As with many jobs around the house, preparation is essential when hanging wallpaper: move the furniture out of the room and cover the floors with adequate sheeting. Check that the walls are sound, clean, dry and free from nibs.
Take the measurements of the room (do not subtract doors and windows) to your local wallpaper supplier/specialist and they will be able to calculate the correct amount of rolls needed for the job. Buy an extra ten per cent to allow for mishaps and make sure all rolls of paper have the same batch number.
There are different types of wallpapers for different spaces, i.e. for kitchens and bathrooms a vinyl paper can be used. These papers can be wiped clean and are water resistant up to a point. For a rough or old wall you may wish to line first (hung horizontally) or select a paper with a textured surface which will disguise the surface to a degree.
Measure the wall in several places and prepare to cut the paper for the longest measurement. Work out where you want your pattern to lie in relation to the top of the wall. Over cut the paper by 10cm which will allow for trimming latter on. On a pasting table, on the reverse side of the paper draw a straight line using a pencil across the width at the cut point. Now cut. Turn the cut length over and unroll the next length. Line the length up to match the pattern and cut the second length. It is very useful to to number each cut length in order as the cut lengths can be easily mixed up. Cut enough length for a wall.
Lay your cut length on the pasting table and apply the paste on the reverse side starting in the middle and working out to the edges. Wipe away access paste with a damp sponge. Once you have pasted your first length fold it over on itself (without creasing the paper) several times and then proceed to paste up a second length.
Draw a vertical line from the ceiling to the top of the skirting board at approx. 48cm away from the corner. Use a spirit level to achieve this. This will leave a 5cm overlap on the window wall. Now carefully place the first cut length at the top of the wall with the right hand edge lining up with the drawn line. Lower the paper gently down the wall avoiding a sudden drop which may result in a tear. Use a paper hanging brush to stroke the paper pushing out air bubbles from the center to the edge and in keeping with your drawn line. Use a long rule at the top and bottom to push the paper to the edge, fold the paper and cut it using a sharp blade.
Place the next cut length tightly against the previous, matching up the continuous pattern. After two or three lengths run a seam roller gently along the joins. Repeat until completion.