DIY with Nick Knowles: Wallpaper

Nick Knowles: How do you calculate how much wallpaper you need?
Tim Peters: The amount of length drops per roll depends on the size of the pattern. You'll get around three drops per roll from a large-scale print, while a smaller pattern will stretch out to about four drops. The easiest way to work out the total amount
is to use an online calculator (visit B&Q's website and type 'wallpaper' into the search field). Remember to add approximately 10% to your order for wastage.

Nick: What tools do you need when wallpapering?
Tim: A table to lay out the paper on when pasting it, a bucket to mix adhesive, a good-quality paste brush, a small brush for edging, a tape measure, a spirit level, a spatula, a sponge and a bowl of water, a pair of scissors and a sharp craft knife.

Nick: Is lining paper always necessary?
Tim: Not if your wall is in good condition. If the wall isn't in great condition or the surface has been glossed, the finished paper won't stick very well. In that case you'll
have to line the walls first. It's best to hang the lining paper horizontally (cross-line) as opposed to vertically so there's no chance the seams on the lining paper and the
wallpaper will meet.

Nick: Are there any types of wallpaper that are easier to hang than others?
Tim: As a rule, the thicker the paper, the easier it is to hang. Just because wallpaper is expensive, it doesn't mean it's better quality or thicker. Quite often the more expensive ranges are flimsier than a run-of-the-mill vinyl paper. This doesn't apply across the board, so make sure you get some samples and check the quality and thickness before you buy.

Nick: Where in a room should you start the wallpapering job?
Tim: With a large-scale pattern, it's best to start in the middle of the chimney breast (if there is one) as it's the main focal point. With smaller patterns, you can start at the window and then work your way around the room.

Nick: What's the best way to strip wallpaper?
Tim: The best way to do it is to fill a garden sprayer with a mixture of washing-up liquid and cold water, then spray the walls to dampen the paper and scrape off. Hot water will sometimes harden the wallpaper paste, so make sure the water is cold. If you're stripping vinyl wallpaper, strip the top layer by hand first without wetting it, then you're left with the backing paper, which you dampen and remove as normal. We use a tool called a paper tiger to score the walls before wetting them – it makes the job so much easier. And don't forget to switch your electrics off at the mains beforehand.

Nick: Do you have any other tips for people who are thinking about wallpapering?
Tim: Make sure the walls are clean and fully prepared beforehand – for instance, plug up any holes with a good-quality filler. Double check that you have all the tools you need for the job before you start and, above all, take your time, don't rush the job or it’ll show.

About Tim Peters:
Tim Peters is owner of the Before & After Painting Company and member of The Painting and Decorating Association (PDA).