Due to the unique variety of wallpaper, refer to the manufacturer's guidelines or contact the manufacturer for the particular paper you are using.

Basic Guidelines:

Stains should be removed as soon as possible to eliminate any possible reaction between the stain and the wallpaper. If soil remains on the wallpaper too long, permanent discoloration may result.

Maintaining the life of contract wallcoverings is easy if maintenance personnel keep these points in mind.

Twenty-five years ago, most wallpapers were "washable," meaning that the ink would not run if you wet it lightly. Then came vinyl coated, vinyl acrylic, solid sheet vinyl, laminated vinyl, etc. Most wallcoverings are labeled "non-washable," "washable" or "scrubbable." If your paper wasn't labeled, but you have a small piece, take it to a wallpaper dealer and ask them what they would recommend.

Deteriorating Wallpaper

This can be one of the worst prepping problems. Usually you will not want to paint or paper over old wallpaper but will want to remove it instead. Often a home has several layers of old wallpaper that must be removed before painting or papering. If you do not plan to remove it, repair problem areas by re-gluing and working out any bubbles until it has a good smooth surface. If the areas are too bad, you will need to scrape away some of the paper and fill the area with compound and sand flush.

Before hanging wallpaper, take the time to prep the wall with a vinyl-acrylic sizing. (It's applied like paint but dries quickly and somewhat tacky.) It assures adhesion and can allow for easier removal of the paper years later. Also, there are a few additional steps that we recommend for a professional-looking job. It is important that the walls be very clean and free of any dust or debris.

What You Will Need

Time. Wall-papering will average 10 to 20 minutes per sheet, longer if encountering trim.

Tools for Wallpapering.
Wallpapering takes some very specialized but simple tools. As always, never skimp on quality. You will only regret it later. Most stores sell wallpaper application kits which include a full set of tools that will cover most of your needs. See the linked checklist for other tools you will need.

Tools for Prepping Walls
 

• Safety glasses or goggles
• Respirator or face mask
• Ear protectors
• Rubber gloves
• Pry bar
• Paint scraper
• Wallpaper steamer (rent if needed)
• Can opener or widening tool
• Fan
• Hand sanding block
• Orbital sander
• Screwdriver
• Putty knife
• Sponge
• Old clothes

Materials for Prepping Walls

This section has been designed to assist you in doing your own wallpapering. These are rather simple projects, and by following the advice presented here you will find it to be enjoyable and effective as well. You'll learn how to prepare a wall, estimate materials, and use your tools correctly. Pay particular attention to the section on wall preparation and repair. It will guide you through this most neglected step for a final result that is more attractive and longer lasting.

Blank walls in need of a makeover almost always beg the question: What color to paint?  But before trotting off to the paint store for color strips and tester cans, consider a new alternative: wallpaper.  Because one of the oldest home décor products -around since the 1600s - has been reinvented.

New technology is making wallpapers simpler to hang and remove, and even easier and less messy than paint.  These easy-hang wallcoverings - called non-wovens - are breaking down walls of resistance of do-it-yourselfers who are now asking: wallpaper or paint?

Fabric walls can add a whole new look to your walls without painting or hanging wallpaper that is hard to remove. You can remove the fabric just as easily as you apply it to you walls. To get started, follow this simple step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Wash the walls where you intend to put the fabric. The walls needs to be clean and free from dirt and cobwebs just as if you were painting or wallpapering.