How to Wall Paper a Ceiling
- 1). Prepare your surface. Wash the ceiling with warm, soapy water. Smooth out any bumps with sandpaper.
- 2). Leave the ceiling to dry for about an hour, then paint the surface with a high quality primer. Let it dry for the time indicated on the primer (usually 2 to 4 hours).
- 3). Choose an area to start wallpapering. Select an area in one corner of the room. Make sure the area you want to start work in is straight by snapping a chalk line. You can enlist the help of a friend to hold one end of the chalk line.
- 4). Measure the chalk line to get the length of one strip of wallpaper. Add 1 foot to this length. Cut the wallpaper to the calculated length with scissors.
- 5). Follow the wallpaper manufacturer's instructions for preparing the wallpaper for hanging, making sure to use a strong, clay-based wallpaper paste.
- 6). Line up the wallpaper with the chalk line and smooth the paper into place with the sponge. Your friend should hold the wallpaper as you roll.
- 7). Continue to paper the ceiling, lining up the edges of the wallpaper. Do not worry at this point about any overlap at the edges.
- 8). Use a trim guard and a razor knife to trim off the edges of the paper.
