HOW TO WALLPAPER THE CEILING OF A ROOM

When wallpapering a room completely with wallpaper, our recommendation is to always start at the ceiling. It is most common to do this lengthwise, covering the maximum length with a single strip. Also, start with the areas furthest away from the window, to prevent the light from creating an unsightly shadow.

Today we would like to give you some basic tips on how to hang wallpaper on the ceiling, bearing in mind that you will have two different possibilities. It will be one way for paper-based wallpaper and another way for non-woven wallpaper. But we must start by measuring the space.

 

Steps to put up wallpaper on the ceiling

Mark the first strip of wallpaper

There is a first recommendation to bear in mind: working with decorative wallpaper above your head will not be easy. Try to choose a ladder that is stable and rests on a non-slip surface. Climb up to a rung that allows you to stay about 10 centimetres above the ceiling to make the operation more comfortable.

Take the first strip of wallpaper you are going to install, with an extra five centimetres at each end. Mark a straight line on the ceiling to establish the start of the installation, with a width a couple of centimetres less than the strip of paper. 

Use a tape measure or folding metre to mark several points along the ceiling, about 50 centimetres apart. You can use a water level to draw a line between them or use what is known as a chalk line. The latter option is not recommended for non-woven wallpaper, as the adhesive paste is applied to the ceiling and may rub off.

Apply glue or adhesive paste

As with any other wallpaper work, you will need to use the adhesive corresponding to the type of wallpaper you have chosen. For ceilings, we recommend that you prepare the mixture with a little less water, so that no drops will fall when you apply it to the chosen area.

Before you get to work, cover the fixed elements in the room that you cannot move, remove all lamps and wall lights and close the windows so that there are no draughts. There should also be no electric current, so it is important to switch it off beforehand. As we have said, there are two main ways:

Paper-based wallpaper: Place the strip of wallpaper on the work easel, face down, to apply the adhesive paste. Remember that it folds 1/3, so divide by three and work out where it folds. Mark it and apply the paste, taking care of the edges, and fold the strip precisely so as not to overlap.

Non-woven wallpaper: In this case, you will only need to apply the adhesive paste to the ceiling (something you can do on the one mentioned above for better fixation). Do this generously and evenly, but do not overdo it. Use a short nap roller and start at the moulding up to the marked line.

Applying the wallpaper

After the necessary resting time for the wallpaper adhesive, it's time to apply the first strip. Fortunately, it will be much easier than you might imagine, and there will also be differences from one wallpaper to 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 before. Unfold it little by little and try to keep it always on the line. With your own brush you can smooth the paper towards the ends.

Non-woven wallpaper: In a similar way, align the wallpaper with the marks and install it slowly. Be aware of overlaps on the sides, and remove any bubbles with firm outward strokes.

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