Tips for Installing Luxury Wallcoverings on Tricky Surfaces
Luxury wallcoverings have become a key trend in modern interior design, offering homeowners and designers alike the chance to elevate any space with unique patterns, rich textures, or bold statements. Whether it’s a bold and modern geometric design or a classic, rustic floral pattern, wallpaper offers a high-end decor solution that can completely transform any room.
However, as stunning as they are, luxury wallcoverings often demand extra care and expertise when it comes to installation, particularly on tricky surfaces. From textured walls to moisture-prone areas, these surfaces can present a range of challenges that can lead to less-than-beautiful results if you’re not careful. This guide explores essential tips to tackle these hurdles successfully and install luxury wallcoverings on even the trickiest surfaces.
The Importance of Proper Installation
When it comes to luxury wallcoverings, flawless installation is everything. Any mistakes or miscalculations can detract from the overall look, diminish the quality of the design, and lead to long-lasting issues. Common problems such as bumps, bubbles, or uneven placement are not just annoying on the surface; they can compromise the durability of the wallcovering.
For instance, failing to properly adhere edges to the wall can lead to peeling over time, especially on awkward or challenging surfaces. Replacing or repairing luxury coverings once they’ve been damaged can be both time-consuming and expensive, making it essential to get the installation right the first time. Proper installation doesn’t just ensure the wallpaper looks incredible; it also guarantees worth, longevity, and satisfaction for both the homeowner and the designer.
Identifying and Preparing Tricky Surfaces
The first step in dealing with tricky surfaces is identifying them early in the process. Not all walls are created equal, and some may come with inherent challenges that require extra preparation. Whether it’s textured, curved, damaged, or moisture-prone, each surface type calls for specific handling techniques to ensure a perfect application. Recognizing these problems during the planning phase helps prevent installation issues and saves both time and frustration down the line.
Textured Walls
Textured walls, while visually interesting, can create significant installation hurdles. Luxury wallcoverings rely on smooth surfaces for a clean, uninterrupted finish, but textures disrupt the adhering process. This mismatch often results in uneven adherence, bubbling, or visible imperfections beneath the covering.
Textured walls need to be smoothed out before the installation begins. Start by filling in the ridges and gaps with a high-quality joint compound, then sand it down to create a flat surface. Once the wall is level, apply a primer to ensure the adhesive bonds well to the surface. Taking this extra step will dramatically improve the final look and prevent future complications. It also helps to choose traditional paste wallpaper, which helps fill in gaps and other imperfections on the wall as you apply it.
Curved Walls
Curved walls add undeniable character to a room, but they can spell disaster when installing wallcoverings if you’re not careful. Luxury wallcoverings often involve patterns or textures that demand perfect alignment, and tackling a curved surface requires finesse to prevent distortion or mismatch issues.
Begin by cutting the wallpaper into smaller sections to make it more manageable. Smaller pieces are easier to manipulate and allow improved control over the application process. Apply adhesive section by section, smoothing out the wallpaper carefully and ensuring it conforms to the curve in a seamless manner. Patience and precision are key here, as rushing or skipping steps can result in imperfect edges or misaligned patterns.
Walls With Existing Damage
Damaged walls are another common obstacle for wallpaper installation. Cracks, holes, or chipped paint happen naturally over time, but they can interfere with proper adhesion and may even lead to visible imperfections in the wallcovering. These underlying issues need to be addressed thoroughly before adding wallpaper, as luxury materials can highlight rather than hide wall imperfections.
Before you start applying the wallpaper, repair any cracks or holes with spackle and sand the area until it’s smooth. Consider applying a wall liner before installing the wallpaper; this creates a smooth base that can hide minor imperfections and provide an even surface for the adhesive. A wall liner is especially useful when working with delicate wallcoverings that are more prone to showing imperfections through their thin material.
Moisture-Prone Walls
Moisture-prone walls, such as those in bathrooms or kitchens, pose a particular challenge. Excessive humidity and fluctuating temperatures can weaken adhesives and lead to peeling or warping over time.
To ensure longevity on these surfaces, it’s important to select a high-quality wallcovering that can withstand moisture. Always prime the walls with a reliable, moisture-resistant primer before applying the wallpaper. This extra step creates a protective layer that prevents moisture from seeping through and ensures the wallpaper maintains its integrity, even in high-humidity environments.
Installation Best Practices
Once you've completed these initial preparations, it’s time to focus on the installation itself. Begin by measuring the wall precisely to determine how many strips you’ll need and how the pattern will align. This step is particularly important for luxury wallcoverings, as their intricate designs require careful planning to ensure a seamless finish—especially if you’re working with unusual angles or spaces.
Mark out your starting point using a level to ensure that the wallpaper hangs straight from the get-go. Take your time to ensure the pattern is neat and uniform across the entire wall. Applying wallpaper crookedly is a common mistake that can throw off the entire design.
When installing luxury wallcoverings on tricky surfaces, high-quality adhesives are non-negotiable. Cheap or subpar adhesives may not offer enough hold, particularly on tricky surfaces, leading to future peeling or lifting. Invest in a premium adhesive that’s specifically designed for thicker or more textured papers, and be sure to follow the product’s instructions carefully for the best results. Once the wallpaper is fully applied, double-check for any areas that may need additional adhesive and secure them before the glue sets.
Transforming Tricky Walls Into Stunning Spaces
Installing luxury wallcoverings on tricky surfaces might sound daunting, but with the right preparation and techniques, it’s entirely manageable. The attention to detail and effort you invest in the process are worth it when the final look is revealed, showcasing the elegance and sophistication of your design.
If you’re looking for luxury wallpaper options for your next project, visit Olivia and Poppy. See what our online wallpaper store has to offer when you shop today.