One of the most frustrating things that can happen after installing your beautiful new wallpaper is the appearance of visible seams. You’ve taken the time to choose the perfect design, and the last thing you want is for those pesky seams to take away from the seamless beauty of your space. The good news is that there are steps you can take to prevent this issue from occurring. Here’s how to ensure your wallpaper installation goes smoothly, with seams that are virtually invisible.
What Causes Visible Seams?
Visible seams in wallpaper can occur for a few reasons. It usually happens when the wallpaper doesn’t adhere to the wall properly, leading to a slight gap between the strips. This can be due to a variety of factors, such as:
-
Improper Wall Preparation
If your walls aren't properly prepped before installation, the wallpaper may not stick evenly, causing seams to show. Dust, old paint, or moisture can all affect adhesion.
-
Incorrect Application Technique
Sometimes, seams become visible when wallpaper strips are not aligned perfectly or when there’s insufficient pressure applied during the smoothing process.
-
High Contrast Designs
Darker designs can show higher contrast with light colored walls and the white paper each design is printed on.
How to Prevent Visible Seams
Now that we know what causes seams to show, let's talk about how to prevent this issue. Follow these tips to ensure your wallpaper looks flawless.
-
Prepare Your Walls Thoroughly
Proper wall preparation is key to a successful wallpaper installation. Start by cleaning the walls to remove any dust, grease, or old wallpaper residue. Painted Paper recommends applying a high-quality wallpaper primer to create an even, smooth surface that helps the wallpaper adhere better.
-
Align Carefully
When hanging the wallpaper, take your time to align each strip carefully. Start from the top and work your way down, smoothing the paper as you go to eliminate any air bubbles. Be sure to follow the specific instructions provided with your Painted Paper wallpaper.
-
Smooth and Press Firmly
As you apply each strip, use a smoothing tool to press the wallpaper firmly against the wall. This step is essential for preventing seams from lifting. Be gentle but thorough, ensuring that the entire surface of the wallpaper makes solid contact with the wall. Using a seam roller can also be very helpful here.
Some Extra Tips and Tricks
We've covered wall preparation, application, and smoothing techniques. But what if you’re new to wallpaper installation? Even with all the tips and instructions in the world, mistakes can still happen. If you're worried about visible seams, especially if you’re working with a high-contrast design, here are a few more strategies to keep in mind.
Handling Dark Wallpapers
Dark-colored wallpapers can present unique challenges. Nearly all wallpapers, including those from Painted Paper, are printed on a white base. Even if you choose a deep, rich color, the white edges of the wallpaper might show slightly after installing. It’s easy to mistake these white lines for visible seams, but they’re actually just the edges of the wallpaper. A simple trick to avoid this is to gently color the edges of the wallpaper roll with a crayon that matches the wallpaper before installation. For example, using a black crayon on the edges of a dark wallpaper will help those white edges blend seamlessly into the design. Additionally, using a seam roller can help to increase adhesion and smooth out any potential gaps at the seams.
Match Your Wall Color to Your Wallpaper
If you're installing dark wallpaper on a light wall, any seams that do show will be much more noticeable. One effective way to minimize this is by matching your wall color to the color of your wallpaper as closely as possible. While most primers, which we always recommend for sealing your wall, come in white, some are tintable. A tinted primer doesn't need to be an exact match, but if you’re installing dark wallpaper, a darker primer will help to camouflage any slight imperfections at the seams. Similarly, a light-colored primer works best with light wallpaper to create a more seamless look.
Try "Banding" for Extra Camouflage
Another technique is called "banding." This involves painting vertical stripes on your wall where the wallpaper panels will meet. To do this, you’ll need to measure the width of each wallpaper panel and paint stripes that align with where the seams will be. For instance, if you’re installing dark wallpaper, painting dark stripes where the seams will fall can make them much less noticeable. This method is especially useful if you don't want to paint the entire wall.
What If You’ve Already Installed the Wallpaper?
If you’ve already hung your wallpaper and are noticing visible seams, don’t worry—there are still solutions! A go-to method is using watercolor pens! A product like these can be applied to the seams and wiped away immediately. The color will stick to the wall and backing, but not to the wallpaper itself. Of course, always test products like these first on a smaller, less conspicuous spot first to ensure how it will turn out before using it on the whole wall.
Final Thoughts
At Painted Paper, we want your wallpaper installation to be as smooth and beautiful as possible. By taking these steps to prepare your walls, and apply the wallpaper carefully, you can avoid the common problem of visible seams and enjoy a flawless finish. If you’re ever unsure about the installation process, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for guidance.
Ready to transform your space? Explore our collection of wallpapers, and remember, with a little preparation, those seams will be out of sight and out of mind.