The key to any wallpapering project is proper planning, preparation, and gathering quality supplies. Read on for a handy home wallpapering checklist.
Wallpapering is a great way to add a new, stylish look to any room's décor. Wallpapering is not the easiest of all home projects, but you can, with time, effort, and patience, do a professional looking job of wallpapering all on your own. The key to any wallpapering project is proper planning, preparation, and gathering quality supplies. There is nothing more frustrating, when wallpapering, than beginning a project only to discover, in the middle of the project, you do not have the necessary supplies to complete it. Read on for a handy home wallpapering checklist.
Supplies for wallpapering:
Wallpaper
First, you need to purchase wallpaper in the color and design you want for your room. There are many different types of wallpaper in a variety of colors, textures, designs, and finishes. You can purchase wallpaper that is pre-pasted with an adhesive, paste required, trimmed or untrimmed, machine printed or hand printed, washable or not washable, strippable or wipeable. Think carefully about your needs and personal preferences before choosing a type of wallpaper. To determine how much wallpaper to buy always carefully measure the room you are planning to wallpaper. Take your room measurements with you when you purchase your wallpaper and ask the salesman for help. Remember, buying a little too much is not as much of a problem as buying too little.
Wallpaper paste (if required)
Rags
Tape measure or yardstick
Water tray. A water tray is needed if you are using pre-pasted wallpaper.
Seam roller
Smoothing brush
Razor knife with multiple blades
Large sponges
Broad knife
Bucket
Pencils
Ladder
Drop cloth
Plumb Bob. A plumb bob is a tool, which consists of a specially designed metal weight with a string protruding from one end. It is used to aid in aligning things vertically.
Rubber gloves
Worktable
Supplies for prepping the walls:
Spackle
Sand paper
Safety goggles
Face mask
Utility bar. A utility bar, also referred to as a pry bar, is useful for prying paneling and molding. It can also be used for removing nails and spikes.
Paint scraper
Can opener
Fan
Screwdriver
Putty Knife
Sponges
Detergent
Ammonia
Drywall tape
Primer
Sizing
It is important to remember, when purchasing wallpaper supplies, that quality does count. If you choose to buy cheap, low quality tools and supplies to save money, you may live to regret it. You may find wallpaper kits that contain many of the tools you need for your wallpapering project, but do not assume everything is included. Always refer to your wallpapering checklist. It is a good idea to print this checklist and take it with you when shopping for wallpapering supplies to avoid forgetting something important.
If you are unsure how to use the tools on this checklist or need help with learning how to wallpaper, you can find many books on do it yourself wallpapering at your local library or bookstore. Many of these books will include step by step directions as well as detailed descriptions of common wallpapering tools. An online search is also likely to yield helpful wallpapering information and advice. Some home and garden supply stores offer free do it yourself classes or do it yourself videos for you to purchase.
