Tips that Helped My Install Go Smoother
Let me start off by saying that I wanted to hire someone to do this soooooo bad, but it was impossible to find a professional for the job. I called and sent emails to a number of people, but I rarely got a response. I finally made an appointment with one person, but he canceled the night before due to a large project with an interior designer that would take the rest of the year to complete. We were in February. Deep sigh. I was going to have to install the wallpaper if I wanted it done.
This project felt too large for me to attempt on my own. I had no interest in a DIY experience and had zero faith that I could get it right on the first try. The thought of purchasing quality wallpaper and gluing it to a wall terrified me. I watched a few you tube videos and read some articles online and it scared me even more. But I just knew I had to have grasscloth wallpaper in my husband's office to complete the look I was going for. It would elevate the space, add texture, and give it an interior design feel. So I rolled up my sleeves and got it done. This is what I learned after my first install.
1. Tools Go A Long Way
If you are installing a premium wallpaper, make sure you are using the right tools. This includes:
Quality laser level (I have Bosch)
Paint roller and tray
Roman wallpaper paste ( I think I bought pro-555 extreme tack because of the heavier paper)
Smoother
Seam roller
Many razors (they get dull after awhile)
2. Check your rolls, rotate your panels
Because grasscloth is natural, the dye may take to the fibers differently, causing color variation. Totally normal, but do yourself a favor and check for imperfections. Most companies will send you new rolls if you find anything glaring. The color variation issue also means that you need to check your panels after you cut. You will most likely need to rotate the paper to align each panel to get a closer color match. Most companies provide installation directions that tell you this, but I wouldn't be a good friend if I didn't say it here too. Please check your rolls before you cut and make sure the panels line up to your liking. Number each one so you know exactly where they're going. You can write in pencil on the back.
3. Measure twice, cut once
I measured the wall, then added four inches (probably excessive but I needed to be sure) before cutting the strips. I set up my prep area in my dining room, which is across from the office, and used the table to make the cuts. I was afraid I would slice the table if I used a razor so I just used scissors. Probably not very professional, but I had no problem getting clean cuts. I knew I was going to use the razor to cut off the excess once the paper was on the wall so it didn't matter to me. It's the method that helped me get over my fear of installing.
4. Start In the Corner? Maybe, maybe not...
Ok. This one is a little controversial. Many blogs suggested starting in the corner. After watching a few you tube videos and some DIYers on Instagram (I can't remember which ones. Sorry!), I also noticed they installed the first piece in a corner. However, I later read that this is a bad idea because walls are never straight and you risk a crooked install. If that first piece is crooked, chances are the rest will be too. My walls definitely aren't straight and I swear on some days a few pieces look a little off even though I used a laser level. It's still beautiful, but the perfectionist in me struggles with this. So what is the alternative method anyway? Start in the middle of the wall and draw a plumb line. Chances are it's flat and straight. If you decide to start in the corner, do NOT bring a full piece to the edge of the wall. Make sure the wallpaper wraps around the corner so that a tiny piece is on the adjacent wall. Once it's positioned properly, crease the paper and smooth.
After stepping back, I think these panels are off because of my wall. Planning to add drapes to mask it a little
5. Use a laser level
I can't draw a straight line if my life depended on it, but I knew the laser was accurate. It made this project less intimidating. Some people don't use one, but this was a game changer for me.
6. Paste the paper and the wall
This was so clutch for me. Other types of wallpaper may not require this, but grasscloth is heavy so I definitely recommend you paste the paper AND the wall. When I first started the project, I used this method. Then, I somehow convinced myself that it wouldn't make a difference if the wall had paste and I quickly learned that I was very wrong about that. The paper kept falling and my arms got tired from trying to hold it up to fix. I would say there is no other way. Make sure you use a ton of a paste, enough to where the wall looks a little wet. Otherwise, it will dry up and you will have to put more on anyway. When you're hanging the paper, make sure you have excess above the start of your wall and obviously below. You're going to cut if off once you're satisfied with the way you applied the wallpaper.
7. Make Relief & Excess Cuts
If you're cutting around windows or doors, make sure to make relief cuts. If you don't, the paper will tear and you'll have to start the install all over. When you're removing the excess, use either a putty knife or smoothing tool to create a crease before you cut. I found this helpful guide that describes how to do this and provides some illustrations. I messed up a few times and cut too much out. Luckily enough, it was in a spot that no one would be able to see. I was able to take a small piece of wallpaper and just glue it in the exposed spot.
A very proud moment for myself. Not perfect, but done.
Other tips:
Do not get glue on grasscloth. It won't come out and if you try, it can remove the dye. I have one small spot where the glue dried and it will not come out. After a few attempts of blotting, I gave up. I dont' want to damage the wallpaper.
Make sure you use a smoothing tool to get the bubbles out. This is very important. If you don't do this, you'll have some areas that are fully glued to the wall and some areas that look like air is trapped. I don't think you can remove the air without damaging the paper once it has dried.
Make sure to prep the walls before you start. I wiped mine down to get rid of dust and sanded areas that had little nicks to ensure the wall were smooth.
As you can see, I had a few mishaps along the way, but considering this was my very first time, the project turned out amazing. I wish I would've taken more pictures! I didn't think I could get it done and talked myself out of documenting. Lesson learned. Never doubt yourself! Hope these tips were helpful.