Paste on wall wallpapers

redser7

Hi,
We're thinking of papering our chimney breast. I've never papered before so I've been doing some reading and research. Wondering what people think of paste on wall types of paper? As someone who has never wallpapered before it appeals to me and would seem to be the easier option. Am I right?
Thanks for any advice!

Jimmy_M

Maybe im picking you up wrong... but what other types are there?

redser7

Traditionally you apply the paste to the paper and then hang it on a dry wall. There is a relatively new type of paper whereby you apply the paste to the walls and then hang the dry paper to the wall. Looks to my inexperienced eye like this could be easier for me as I don't need to paste on a table, fold it up and move the heavy paper across to the wall and unfold it. Less risk of messing it up and ripping it.

Jimmy_M

Ah right - i get ya.
Only ever done it the other way... and its a PITA - so id try this if i was papering again.

But is it special paper you need, special paste or both?

CarrickMcJoe

Yes it is easier to hang, you can cut in and roll on the paste as if painting. Can be a little more difficult around the fireplace and tight areas with the stiffness of the paper. The way I get round this is to dampen the paper with a sponge, making it pliable.
Make sure to start from the centre of your fireplace and work each way.

redser7

I've seen references to both. But I believe the paper is the big deal more than the paste. It's all new to me

redser7

CarrickMcJoe wrote: »

Yes it is easier to hang, you can cut in and roll on the paste as if painting. Can be a little more difficult around the fireplace and tight areas with the stiffness of the paper. The way I get round this is to dampen the paper with a sponge, making it pliable.
Make sure to start from the centre of your fireplace and work each way.

Thanks very much. We're looking at expensive stuff so I'm apprehensive about trying it. Especially as it's the fireplace. The surround has a lot of intricate corners and curves just below the mantel top before it runs straight down. Looks like it would be a nightmare even for an experienced person.

Any idea of how much it might cost to get a good hanger to do it?

CarrickMcJoe

€30-€40 per roll I'd reckon. Ask in paint shop for a good paperhanger as there are too many cowboys going around with their powerwashing a specialty and also do tiling and gardening.

redser7

Thanks again. Yes would rather get a pro who can guarantee a good result.

dodzy

redser7 wrote: »

Hi,
We're thinking of papering our chimney breast. I've never papered before so I've been doing some reading and research. Wondering what people think of paste on wall types of paper? As someone who has never wallpapered before it appeals to me and would seem to be the easier option. Am I right?
Thanks for any advice!

They're a gift as opposed to the traditional paste the paper and leave for recommended soak period. Done a couple of feature walls recently for people, having not used this before, and it truly is a doddle.

redser7

Thanks dodzy. Mind if I ask where you got it/brand?
Thinking now I could create a stencil with cardboard to fit around the tricky profile, then draw that onto the sheet and cut it before I put it onto the pasted wall. Does it sound like a reasonable solution?
Cheers

dodzy

Sorry red, customers supplied the paper. I just hung it. I see your predicament. Out of interest, how wide is the area below the mantle piece that you intend to paper? Are we only talking a few inches? Throw up a pic if you can.

redser7

Thanks Dodzy, see below. It's pretty narrow. I wonder would it be an option to paper this area with a separate narrow strip and try match everything up?

dodzy

Yep, that's the ticket. Start in the centre over the fireplace and cut a strip to suit. Lie this section down flat on the floor and cut another 2 lengths ( one for either side ), allowing for pattern match. Then paste entire upper section of the fireplace and fit the 3 lengths, wrapping the overlap around the right and left alcoves. All you have to do then is cut 2 thin strips, present to the dry wall for pattern match, and cut the required profile with a sharp blade. Paste and fit the 2 remaining strips. You then only have the side walls to complete.

When you're done, you'll wonder what all the fuss had been about.

A doddle

redser7

You free this weekend to do some papering?
Thanks a million, great to get it spelled out like that. I'll do it just as you say.
Cheers

dodzy

redser7 wrote: »

You free this weekend to do some papering?
Thanks a million, great to get it spelled out like that. I'll do it just as you say.
Cheers

You'll be fine. My paypal address is on the way to ya

EDIT: Im assuming that the rolls are approx 20" in width so if the fireplace is 5' in width, you will be better starting off-centre to avoid having nothing to wrap around the corners. Just make sure to allow for this.

redser7

dodzy wrote: »

You'll be fine. My paypal address is on the way to ya

EDIT: Im assuming that the rolls are approx 20" in width so if the fireplace is 5' in width, you will be better starting off-centre to avoid having nothing to wrap around the corners. Just make sure to allow for this.

We haven't chosen the pattern yet so I'll watch out for this when we do buy it. Thanks for the pointer!

CarrickMcJoe

Careful when you do the wraparound, that edge looks uneven to me. You may get an awkward bubble down along it.

redser7

Thanks!