HOW TO PUT WALLPAPER BEHIND RADIATORS?

 

When we want to wallpaper a room, it is clear that we must remove as many objects as possible so that we can work with more space and peace of mind. But there are some fixed elements, such as radiators, which cannot be removed when installing wallpaper.

The first thing to check is what type of radiator it is, as this determines how the wallpaper is to be installed. For the avoidance of doubt, we can basically divide them into three main groups:

Ribbed or sectional radiators: These are the classic radiators, although they are currently used in many buildings. They are divided into individual elements that can be grouped together to make them larger or smaller.

Tubular radiators: These are thin tubes that are installed horizontally or vertically, through which the wall in which they are located can be seen. This allows the wallpaper to be installed, as we will see later.

Paper radiators and convector radiators: This type of radiator offers a uniform aesthetic on the wall, with no gaps visible. They are very flat and close to the wall, so it is really difficult to wallpaper behind them.

We are now going to see how to hang wallpaper in any of these cases. Remember to turn off the radiator beforehand, so that the residual heat does not affect the material or the drying of the paste.

 

Installing wallpaper with radiators in the bedroom

Bedrooms often have radiators to improve everyone's sleep, even the little ones, so installing children's wallpaper shouldn't be a problem if you follow our advice.

 

Ribbed or sectional radiators

The first thing you'll need to do is take measurements, either from the ceiling or from the bottom of the window sill (where radiators are often placed). Remember to add about 4 centimetres for overlap. Then measure again, but this time from the floor to the top edge of the radiator, and mark with the horizontal line ten centimetres higher.

Prepare everything you need to lay it (either the wall or the wallpaper itself) and, when the appropriate soaking time has elapsed, cut up to the previous mark in columns about ten centimetres wide. This will be used to place it on the back of the radiator.

Once you have done this, you just need to start laying the wallpaper as usual, starting from the ceiling or windowsill. When you get to the radiator, start applying each strip one by one using a long-handled roller, helping yourself between the gaps to get it in place.

An alternative to this technique is to do it directly without cutting the strip into several columns, although you will need a little more skill. Press the wallpaper down a little at a time and pull it through the gaps, but be careful not to damage it.

 

Tubular radiators

In this case, the system is very similar to the previous one. You will only have to cut a strip of wallpaper the full size of your wall (or from the window, if you have one), and then place it through the strips or in one piece, as you prefer.

Paper radiators and convectors

Again, we start by measuring the length we need, taking as a reference the ceiling or window sill to the top of the radiator, adding 10 centimetres. Remember that this cut must coincide with the pattern of the strip that you have previously placed.

As we indicated at the beginning, it will not be possible to place the wallpaper behind this type of radiator, but it will be possible to do so around it. Therefore, this first strip will be placed from the top towards the radiator, and then cut (with scissors, for example) what is left over from those ten centimetres of margin that we cannot stick to the wall.

We will do the same from the bottom. Measuring the distance from the floor to the bottom of the radiator, add 10 centimetres and cut a strip that matches the pattern. Following the same operation, we will place the wallpaper and then cut out what is necessary.

If one strip is not enough to cover the entire radiator, repeat the process until you can continue with the rest of the wall.