Painting and decorating with wallpaper are two of the infallible techniques to give a new look to your home without the need for expensive and complicated reforms. And doing it as an expert is easier than it might seem at first. DIY: Do it yourself! Do It Yourself! We tell you how.
Secrets to wallpapering like an expert
- The type of paper. It is easier if you opt for a vinyl or vinyl paper with a fabric-non-woven base (they have a textile backing). They are thicker and more resistant (also in case you have to lift it if you make a mistake) and you only need to glue the paper or the wall. However, read the assembly instructions.
- So that it is completely smooth. The wall should be clean, without cracks, holes … You can cover them with putty and sand. And for the paper to grip better later, give a primer. But if you don't want to touch the wall, you can opt for a textured paper, which better conceals irregularities.
- To know how much paper to cut. Measure the wall and leave 5 cm above and below. Glue the paper and then cut what is left with a utility knife.
- If the paper has drawings (flowers, rhombuses …). After pasting the first sheet, place the roll next to it to see how they fit together. Mark and cut the sheet. This way you will spend less paper.
- To avoid bubbles. Place the paper from top to bottom and smooth with a brush and then with a cloth.
- It prevents it from taking off. To do this, glue the sides and ends well. So that the joints are not noticeable, join the sheets without mounting and go over with the roller. If you mess up, lift them up before the glue dries.
- And for possible repairs. It is advisable to keep an excess sheet with the reason for the complete drawing. In this way, if there is a tear in the paper, you can repair it with the right part of the stamp where the damage is found.
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Wallpaper glue: see which one is the most suitable on the label of the paper you choose. A brush, roller, and smoothing cloth. And cutter and ruler or ribbon to cut the excess.
How to paint and succeed!
- Unwrap before painting. Prepare a mixture of equal parts hot water and vinegar and soak a rolling pin with it. Pass it on the wall as if you were painting. The strips will come out whole.
- Cracks in ceilings and walls. Widen them a bit with a putty knife and fill them with caulk or cover them with fiberglass strips. Give Aquaplast and when dry sandpaper.
- Joints without putty. Remove what remains, clean the surface and fill them with putty again with the tube. Remove the excess with your finger or a spatula.
- Paint without mess. To be able to drain the brush without danger of staining the floor, place the paint container on a plate or a tray made of cardboard.
- Protect window and door frames and glass. Before painting, brush liquid soap near the frames and glass joints. Wait for it to dry and paint calmly. It will repel paint. But if you want more protection, protect them with thick adhesive tape (sold in hardware stores).
To reduce the smell of paint, add a few drops of vanilla to the jar and stir. You will camouflage its scent
- Paint the corners. When you go to paint, remember to always start and finish paint cans in the corners. Sometimes there may be a slight variation in pitch from boat to boat and it will hardly be noticeable.
- To paint the ceiling well. When you paint it, apply the paint in the direction of the window light. You will prevent the brush strokes from being noticed.
- If you paint the walls white. Add a good amount of clothes bleach to the paint beforehand. The wall will be dazzling.
- White enamel. To prevent the white of cabinets and doors from turning yellow, which is a common occurrence in the kitchen, add a few drops of blue enamel to the synthetic enamel.
- If you have paint left. Pour a little white spirit into the pot before closing it. This way, it will keep beautifully and you will not be surprised to find it dry when you use it again.
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How much paint do I need?
It is the question that we all ask ourselves when we have to paint. This approximate calculation can help you: for interiors, a liter of water-based paint covers between 9 and 15 square meters; to oil, between 12 and 17; and those of primer, between 15 and 18.
