HOW TO CUT WALLPAPER CORRECTLY
You've got everything ready and you're ready to start installing your new wallpaper, and you want to see how the new style of the room will look. One of the most important processes is the cutting of the wallpaper, as it will be the key for the pattern to fit perfectly and the visual sensation to be the one you want.
So that you don't have any doubts, today we want to show you the necessary steps to cut the wallpaper and achieve the best result. Write down all the tips and you will be ready to get down to work.
Steps to cut wallpaper in the best possible way
We are sure that you have already measured the wall of your room several times, but it is necessary to do it again, at least to avoid any doubts. Do this at several different points, as there may be variations. Take as a reference the highest part and add 5 centimetres above and 5 centimetres below, just to be on the safe side.
Once you are clear about the total area to be covered with decorative wallpaper, you may want to know how many strips you will need. For this you will not only have to take into account the height and width of the wall, but you will also have to add an extra for the pattern of the wallpaper (if any).
On the wallpaper labelling you will find two pieces of information that are very necessary to take all this into consideration: the width of the wallpaper and the repeating pattern itself. With these data you will have all the information regarding the measurements to know how many strips you will need.
Determine the beginning of the repeat pattern
Now that you know how many strips you will need, you must determine the start of the pattern before you start cutting the wallpaper (provided it has one). This will be important for the optical effect of the whole composition to be right, as you will avoid ending up in the middle of the pattern or with a cut in the wrong place. This way you will have a great result when you are done.
Hold the roll directly on the wall, or ask a helper to hold it so that you can see it in space. We recommend that you do this check in the centre of the most important wall, starting at the top. This is because this area will attract the most attention in the room, so we want the wallpaper to look exceptional here.
With this process, you will now know where the whole pattern starts and how you will be able to place it. Mark it lightly so that you have a constant reference, and then you can start to install the wallpaper wherever you prefer. Remember to keep the start of the pattern at the top of the wall.
Use an easel to cut out the wallpaper strips
Now that you have everything ready, the moment of truth arrives. Arm yourself with a pencil, a knife (or even a box cutter or large scissors) and, if necessary, cotton gloves for the more delicate wallpaper. Place your tools on an easel and start the process.
Roll out the wallpaper with the pattern facing you, and remember to mark the measurements by adding a total of ten centimetres to the maximum height of the wall. Be careful at the start of the roll, as it does not always start with the full pattern. Give it a little leeway if this is not the case, without forgetting that extra we mentioned.
With a wallpaper ruler, or by folding the strip until it matches, make a cut in a perfectly straight line. This is the only way to ensure that you don't make any mistakes and that the print is perfect. As you can imagine, for plain papers you don't need to worry about the start of the pattern, but follow the same cutting method.
Follow the repeating pattern to continue
Now that you have the first of the strips cut, it's time to continue with the rest of the strips for the rest of the wall. To do this the right way, you must take into account the type of pattern that the wallpaper you have chosen follows, to avoid misplacing it. There are three different formats:
Straight Rapport: there are no gaps in the pattern, as the image remains constant and you only have to superimpose them. They are semi-abstract geometric figures, such as crow's feet or paisley.
Free Rapport: in this case there will be no complications, as the shape of the pattern has no consequences. For example, when they are vertical lines of colour.
Skipped Rapport: These are usually large geometric figures, such as large polka dots, in which the strips will be the same in a skipped way (the first, the third and the fifth; the second, the fourth and the sixth...).
Now you are more than ready to cut your first roll of wallpaper and install it in your new room.
