Step By Step Process Of Applying Wallpaper On A Stairwell Without Scaffolding
Applying wallpaper through stairwells follows exactly the same general procedure as you do while applying wallpaper on other walls, however, when it comes to high points, you will usually need longer lengths of wallpaper, that will make the task more challenging. Reaching high points through stairwells is not an easy task & without the right equipment, applying wallpaper on high points can be extremely dangerous. You can easily accomplish the task of applying wallpaper on stairwell yourself, however, you will need proper planning & also the assistance from someone. In order to apply wallpaper to a stairwell without scaffolding, gather the required items for the process & then go through the step by step process carefully:
Items Needed
- Wallpaper Primer, Paint Brush, & Paint Roller
- Ladder, Ladder Leveler, & Measuring Tape
- Pencil, Scissors, & Wallpaper Paste
- Water, Wallpaper Smoother, & Utility Knife
Step 1: Apply The Primer & Use A Ladder Leveler
First of all, you need to apply wallpaper primer to the wall with the help of a roller, before allowing it to dry thoroughly. After it dries completely, you need to attach or affix a ladder leveler to the base of your ladder. A ladder leveler is usually an extension that is installed on the base of a ladder in order to extend one or both legs on uneven surfaces including stairs.
Step 2: Take Your Measurements & Account For A Slight Overhang
Now, compute the distance from the ceiling to each stair through the entire wall in order to find the longest vertical section between a stair and the ceiling. This section will need the longest length of paper, and it will be your starting point. Add one to two inches to the longest measurement in order to allow for a slight overhang at the top as well as bottom of the wallpaper, and roll out the paper to this length.
Step 3: Make Your Cuts & Apply The Paste
Next, cut the wallpaper to the length measured with the help of scissors or a utility knife. Position the wallpaper face-down on a flat work surface, before rolling wallpaper paste onto the entire back of the paper with the help of a paint roller. If you’ are using pre-pasted paper, then you need to fold the paper accordion style in order to make sure that the pasted side faces out. Soak the folded wallpaper in a trough of water. Pull it out by taking hold of the top fold before slowly lifting in order to make sure that the paper unfolds, as long as it is out of the water.
Step 4: Carry The Paper Up The Ladder
Fold each end of the paper back onto itself in order to make sure that pasted sides are not exposed to the air. Take the paper up your ladder but you need to have an assistant at the base of the ladder in order to provide safety.
Step 5: Line The Paper Up With The Wall
Unfold the top half of the paper, before lining it up with the top of the wall in order to make sure that there is at least one inch of overhang. Smooth the top edges with the help of a damp sponge, moving from the center outward on each side.
Step 6: Smooth Out The Wallpaper
Run a wallpaper smoother through the top of the paper in order to eliminate wrinkles and air pockets, before unfolding the bottom half of the paper. Have your assistant take hold of the bottom of the strip as you smooth the upper portion. Keep smoothing the paper working from the top downward, as long as the entire piece is affixed to the wall, and there are no wrinkles or bubbles.
Step 7: Trim Excess Paper & Match The Next Section Of Paper
Trim the excess paper at the top as well as the bottom with the help of a utility knife. Wipe adhesive from the trim or ceiling with the help of a damp sponge. Tell your assistant to pass up the roll of paper. Unroll it next to the first piece of paper before matching the pattern on the paper and butt the seams. Mark on the paper where the top will line up with the pattern of the previous piece.
Step 8: Cut Your Second Piece & Apply The Paste
Compute the wall from the ceiling to the stairs in order to find the next longest section, and add at least one inch to this measurement. Descend the ladder before cutting your second piece according to these measurements starting at the point you marked on the paper when matching the pattern. Apply paste to the paper, before carrying it back up the ladder. Line up the second piece in order to make sure that the pattern matches the first piece. Smooth the paper with the help of a damp sponge working from the center outward.
Step 9: Repeat Hanging Strips Until Finished
Keep hanging additional strips of wallpaper as you proceed through the stairwell as long as you have covered the entire wall. Keep each strip close to the previous strip, but make sure to prevent overlapping the seams. Move the ladder through the steps as you work, adjusting the leveler at the base as needed.