Wallcovering is a fantastic way to introduce character and vibrancy to a room, making it more personalized and appealing. When decorating a child’s bedroom, the choice of cover is of utmost importance, as it serves as a backdrop for all the activities in the room, such as playing, resting, and fostering creativity.
However, installing a cover can be challenging, especially for those who have never tried their hand. It is a delicate process that requires patience, attention to detail, and a certain level of expertise.
To ensure a successful installation in a kids’ bedroom, it is crucial to avoid making common mistakes that can lead to an unsatisfactory outcome. With the right approach, you can avoid these blunders and achieve a flawless, professional-looking finish that will bring joy to you and your child.
This article will highlight the five most common mistakes people make when installing covers in a child’s bedroom and provide tips on avoiding them. Following these guidelines ensures that the installation process goes smoothly and results in a beautiful, long-lasting finish.
Here are five common mistakes you must avoid when you glue the wallpaper in your kid’s bedroom.
Not Measuring the Wall
This installation is a multi-step process that requires careful planning and attention to detail. The first and arguably most crucial step is to measure the walls accurately. This is essential for several reasons.
Firstly, it helps to avoid wasting it, as you can determine precisely how much material you need to purchase. Secondly, accurate measurement helps to ensure that the pattern will match correctly on each wall.
Measuring the walls is a relatively simple process that can be done with a measuring tape. You should measure the height and width of each division and add an extra 5cm to each measurement.
This extra 5cm will be used for trimming purposes, so allowing this in your measurements is essential. This will help to ensure that the wallpapers for bedrooms fit perfectly, with no gaps or overlaps.
The key to a successful installation is to start with accurate measurements. This will give you a clear understanding of the required materials and ensure that the cover is installed smoothly, with a perfect pattern match on each wall.
Not Checking the Wall Condition
Before embarking on the installation process, it’s critical to assess the condition of the walls you’ll cover. The state of the wall will have a direct impact on both the durability and the appearance of the cover. Neglecting to check the wall beforehand can result in a less than satisfactory outcome, so it’s crucial to take the time to inspect the wall before you start thoroughly.
Checking the wall condition involves comprehensively inspecting the wall surface to identify any cracks, holes, or dents. These imperfections will affect the smoothness of the cover and can cause it to loosen or peel over time. As such, it’s necessary to repair any damages before starting the installation process.
If the wall is uneven, applying a skim coat of joint compound may be necessary to level it out. This will help create a smooth surface suitable for installation. A skim coat is a thin layer of compound applied with a trowel or a putty knife and allowed to dry completely before sanding.
This step is crucial for ensuring a smooth and even surface for the cover to adhere to, resulting in a professional-looking installation.
Checking the wall condition is an essential step in the installation process. Taking the time to inspect the wall for damages, repair any imperfections, and level the surface if necessary, will ensure that the wall cover will adhere properly, look great, and last for years.
Misjudging the Quantity of the Wallpaper
Estimating the amount of cover required for a design project is an important aspect that should not be overlooked. A miscalculation of the room measurements can result in a shortage of cover, leading to delays and setbacks in the project. While online tools are available for determining wall art needs, it’s essential to understand that these tools may not always be accurate.
The most reliable method of determining the amount of wallpaper needed is measuring each wall from floor to ceiling and calculating its height and width. Once you have both figures, simply multiply them to determine the wall’s square footage. Repeat this process for each wall that requires a cover, and don’t forget to subtract any areas that will not be covered with cover from the final total.
Even with precise measurements, there is still a possibility of ordering too much or too little wallpaper. To be safe, it is recommended to contain an extra 25% off wall art if the pattern is intricate and 15% extra if it is a simple repetitive pattern. Additionally, it’s advisable to keep an extra cover roll on hand for future touch-ups, as the cover may experience wear and tear over time.
Not Prepping the Wall Correctly
Proper wall preparation is a critical aspect of the installation process that is often overlooked but plays a crucial role in the project’s outcome. A well-prepared wall is essential for ensuring that the wall art adheres correctly, stays in place for an extended period, and enhances the room’s overall appearance.
The wall preparation process involves several necessary steps that must be completed before installing the cover.
Clean the wall
The first step is cleaning the wall thoroughly to remove any dirt, dust, grease, or debris that may interfere with the adhesion of the wall art. This step is critical as it will help create a smooth, clean surface ready to receive the cover.
Remove old wallpaper
The next step is to remove any old cover that may still be on the wall. This can be done using a variety of methods, such as scraping, sanding, or the use of a chemical stripper.
The method used will depend on the type of wall art and the condition of the wall. It is essential to be careful during this step, as removing the wall cover can be messy and time-consuming.
Sand the wall
Once the wall is clean and free of the old cover, the next step is to sand any rough spots that may be present. This step is essential in creating a smooth surface for the wall cover, as rough spots can cause wrinkles and bubbles in the wall art and reduce its lifespan.
It is essential to use fine-grit sandpaper and sand the wall in the direction of the art grain to avoid creating any new rough spots.
Fill holes
Finally, one of the essential steps in preparing your wall for art is filling any holes or cracks with a joint compound. This will help create a level and smooth surface and prevent any future damage to the wall.
It is crucial to ensure that the joint compound is allowed to dry completely before sanding it to a smooth finish. This step is essential because it will ensure that the wall cover adheres properly to the wall and will not peel or separate from the wall over time, providing a long-lasting and visually pleasing result.
Hanging the Wallpaper Wrong
One of the most crucial considerations is ensuring the pattern on your cover matches up accurately at eye level. This is because the human eye is naturally drawn to this height, and any misalignment or imperfections at this viewing point will be noticeable.
It is advisable to align the wall art pattern in the middle of the wall rather than at the top. This way, any slight variations that may occur with traditionally printed covers will not be in direct line of sight and will be less noticeable.
Using a plumb line when hanging your cover is also important to ensure that the first drop is straight. Depending on the art by the eye can lead to unevenness and a less professional appearance.
Another critical aspect is starting your installation in the middle of the wall and working toward the corners. This ensures that your art’s design is centered and correctly balanced on the wall, creating a cohesive and attractive look.
By matching up the cover pattern accurately at eye level, using a plumb line to hang the wallpaper straight, and starting the installation in the middle of the wall, you can enjoy a professional and polished result in your home decor.
Conclusion
When decorating a kid’s bedroom, wallpaper can be a great way to add a touch of color and personality.
However, the results can be less than desirable if not done correctly. There are several mistakes that people tend to make when gluing wall art, and it’s essential to be aware of these to ensure that the final result is professional and eye-catching.
When gluing covers in a kid’s bedroom, it’s crucial to be aware of these common mistakes mentioned above and take the necessary steps to avoid them. With extra care and attention to detail, you can create a beautiful, long-lasting installation that you and your child will love.