Do you soak wallpaper before hanging?

If you’re thinking about giving your home a makeover, especially if you live in sunny Florida, wallpaper can add a stylish touch to your walls. At Wall Mastery, a top wallpaper installation business in Florida, we often get asked, “Do you soak wallpaper before hanging it?” This is an important question if you want your wallpaper to look great. Let’s dive into why soaking is important, how to do it right, and some tips for the best results.

Why Soak Wallpaper?
Soaking wallpaper before hanging it is a key step in the process. This is especially true for pre-pasted wallpapers. Soaking activates the glue on the back, helping it stick to the wall properly. At Wall Mastery, we always emphasize the importance of soaking to ensure your wallpaper looks good and stays up for a long time.

Types of Wallpaper
Not all wallpapers need to be soaked. Here are the three main types:

1. Pre-pasted Wallpaper: This type already has glue on the back. You need to soak it in water to activate the glue.
2. Unpasted Wallpaper: This type needs you to apply glue to the back yourself.
3. Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper: This type is like a big sticker and doesn’t need soaking or extra glue.

For pre-pasted wallpaper, soaking is a must. For unpasted wallpaper, you apply the glue directly to the paper. Peel-and-stick wallpaper is the easiest since it doesn’t need any soaking or glue.

How to Soak Wallpaper
Here’s how Wall Mastery recommends soaking and hanging pre-pasted wallpaper:

1. Preparation: Cut your wallpaper to the right length, leaving a bit extra at the top and bottom.
2. Soaking: Fill a tub with room-temperature water. Roll the wallpaper with the glue side out and dunk it in the water. Let it soak for the time recommended on the package, usually about 30 seconds to a minute.
3. Booking: After soaking, fold the wallpaper with the glue sides together to keep the glue wet. Let it sit for 3-5 minutes.
4. Hanging: Unfold the top half and place it on the wall, smoothing out any bubbles. Then do the same with the bottom half.

Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with good preparation, mistakes can happen. Here are some common ones to watch out for:

• Over-Soaking: Too much soaking can wash away the glue.
• Under-Soaking: Not enough soaking means the glue won’t stick well.
• Poor Wall Preparation: Make sure your walls are clean, dry, and smooth.

Tips from Wall Mastery
Here are some extra tips from the experts at Wall Mastery:

• Use Quality Tools: Invest in good tools like a smoothing brush, a seam roller, and a sharp knife.
• Work in Sections: Take your time and work on one section at a time to get everything lined up right.
• Check for Bubbles: After hanging, use a smoothing tool to press out any bubbles.

Dealing with Florida’s Humidity
Florida’s humid weather can make hanging wallpaper a bit tricky. Humidity can affect the glue and the drying time. Here’s how Wall Mastery handles these challenges:

• Climate Control: Use air conditioning or dehumidifiers to keep the room cool and dry.
• Ventilation: Make sure the room has good airflow to help the wallpaper dry.
• Moisture Barriers: In really humid areas, use a special primer to help the wallpaper stick better.

Why Hire Professionals?
While doing it yourself can be fun, hiring professionals like Wall Mastery can ensure the best results. Our team knows all about different wallpaper types and techniques, so your wallpaper will look amazing and last a long time.

Here are some benefits of professional installation:

• Expert Knowledge: We know the best methods for different wallpapers.
• Precision: We make sure everything is cut, aligned, and smoothed perfectly.
• Time-Saving: Professionals can get the job done faster and with less hassle.

Conclusion
So, should you soak wallpaper before hanging it? For pre-pasted wallpaper, the answer is yes. Soaking activates the glue and helps it stick to the wall. By following the right steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can make your wallpaper look fantastic.

If you’re in Florida and thinking about wallpaper for your home, contact Wall Mastery for expert advice and installation services. We’ll help you transform your walls with beautiful wallpaper that adds style and personality to your space.