Are you constantly checking out Zillow to see what’s new in your area, even if you aren’t actually looking to buy? I can’t be the only one, right? That site is addicting! So when Jennifer asked if I would like to do a collaborative post, I hopped right on board!  Today she’s bringing you the how-to on wallpapered powder rooms.

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Wallpaper is a beautiful alternative to plain paint. However, over-abundant patterns can appear cluttered and close off interiors. To limit overly-strong wall designs, apply wallpaper in small spaces, such as powder rooms and bathrooms where alternative accessories are limited and the confined dimensions are undisguisable. Although the space is right, constant moisture and humidity might lead to blistering and peeling throughout time, so it’s vital for homeowners to use the proper materials and follow the best application procedures.

To best apply wallpaper in bathrooms, use the following steps.

Prep

Spread wallpaper across a flat workspace and cut to fit designated wall dimensions. Decide the proper layout of the pattern, aligning sheets to fit like a puzzle and evaluating where designs should hit the ceiling. Then, cut about six inches longer than the desired top line. Add 1⁄2 an inch for each corner to create lap seams.

Remove nails and outlet covers from walls and cover floors with drop cloths or alternative protective sheets to avoid drips of adhesive. Sand down any previous paint blemishes and use drywall to fill divots. Applying wallpaper over damages may save time, but becomes apparent after drying. While it may not bother the current homeowners, shortcuts can potentially deter homebuyers in the future.

Prime

Purchase a high-quality, oil-based primer so wallpaper glue doesn’t desiccate too quickly. Then, roll up wallpaper with adhesive facing outward. Submerge rolls into wallpaper trays filled with water for about 15 seconds and lay wet paper pattern side down on a dry table for even folding. Fold both sides of wallpaper sheets inward so they meet in the middle to activate wallpaper glue and keep glue from touching other surfaces. These can be folded or “booked” ahead of time for quicker application.  Mark the wall with a vertical line a 1⁄4 inch shorter than the width of a sheet of wallpaper.

Apply

Begin wallpapering in discreet regions, including above and behind doors, in case of beginner errors. Unfold the first sheet and adhere to the wall from top to bottom, ensuring that the desired top edge (six inches lower than the actual edge) of the paper is lined up with the ceiling crease and the side hits the marked perpendicular line. Smooth the paper by rubbing a wallpaper brush vertically and clean surplus glue with a wallpaper sponge. Try to match patterns up as best as possible when continuing with adjacent walls. Finally, trim the tops and bottoms with a sharp utility knife. Use a seam roller to smooth joints and let dry for 48 hours.

Make sure bathroom wallpaper is washable and not in any direct contact with water. Further, avoid Mylar, foil and solid-Type II vinyl, as these materials tend to harvest mold. Instead, opt for vapor-permeable wallpaper varieties for stunning, withstanding wallpaper designs.

Note: This is not a sponsored post, but simply a collaboration with Zillow.

linked here.