HOW TO WALLPAPER A ROOM CEILING

When we completely wallpaper a room with wallpaper, our recommendation is to always start with the ceiling. The most common practice is to do it lengthwise, covering the maximum length with a single strip. Additionally, start with the areas farthest from the window to avoid the light creating an unsightly shadow.

Today we want to give you the basic tips for placing the wallpaper on the ceiling, keeping in mind that you will have two different possibilities. It will be one way for the wallpaper with a paper base and another for the wallpaper. But we must start by measuring the space.

Steps to place wallpaper on the ceiling

Mark the first strip of wallpaper

You should keep in mind a first recommendation: working with wallpaper above your head will not be easy. Try to choose a ladder that is stable and rests on a non-slip surface. Climb to a step that allows you to stay about 10 centimeters from the ceiling so that the operation is more comfortable.

Take the first strip of wallpaper that you are going to install, with an extra five centimeters on each end. Mark a straight line on the ceiling to establish the start of the placement, with a width a couple of centimeters smaller than the strip of wallpaper. 

Use a tape measure or a folding ruler to mark several points along the ceiling, about 50 centimeters apart. You can use a water level to draw a line between them or do it with what is known as a chalk line. The latter option is not recommended for wallpaper, as the adhesive paste is applied to the ceiling and may smudge.

Apply glue or adhesive paste

Like any other job with wallpaper, you will need to use the adhesive corresponding to the type of paper you have chosen. For installation on ceilings, we recommend that you prepare the mixture with a little less water, so that drops do not fall when you apply it in the chosen area.

Before you start working, cover the fixed elements in the room that you cannot move, remove all lamps and fixtures, and close the windows to prevent drafts. There should also be no electrical current, so it is important to turn it off beforehand. As we have said, there are mainly two ways:

• Wallpaper with a paper base: Place the strip of wallpaper on the workbench, face down, to apply the adhesive paste. Remember that it folds at 1/3, so you will need to divide by three and calculate where it folds. Mark it and apply the paste, being careful with the edges, and fold the strip precisely to avoid overlapping.
• Wallpaper: In this case, you will only need to apply the adhesive paste to the ceiling (something you can do as mentioned above for better adhesion). Do it generously and evenly, but without excess. Use a short-haired roller and start with the molding up to the marked line.

Put up the wallpaper

"After the necessary resting times for the adhesive of the wallpaper, it is time to place the first strip. Luckily, it will be much simpler than you can imagine, and there will also be differences between one paper and another."

• Wallpaper with a paper base: With the help of another person holding the wallpaper (with a clean broom, for example), unfold the shorter side and press it against the ceiling, always aligned with the line we marked earlier. Gradually unfold it and try to keep it always on the line. With the brush itself, you can smooth the paper towards the edges.
• Wallpaper: Similarly, align the wallpaper with the marked lines and install it calmly. Be mindful of the overlaps on the sides, and eliminate any possible bubbles with firm outward movements.

Once you have this step ready, you will only need to cut the overlaps with a cutter or a special blade for wallpaper. It is also the time to trim the areas where the lighting will be placed.