How do i wallpaper a ceiling without it falling down on my head?

Question

When I recently tries to wallpaper a ceiling the weight of it with the paste on meant it would not stick to my ceiling. How can I stick the paper to the ceiling without looking like Charlie Chaplin?

Answer 1

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you need to do what is called "sizing" the ceiling first. using your paste apply a uniform coat on the ceiling with a roller and allow it to dry. then apply paste to the paper, book it [fold about every 12" to 18" it onto itself paste to paste] and allow it to set for 5 minutes or so. now apply paper to ceiling unfolding as you go. it does help to have four hands [a helper] during this part. do not press to hard or you'll drive most of the paste out and it won't stick. use a papering brush and only work it until it is bedded, the most common mistake is to let the weight of whole sheet hang from the part you have done already

good luck and have a helper unless you do have four hands :)

Source(s):

20 years building and 15 years engineering

Answer 2

I agree with Buzzards you need to paste the ceiling as well,allow the paper to soak (it tells you how long to let it soak on the paper label usually ) and you need to fold it up as you are pasting it into a size that you can hold on one hand..get your first bit on to the ceiling and brush it over to get a good adhesion..then just undo one fold and paste that to the ceiling..just carry one pasting up one fold at a time...it's a real achievement to do it so good luck with it

Answer 3

AGE OLD PROBLEM!!!

Are you using the correct type of paste? It shouldn't be runny, allow it to dry till tacky on the paper.. (Helps it stop peeling!)

Failing that you may be using the wrong type of paper.. Ask at your local hardware store, they'll see you right... GOOD LUCK

Answer 4

Sorry but I think wallpapering a ceiling is kinds goofy and gravity is not on your side . Eventually, you'll end up taking it down and then the real work to get the paper and paste off, will make you realize, how bad an idea it really was.
Your best to just paint the ceiling .

Answer 5

You need to size the ceiling first (thinned downed paste).
Use a good quality paste (solvite) mixed to the manufactures recommendations!
Before start out make sure you can access the area IE you can walk from one end of the room to the other and reach the ceiling's you will probably need some crates and a plank!
Paste the paper with a roller, making sure you have not missed any spots..
Fold the paper into 12"-24" layers (continuous S shape paste to paste)
Make what is called a"crutch" half a meter of paper rolled tightly and taped together ( like a baton)
Hold above your head and paper!
Easy really!!???!!

Trust Me I'm a Decorator

Answer 6

Paste the ceiling as well as the paper. When you have pasted the paper, let it soak for 10 minutes and then put it on and kepp smoothing it down until it stays there.

Answer 7

I don't beleive one would actually wall paper a ceiling. It hard enough to keep it on walls.

I think you would have to make some sort of brace to keep it up until it dried.

I would rethink the wallpapered ceiling idea!

Answer 8

My advice is to forget the paper and paint the ceiling or if it too rough then skim it with plaster first and then paint!

Answer 9

I agree with the previous two posters but the next item you need to add is an additional person. It makes it go so much easier when there's 2 people doing a ceiling.

Answer 10

Use 2 ladders & a sturdy walkboard so you can move across the room without letting go of the paper. Paste the paper with a good adhesive & fold accordion style. Allow a 3" drop and be sure it is secured well at the edge. Unfold a little at a time and smooth out as you move across the room. It's really quite easy once you get the hang of it. No pun intended!

Source(s):

Paperhanger for 25 years.

Answer 11

You're probably not letting the adhesive soak into the paper long enough.If you're using an expensive paper consider employing a decorator ,it may be cheaper.