DIY: Wallpapering Wall Switches

1. You start with a switch plate over the bare outlet. Your first step is to find a scrap piece of wallpaper that will match the existing pattern. 

2. You will then rough cut the scrap piece and match it up to the switchplate cover. You will want a piece that is roughly 2 inches bigger than the switchplate. Apply wallpaper paste to the scrap piece and let it rest the same amount of time the original wallpaper did. This will ensure that the scrap contracts/expands the same as the original paper, ensuring the pattern will match as close as possible. Position it over the switchplate. Carefully match the wallpaper pattern at the top and left of the switchplate. You will then press flat the top and left portions (protrusion of the light switches prevent matching of more than two sides). Reach behind the wallpaper and carefully remove the switch plate and wallpaper together. Wipe down the area to remove any paste left on the wall. 

3. Place the wallpaper/faceplate face down. Trim the wallpaper with scissors 1 to 1 and 1/2 inches past the size of the switchplate. Then, make diagonal cuts on the corners. The area between the corner of the switchplate and the edge of the wallpaper should be about 1/8".

4. Fold over the top and bottom edges.

5. Pinch the corners of the switchplate as you fold over the left and right edges. This will create a sharp, hospital corner edge.

6. At this point, take it back to the switch, line it up, verify your alignment, and make adjustments if necessary. Some professionals take the additional precaution of taping the flaps to the back of the switch plate cover as well.

7. Cut the opening out with a quality razor knife. Back the switchplate up on firm surface while cutting, otherwise, you will tear the wallpaper as opposed to cutting it. A spare piece of ceramic tile works great for this. Some professionals cut the long sides of the opening and then cut horizontally across the gap. This creates an "H" cut. The two flaps are then folded into the backside of the switchplate.

8. Cut a small "X" into each screw hole of the switchplate.

9. During installation, apply pressure near the screw hole while putting in the screw. Once you get close to where you think it will stop, proceed carefully. Once the screw wants to stop, do not continue or the screw head will tear the paper in the vicinity of the screw hole. Applying pressure allows you to flex in the switch plate so that you can stop near the stop point. When you release pressure, the switch plate will flex out and grab the screw.

10.  Align the screw heads vertically. 

Finished...

DIY: How to measure for wallpaper?

In this example we use paper with a 15-inch repeat pattern. The covering is to be hung in a 12-foot by 15-foot room with an 8-foot ceiling, one standard door, and two standard windows.

   

1. Add the length and width of the room together and double it.  (12 + 15 = 27 x 2 = 54)
    
2. Multiply the answer from step 1 by the ceiling height.  (54 x 8 = 432 sq. ft.)
    
3. Determine the square feet of windows and doors in the surface to be covered - 20 sq. ft. for each standard size window or door.  ( 20 x 3 = 60)
    
4. Subtract the total from step 3 from the total square feet you found in step 2.  ( 432 - 60 = 372 sq. ft.)
    
5. Divide the total from step 4 by the usable yield figure listed below for the roll's repeat pattern, which allows for the pattern match.  (372 / 20 = 18.6 = or 20) 
    
6. You would need to buy 20 single rolls.
                   
   Note: Wallpaper is priced in single rolls, but is available only in double or triple rolls. In the above example, should the paper selected come in double rolls, you would need 10 rolls. If it's available only in triple rolls, you would need 7 rolls.

Approximate Square Footage Pattern Repeat Usable Yield

• 0-6 inches - 25 sq. ft.
• 7-12 inches - 22 sq. ft.
• 13-18 inches - 20 sq. ft.
• 19-23 inches - 18 sq. ft.

Also, consider the following to avoid running out

When you buy wallpaper, look for run numbers, lot numbers, or run codes on the label or wallcovering. These numbers should be the same on each roll. Wallcoverings are printed in large batches, and the colors can vary slightly - but noticeably - between the batches.
To avoid the risk of running out (and to make sure you have extras in case you need to patch an area) you may wish to buy an extra roll.
          

Pattern: FD 21804          Batch or Run Number:  1

To be sure you have enough wallpaper to cover the room, please call us for further assistance.

 e: Tnwallpaperhanger@gmail.com              c: 615-970-9006                b: tnwallpaperhanger.com

2 bolts/4 single rolls / (2) of 1 x 8 yards