Wallpapering Uneven Corners
One of the more challenging aspects of renovation is applying wallpaper in hard-to-reach areas, such as corners and spaces around utilities. By using special techniques and appropriate materials, this process can be made easier.
Wallpapering Techniques:
— Make precise measurements and markings. — Align the strips considering the surface characteristics. — Use specialized tools for working in corners. By following these guidelines, you can achieve a flawless finish even in the most challenging areas.
Perfecting Corner Wrapping
Owners of perfectly smooth walls after a quality renovation can easily refresh their interior by applying wallpaper to the corners without any misalignments. The process of wallpapering in such conditions is straightforward and cost-effective.
Handling the Bumps
For those dealing with uneven corners, there are several methods for correcting joints that can help achieve an optimal result.
How to Start Wallpapering
When starting to wallpaper a room, the first step is to choose a starting point. For thin wallpaper that allows for an overlap of up to 0.5 mm, it is ideal to begin near the window so that the seams remain invisible. When working with thick wallpaper that is applied edge to edge, it is better to start from the door to make the seams less noticeable.
Getting Started with Wallpapering
Before you begin, measure the number of strips needed up to the corner of the wall. The last strip should overlap the corner by 2–5 cm, and any excess can be trimmed off. Use a plumb line or laser level to draw a vertical line perpendicular to the ceiling. Start wallpapering from this line to ensure the wallpaper does not distort as you approach the corner.
Wallpaper Recommendations
When applying a new sheet of wallpaper, avoid starting at the corner of the wall, as visible defects are hard to conceal there. It’s better to overlap the adjacent wall by a couple of centimeters. When aligning sheets at the corners, be meticulous to prevent bubbles and wrinkles. It’s not a problem if the wallpaper extends 3–5 cm past the corner; achieving a perfectly smooth seam is more important.
Wallpapering Walls
When laying the next strip of lightweight paper or thin non-woven wallpaper, it can be fixed by overlapping the previous one and aligned vertically, close to the corner of the room. If the edge of the previous strip is uneven, it should be trimmed before working on the new section of the wall, or left as is. Wallpaper that does not stretch and is applied tightly should be treated in a special way at the corner of the wall.
Methods for Correcting Crooked Angles During Wall Cladding
When wallpapering walls, one often encounters the issue of crooked corners, especially in both old and new buildings where the junction of walls may have an unusual shape. There are two main methods to address this problem:
Using adhesive:
— Apply a thin layer of glue to the wallpaper.
— Press it against the wall seam and smooth it out.
Aligning Angles:
— Assessing the degree of angle distortion.
— Applying techniques for alignment.
Both methods will help address irregularities and create a neat appearance for the wall.
Preparing Walls for Wallpaper
Surface Leveling
To achieve the best results before wallpapering, the walls should be leveled. This ensures a professional finish but will require additional investment.
Without prior preparation
You can avoid additional expenses by applying wallpaper directly. However, this method will not conceal any wall imperfections.
How to check the squareness of a corner:
Use a carpenter’s square to draw a line from the floor to the ceiling and inspect the gaps between the tool and the wall. Filling these gaps will help create a perfect surface for wallpapering.
Method for Aligning Angles
Tools and Materials:
— Corner trowel
— Spackling compound
— Construction straightedge
— Plumb line/level
Process:
Identify the most prominent corner point.
Using this mark, secure a straightedge vertically to the ceiling.
Dampen the wall and apply the putty.
Press the trowel against the straightedge and smooth the surface.
Remove excess material, let it dry, and sand it down.
Method of Strengthening the Corner
We use a finishing profile with a lattice base. We install it vertically, aligning it with a level. The base is moistened with water, then construction mortar is applied. The profile is set in place and its surface is leveled, concealing the mesh with putty. After drying and sanding, the corner is ready for wallpaper application. This method also prevents joint damage.
Alternative Method for Wall Alignment
Use drywall to create smooth surfaces — it is a somewhat costly but effective approach. If the walls are relatively even, drywall can be directly adhered to them. This is easy to accomplish. A more labor-intensive option is to mount the drywall on a frame made of metal profiles. Besides leveling the surfaces, this method will also enhance the room’s insulation, although it will slightly reduce its volume.
Tips for Wallpapering Uneven Corners
Use straightforward techniques to wallpaper corners without aligning them.
Choosing Wallpaper Designs
For corners with noticeable distortions, it’s preferable to choose wallpaper with a pattern that doesn’t require precise alignment. Complex designs can appear distorted and ruin the overall appearance.
Wallpaper Selection: Texture and Convenience
Non-woven wallpapers are distinguished by their ability to stretch, which simplifies the process of leveling wall surfaces. Their unique properties allow for the concealment of irregularities without the need for pre-applying adhesive to the wallpaper. The wallpaper remains intact and does not get soaked, as the adhesive is applied directly to the wall, starting with the primer layer and finishing with the main coat.
Reinforcing the Corner for Wallpaper
Before wallpapering the main surface, an additional technique is used for leveling and reinforcing the corner. A strip with a width of at least 10 cm is applied, which helps to mask imperfections and prevent further tears. In the case of cuts on the top layer, this underlayer will conceal any gaps. Sometimes, for added strength, a painter’s mesh is used, which also helps to hide irregularities.
Improving Wallpaper Adherence in Corners
For a more precise alignment of wallpaper in the corner sections of walls, it is recommended to use the «Christmas tree» method for cutting the edges of the strips. This ensures a tighter fit at the seams. When installing the next strip, it is overlapped slightly or a double-layer cut is made to create a perfect joint. This technique simplifies the process of wallpapering corners, effectively concealing any potential imperfections.
Create the Perfect Interior
To make your apartment look its best, you don’t have to be a renovation expert. Just follow these basic tips. If the wallpaper corners align perfectly without bubbles or pattern distortions, it means the renovation is top-notch.
