How to Wallpaper High Walls on Stairs

Wallpapering high walls on stairs can be a daunting task, but with the right techniques and a bit of patience, you can achieve a professional-looking finish. This guide will walk you through the process, from preparing your walls to hanging and trimming your wallpaper.

Before you begin, ensure you have the necessary tools and materials. You'll need wallpaper, wallpaper paste, a wallpaper brush, a seam roller, a wallpaper smoother, a sharp knife, a tape measure, a pencil, a step ladder, and safety equipment such as gloves and goggles.

Preparing Your Walls

Preparation is key to a successful wallpapering job. Start by cleaning your walls to remove any dirt, grease, or grime. Use a mild detergent and warm water, then rinse and let them dry completely.

Next, fill any holes or cracks with spackling compound, let it dry, and sand it smooth. This step is crucial for a seamless finish. Finally, wipe the walls with a damp cloth to remove any dust.

Measuring and Planning

Measure the height of your walls and the width of your stairs. Most wallpaper comes in rolls that are 20.5 inches wide and 33 feet long. You'll need to calculate how many strips you'll need, taking into account the width of your stairs and any patterns in your wallpaper.

It's a good idea to draw a light pencil line on your wall to guide you as you hang your wallpaper. Start at the top of your wall and make sure your line is level. This will help you keep your wallpaper straight as you work your way down.

Hanging Your Wallpaper

Start at the top of your wall, near the ceiling. Unroll your wallpaper and cut it to the height of your wall, plus a few extra inches. Apply wallpaper paste to the back of your wallpaper using your wallpaper brush. Make sure to cover the entire surface evenly.

Fold the pasted wallpaper into a 'V' shape, with the pasted sides facing each other. This will make it easier to carry and hang. Starting at your pencil line, unfold the wallpaper and press it onto the wall, using your wallpaper smoother to smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles.

Working Around Stairs

Wallpapering around stairs can be challenging, but with careful planning and execution, it's definitely doable. The key is to take your time and work carefully.

Start by wallpapering the wall above the stairs, working your way down. When you reach the top of the stairs, you'll need to cut your wallpaper to fit around the curve. Use a sharp knife to score the wallpaper along the curve, then snap it off. You can then trim it to fit using your knife.

Wallpapering the Stairs

To wallpaper the stairs themselves, you'll need to cut your wallpaper to fit the shape of each step. Start at the top of the stairs and work your way down. Apply paste to your wallpaper, then fold it as before. Place the wallpaper on the step, using your wallpaper smoother to smooth it out.

Use your knife to trim any excess wallpaper from the edges of the step. Be careful not to cut into the wallpaper on the wall. Continue this process until you've wallpapered all the steps.

Wallpapering the Landing

The landing is the flat area at the bottom of the stairs. To wallpaper it, you'll need to cut your wallpaper to fit around any banisters or newel posts. Use your knife to score and snap the wallpaper, then trim it to fit.

Apply paste to your wallpaper and hang it on the wall, using your wallpaper smoother to smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles. Use your seam roller to press the seams together and ensure a smooth finish.

Once you've finished wallpapering, stand back and admire your handiwork. Wallpapering high walls on stairs can be a challenging task, but the result is a stunning, unique look that can transform your space. Don't forget to clean up your tools and dispose of any leftover wallpaper or paste responsibly.