What is a Wall Covering?
Wall coverings include anything you use to cover or decorate your walls – from mural prints to vinyl wall covering. They come in different styles, like wall covering panels, and materials, including the popular vinyl custom wallpaper. There are also various types of wall coverings based on placement, such as high- and low-traffic areas, and adhesive, from media that is self-adhesive peel-and-stick wallpaper to those requiring wallpaper paste. Wallpaper printing has evolved, allowing us to add personal touches to our spaces with unique designs and textures.
Why Wall Coverings Are Important
Wall coverings do more than just cover up a bland wall; they add personality and style to any room. Whether it’s in a home, office, or public space, a good wall covering can completely transform the atmosphere. It’s not just about the look; these coverings can also protect walls and contribute to LEED credits for green building practices that address carbon, waste, materials, health and indoor environmental quality.
Why is it Important to Avoid Overlapping Seams?
In wallpapering, seams are where two strips of wallpaper meet. Overlapping seams can create visible lines and bulges that disrupt the wallpaper’s pattern and texture. For thinner wallpaper media options it’s not always a concern, but for thicker materials, like DreamScape commercial-grade type II wallcoverings, the overlap is more visible and can be distracting, depending on the design. This is where the double-cut wallpapering technique becomes a game-changer. By using the double cut wallpaper installation method, you ensure that the seams between wallpaper strips are virtually invisible, giving a seamless and professional finish.
How to Double Cut Wallpaper
Double cutting wallpaper involves overlapping two strips of wallpaper and then cutting through both layers at the same time. This process, known as the double cut seam, ensures that the edges match up perfectly. It requires precision and patience, but the result is a beautifully smooth surface with no visible seams. This technique is especially important for custom wallpaper printing, where patterns and designs need to align perfectly. Let’s dive into it.
- Clean the wall surface to remove any dirt and debris.
- Install the wall covering, overlapping each panel. Each panel includes an overlap (typically 1″) on the left and right edge.
- Using a straight edge to guide the razor blade, make a cut down the center of the overlap. Cut through both layers of wall covering.
- Peel away the excess material from the top layer.
- Carefully peel back the top layer to expose the material underneath. Remove the excess material from the bottom layer.
- Smooth the layers back together using a squeegee. The two panels should come back together with a perfect butt seam.
- Repeat steps 3-6 for each seam until the mural is fully installed. Use a fresh razor blade for each seam to ensure a clean cut through both layers.
In the world of wallpaper printing, particularly with custom wallpaper and mural prints, precision is key. Double cutting wallpaper isn’t just a technique; it’s the secret to flawless, seamless walls that tell a story without interruption. For our signage customers, understanding the importance of the double cut wallpaper seams can elevate the quality of your projects, leaving a lasting impression. Remember, it’s not just wallpaper; it’s an art form. Let’s make every cut count!
