Wallpapering a chimney breast can be a great way to add a stylish accent to your room. It is a simple project that can be done in a couple of hours with the right tools and techniques. We have been writing blogs on hints and tips of how to wallpaper in the last few weeks. We have created blogs on how to wallpaper around obstacles and how to measure for wallpaper. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to wallpaper a chimney breast.
First, gather all the necessary tools and materials. You will need a
plumb line
chalk
dust sheet
stepladder
tape measure
scissors
pasting table
hanging brush
Stanley knife
clean cloth
How To Wallpaper A Chimney Breast – First Measure Your Chimney
Next, measure the width of your chimney breast and mark the exact centre using your plumb line. Then measure the width of your wallpaper and mark the chimney breast so that your first length of wallpaper will go exactly down the middle of the chimney. Measure from the ceiling to mantel and ceiling to floor and note the measurements, giving an extra 10 cm for trimming.
Now, cut your first piece of wallpaper to fit from ceiling to mantel. Place the piece face down on your pasting table and brush it evenly with wallpaper paste. Gently fold it in half and leave it to soak in accordance with the instructions on the paste.
Using the chalked lines as your guide, position your wallpaper in the centre of the chimney. Use the back of your scissors to mark a line where you need to trim. Then, ease the wallpaper away from the wall and trim it using a Stanley knife. Stick the wallpaper to the wall, brushing downwards and outwards to eliminate bubbles. Use your clean cloth to smooth the wallpaper for a neat, professional finish.
Add Wallpaper To The Chimney
Once the first piece is hung, work your way outwards. If you are using a patterned wallpaper, make sure that the patterns line up and that your seams are tight together. Repeat the process until you have covered the entire chimney breast.
When applying wallpaper, it is important that you take your time so that you achieve a precise, professional finish. Don’t apply too much paste, as this could damage the wallpaper, cause the colours to bleed, rip the paper, or cause it to expand, which will mean that you will have a gap at the seams when the paper dries and shrinks again.
To Pay For A Professional Decorator Or Not
If you are not confident in wallpapering yourself, contact a local painter and decorator for a quote. A chimney breast shouldn’t take more than a couple of hours to prepare the surface and paper, and sometimes getting a professional to do it is much simpler in the long run. It is always worth asking around to see if any family or friends can wallpaper. But we would recommend see the work as it may not meet your standards. But this could save you some money. Prices for a professional can be found on Trust A Trader for your local area.
In conclusion, wallpapering a chimney breast can be a simple and rewarding DIY project that adds a stylish accent to any room. With the right tools and techniques, you can achieve a precise, professional finish in just a few hours. So, grab your tools, pick your wallpaper, and get started on creating your very own feature wall.