How to wallpaper behind problem areas

There are various nooks and crannies that can be quite difficult to decorate so here's a guide on how to handle those hard-to-reach places.

Level of difficulty

Level 3: Advanced

What you need

• Ladder
• Tape measure
• Wallpaper
• Wallpaper hanging scissors
• Wallpaper hanging brush
• Radiator roller (optional)
• Straight edge
• Wallpaper paste
• Screwdriver
• Screws

The steps to follow

How to hang wallpaper behind radiators

1. Before you try to hang wallpaper behind the radiator, first try to remove the radiator.
2. If it’s too problematic to remove the radiator, you'll need to use a radiator roller to help you hang the wallpaper.
3. Measure the area where you plan to hang the wallpaper behind the radiator.
4. Based on this measurement, cut the amount of wallpaper you need.
5. Slide the wallpaper down behind the radiator.
6. Use a straight edge to press the wallpaper against the wall.
7. Press and crease the paper where it hits the floor.
8. Take the wallpaper out and fold it at the crease.
9. Use a utility knife or a pair of scissors to trim off the excess.
10. Apply wallpaper paste at the back of the wallpaper and slide it back behind the radiator.
11. Press it against the wall with a small radiator roller.
12. Let the wallpaper sealant dry before turning on the heat.

Hanging wallpapers in corners

1. After hanging the last length of wallpaper on the wall, measure the distance to the room corner and add an extra 2.5 cm (1 in) to the edge of the wallpaper.
2. Cut the length that will turn to the corner and leave the off-cut, which will be hung on the next wall.
3. Let the edge fall on to the adjacent wall. Paste and hang the strip.
4. Trim it at the top and bottom. Brush the turned strip down firmly with a wallpaper hanging brush.
5. Measure the width of the off-cut and mark a plumbed line on the adjacent wall away from the corner. Hang the off-cut against this line.
6. Match the pattern of the wallpaper, and press firmly on the overlap.

Wallpapering around doors and windows

1. Hang the length of the wallpaper so it rests over the architrave moulding around the door or window opening.
2. Brush the wallpaper with adhesive and wrap it over the corner of the architrave.
3. Make a diagonal cut from the outer edge up to the corner of the architrave.
4. Press and fold the edges against the top and side edges of the architrave.
5. Trim off the waste edges so that the cut edges neatly butt the moulding.
6. To hang wallpaper around windows, first cut the wallpaper and hang the short length of wallpaper above and below window openings.
7. Fold the lower section of the lengths over the window reveal, and trim the wallpaper at the window frame.
8. Hang the next length of wallpaper and make cuts at the head of the window reveal and sill. Press and fold the wallpaper at the reveal and sill.
9. Finish off by cutting sections of wallpaper to cover the bare areas at the end of the underside.
10. Apply wallpaper adhesive to the cut section and brush the wallpaper to cover the surface.

Wallpapering around switches and socket outlets

1. Hang the wallpaper over the switches and socket outlets.
2. Press on the wallpaper to reveal the outline of the switch or socket outlet.
3. Gently pierce the centre of the outline with a pair of scissors and make diagonal cuts towards the corner of the switch or socket outlet.
4. Trim the edges of the faceplate at about 3 mm (1/8 in).
5. Turn the mains power off.
6. Unscrew the fixing plate of the switch or socket outlet and fold the wallpaper behind the edges of the faceplate.
7. Replace the faceplate.
8. Turn the mains power on and test to see if the switch or socket outlet works properly.

Related articles

• How to paper a ceiling
• How to hang wallpaper
• How to measure up and calculate need for wallpaper

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