'Home Improvement' Category

In applying wallpaper, remember that your starting point will also be where you finish. Because it is almost impossible to have the pattern of your first and last panel line up perfectly you want this joining place to be where it is least likely to be noticed - which is along the edge of a door or a built-in cabinet, or at an inconspicuous corner... [...] Read More

Before starting work, buy all the paper you need at one time because color can vary from print run to print run. To determine how many rolls a room will need add together the width of walls in feet and then multiply by height. Divide by 30 which is the average usable square feet in an American-made roll, or by 25 if you are using a European-made paper.Subtract a half roll for each normal-sized window and door. You now have a working total, just add one roll for good measure and future patches. [...] Read More

Keep your first project as easy as possible if you are new to paperhanging. Choose a paper designed with a do-it-yourselfer in mind. Here are some characteristics to look for. [...] Read More

No material can transform a room as quickly as fresh wallpaper. And with practice, the proper tools and the right selection of papers, even a novice can master the basic techniques needed to do a good job. For your first project, choose a smaller room out of the public eye, like a bedroom for example. And start on a wall with a minimum of windows and doors because the measuring, hanging, and fitting will be easiest there. Many do-it-yourselfers also find that working with a helper makes everything go more smoothly. [...] Read More

Almost all professional painters favor flat latex paints these days for most walls and ceiling jobs. They usually choose latex semi-gloss or gloss paints to paint woodwork. Latex has a number of advantages over the older, natural oil-based and synthetic alkyd paints which contains solvents that cause pollution. Because latex is water-based it means that it rarely has to be thinned. Brushes and any paint drips clean up easily with soap and water. It also emits no fumes or vapors when applied and most important of all - it dries fast. [...] Read More

A wall itself may sometimes be in fine shape but a section of drywall joint tape used to cover joint seams is peeling away. Repairs to this are actually easy and here they are. [...] Read More

Plaster walls can take a beating a from repeated contact with chairs, doorknobs and the general mishaps of daily life. Plaster ceilings are prone to small cracks, the result of vibrations from the floor above or from the house settling. If you are planning to paint or to hang wallpaper, now is the time to examine your walls and ceilings, determine what they are made of and undertake the appropriate repairs. [...] Read More

Scrubbable wall coverings and impregnated wallpapers are tougher than either conventional or washable wallpapers. But they are still subject to scratching. Use a cleaner formulated especially for cleaning such materials, or wipe with a sponge and a very mild cleaner. Do not use an abrasive cleanser, scouring pad or brush. Use silver polish applied with a clean cloth to remove crayon marks from a vinyl wall covering.Concentrated dishwashing detergent works well too. Remember to rinse well afterward. [...] Read More

Here are some methods to remove difficult spots and stains on wallpapers: To remove ink spots from washable wallpaper, liquid chlorine bleach can be very effective. But be careful, the strength of the bleach can sometimes wipe away the color of the wallpaper along with the ink spot. Test the method in an inconspicuous area to be safe. Dab the ink spot with a clean cloth or a cotton swab dampened with the bleach then quickly rinse the area with a cloth or sponge dipped in clear water to neutralize the bleaching action. [...] Read More

The term 'wall covering' has many applications but mostly narrowly refers to wallpapers (vinyl-coated papers, solid papers, foils, flocked papers or murals); vinyl fabric coverings (fabric-backed or paper-backed); and textile wall coverings (linen, silk, grass cloth or cotton toile). Wall coverings need to be cleaned periodically like ordinary walls though their general griminess may not be readily apparent because their patterns and colors tend to hide dirt. A quick dusting a couple of times a year may be all you need to do to prolong the life of most wall coverings and maintain much of their original brilliance. To dust, follow the same procedures we've recommended for dusting painted walls. Other steps to revive the appearance of wall coverings depend largely on the kind of wallcovering you have and the type of stains you want to remove. [...] Read More