Wallpaper Installation/removal
Serving Toronto and GTA.
Wallpaper installation can transform a room by adding texture, pattern, and personality that paint can’t always achieve. It’s a great way to make a bold design statement or to add subtle elegance to your walls. Here’s what you need to know about installing wallpaper:
Wallpaper Installation: What You Need to Know
- 1. Choosing the Right Wallpaper
- There are various types of wallpaper, each with unique features and finishes:
- Vinyl wallpaper: Durable and easy to clean, making it great for high-traffic areas like hallways or bathrooms.
- Textured wallpaper: Adds depth to a room, with options like grasscloth, linen, or embossed designs.
- Peel-and-stick wallpaper: A temporary option that’s ideal for renters or those who like to frequently change their décor.
- Fabric wallpaper: Soft and luxurious, though it may require extra care during installation.
- 2. Measuring and Preparing the Walls
- Accurate measurements are crucial for wallpaper installation. Measure the height and width of the walls, then calculate how many rolls of wallpaper you’ll need, allowing for pattern repeats. Prepping the walls involves:
- Cleaning the walls to remove dust, dirt, and grease.
- Patching and smoothing any cracks or holes.
- Applying a primer or wallpaper liner to ensure the wallpaper adheres properly.
- 3. Cutting and Aligning the Wallpaper
- Once your wallpaper is ready, carefully cut it to the required lengths, ensuring you account for pattern matching. Aligning the wallpaper is essential for a seamless look, especially with patterned designs. Use a level to make sure each strip is straight.
- 4. Applying the Wallpaper
- There are different methods depending on the type of wallpaper:
- Pre-pasted: Requires you to activate the adhesive by soaking the wallpaper in water.
- Non-pasted: Requires you to apply adhesive directly to the wall or the back of the wallpaper.
- Peel-and-stick: Simply peel off the backing and apply the wallpaper directly to the wall. Smooth each strip from top to bottom, removing air bubbles with a wallpaper smoothing tool.
- 5. Trimming and Finishing
- After the wallpaper is applied, trim excess material around baseboards, windows, and ceilings using a sharp utility knife. Make sure edges are secure, and smooth out any remaining bubbles for a polished, professional finish.
- 6. Pros of Wallpaper Installation
- Durability: High-quality wallpaper can last for up to 15 years, making it a long-term investment.
- Aesthetic Variety: With endless patterns, textures, and colors, wallpaper offers more design flexibility than paint.
- Conceals Wall Imperfections: Wallpaper can hide small imperfections in walls, such as minor cracks or uneven surfaces.
- 7. Cons of Wallpaper Installation
- Cost: Wallpaper can be more expensive than paint, both in terms of materials and installation.
- Complex Installation: If not installed correctly, wallpaper can wrinkle or peel. Hiring a professional ensures the best results.
- Removal: Removing wallpaper can be a time-consuming process, especially if it was applied improperly.
- 8. Hiring Professional Installers
- Wallpaper installation requires precision, especially when working with patterns or textured designs. Hiring professionals ensures:
- Proper preparation and installation, preventing issues like bubbling or misaligned patterns.
- Expertise in cutting and trimming around tricky areas like windows and outlets.
- A flawless finish that lasts longer.
How To Remove Wallpaper ?
- 1. Gather Your Tools
- You’ll need the following:
- Wallpaper scraper or putty knife
- Scoring tool
- Sponge or cloth
- Bucket of warm water
- Wallpaper removal solution (or a mixture of water and vinegar)
- Drop cloths or plastic sheets
- Painter’s tape
- Steamer (optional, for tough wallpaper)
- 2. Protect the Area
- Before you begin, protect your floors and furniture:
- Lay down drop cloths or plastic sheets to catch falling wallpaper and prevent damage from water or glue.
- Use painter’s tape to cover electrical outlets and switches.
- 3. Test a Small Area
- Start by testing a small section to see how easily the wallpaper comes off. Try peeling it at a corner or seam. If it pulls away easily, it may be a strippable wallpaper that doesn’t require much effort. If it’s resistant, move on to more thorough removal methods
- 4. Score the Wallpaper
- For wallpaper that doesn’t peel off easily, use a scoring tool to create small holes in the surface. This helps the water or removal solution penetrate the adhesive backing more effectively.
- 5. Apply Wallpaper Removal Solution
- Mix warm water with either a wallpaper removal solution or equal parts water and vinegar. Using a sponge or spray bottle, apply the mixture generously to the wallpaper. Let it soak for 10–15 minutes to soften the glue.
- 6. Scrape Off the Wallpaper
- Once the wallpaper is saturated, use a wallpaper scraper or putty knife to gently peel it off the wall. Start at the bottom and work your way up. Be careful not to gouge the wall while scraping.
- 7. Remove Stubborn Sections
- If some areas are more stubborn, reapply the removal solution and let it soak longer. Alternatively, you can use a wallpaper steamer to loosen the glue, especially if you’re dealing with older, more difficult-to-remove wallpaper.
- 8. Clean the Walls
- After all the wallpaper is removed, wash the walls with warm, soapy water to remove any remaining adhesive residue. Use a sponge or cloth to wipe them down thoroughly and ensure they’re clean.
- 9. Let the Walls Dry
- Allow the walls to dry completely before applying new wallpaper or paint. This ensures a smooth, fresh surface for your next project.
- 10. Repair the Walls (If Necessary)
- Check the walls for any damage or imperfections. Patch any holes or cracks with spackle and sand them smooth. This will give you a flawless surface for your new finish.
If you want a professional finish without the hassle, Soca Services Painting offers wallpaper removal services in Toronto. Contact us for a free estimate and let us handle the job efficiently and cleanly!
- Wallpaper Installation
- Per Accent Wall: Between $750 to $1,000 + HST.
- Small Bathroom or Small Room: Ranges from $1,250 to $2,000 + HST.
- Starting Rate: For most wallpaper services, the base cost starts at $695 + HST.
- Wallpaper Removal
- Small Room: $600 to $1,000 + HST.
- Medium Room: $1,000 to $1,250 + HST.
- Large Room: $1,250 to
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