration projects, domestic wallpaper is a more cost-effective choice. A standard roll measures 530 mm wide and 10 meters long, covering approximately 5 or 3 square meters. Domestic wallpaper ranges in price from 30 to 70 yuan per roll. Keep in mind that there is a 10-17% waste factor during installation, so it's wise to purchase extra. Additionally, labor costs for professional installation are generally around 20 yuan per square meter due to the complexity of the process.
5. Maintaining and Repairing Your Wallpaper
Maintaining wallpaper is relatively straightforward. Here are some key tips to keep it looking fresh:
(1) During the wet season, open windows during the day to improve ventilation and close them at night to prevent moisture from entering. Avoid exposing the wall to wind until the adhesive has fully dried to prevent damage to the bond between the wallpaper and the wall.
(2) Plastic wallpapers can be cleaned with a mild soapy solution to remove light stains.
(3) High-pile wallpapers tend to collect dust, so using a vacuum cleaner every 2-3 months is recommended.
(4) Avoid hitting or rubbing the wall with hard objects like chairs or tables to prevent scratches or peeling.
Unfortunately, wallpaper is not easily repairable once damaged. In case of significant damage, it may be necessary to replace the entire section or even the whole wall. Taking care during daily use will help extend the life of your wallpaper and maintain its beauty over time.
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