how do I hang wallpaper without getting pockets of air underneath?

Hopeless, December 2008

Dear hopeless ;or anyone.

To successfully hang up paper without getting bubbles, simply size up (apply wall paper paste to walls) to area where you are working, obviously bubbles will appear but once you have placed wall paper (already sized up too) onto wall then using outward brush strokes from middle of paper this will get rid of any potential bubbles. If bubbles are still present, find a pin /use small knife and put small hole into wall paper this expels air pockets that are often hard to get rid off but DO NOT RIP OR CUT TOO MUCH into the paper as you may find it hard to match up the offending hole. Hence a pin is often useful continue using brush strokes to lose air pockets. also check that wall paper paste is mixed thoroughly too as this can cause air pockets too.

Anthony Tovey, September 2010

if you smooth out the paper downward,s and outward,s it should be ok if not where there are bubbles get a pin prick the bubble then working toward,s the pin prick with your finger,s press the air out

pete, January 2009

hi some papers are more prone to this than others my main tip is paste at the right consistency to start with then let it soak a few mins till soft , or as directed dont let the paste dry on the back , it must still be wet as you are about to hang it hope this helps

DECORATOR, January 2009

Make sure you paste it properly - not too thick and well spread out over all of the paper missing not even a fingernail sized hole. Paste down the centre and draw out the paste to the edges.

Fold top and bottom towards the centre and give it a few minutes for the moisture to soak into the backing paper - you could even be pasting the next piece while you wait.

Get piece number one up on the wall and line it up where you want it at the top and on the matching side and smooth it down firmly with the palm of your hand but not so firm as to crease or rip it. When you've done about 18" or so take a clean rag (old teatowel) and firmly smooth the paper down the centre and out towards the edges moving trapped air and excess glue to the edges. Repeat for the next 18" or so gradually working down the wall. Trim top and bottom using the back of your scissors to make a line and wipe the paper back to the ceiling and skirting. The paper should be pretty flat with no bubbles but you may need to take a wet sponge and dry cloth to wipe away any excess paste that has squeezed out from either side. If you don't do it now you end up with shiny marks on the edges when it dries.

The paper may well continue to absorb moisture and a few small bubbles may appear over the next few hours but ignore them as they will fade to nothing as the moisture dries out - honestly.

The trick is not to be in too much of a rush to get the paper on the wall after you've first pasted it - be patient.

Peccavi, December 2008