Wallpaper no longer a fashion wallflower
Here, we’ve offered a few guidelines for choosing, using and removing wallpaper.
Wallpaper is categorized by its material and adhesive coating. Nonwoven substrate paper is popular with renters because it dry-strips easily from the wall. Pre-pasted papers come with a wateractivated adhesive backing. Both are durable, strippable and generally grease-resistant, which makes them smart choices for those with children or pets. Wallpapers are typically sold as single rolls or bolts (double rolls).
The “match” tells you how to line up the pattern from strip to strip. There are three types: straight, random and drop. Straight-match papers run the width of the paper and across the seam onto the next strip. Random-match papers continue seamlessly no matter what. Drop-match papers require extra planning and must be aligned horizontally and vertically on either side, as the pattern is slightly offset from strip to strip.
Pre-pasted wallpapers usually need to be “booked,” which means wetting the paper and letting it sit, usually for about 10 minutes, while the glue activates. Unpasted papers don’t come with adhesive, so you’ll need to paste the wall or the back of the paper.
Repeats are the number of inches a pattern stretches vertically until it repeats itself. Generally, the lower the repeat, the lower the waste. Solids and textures, for example, have no repeat and little waste because the amount you’ll need is easy to calculate.
Before you buy, you need to determine how much wallpaper you need. This gets tricky when you take windows and doors into account, so using an online calculator (such as those offered by Lowe’s and Home Depot) is recommended. Exact roll measurements vary by manufacturer, but most cover 25 to 28 square feet. Retailers often price wallpaper by the single roll but sell only double or triple rolls.
Wallpapers are surprisingly durable and, these days, maintaining them is easy. Scrubbable papers can be cleaned with a sponge and detergent. Washable papers can be gently cleaned or wiped with a damp cloth.
Commitment-phobes should look for two types of paper: strippable and peelable. The former can be removed without water or chemicals and leave no backing. The latter peels off the wall and may leave some adhesive residue behind, which can be removed with soap and water.