Working platform for hanging ceiling papers
Apart from working overhead, the technique is very similar to papering a wall. The secret is to make a platform to walk along whilst papering each strip and to concertina fold the paper on the pasting table to make it easier to manage.
Ensure that any working platform is strong and stable enough before starting work.
Paperhanging order for ceilings
Work away from the main window wall.
Mark the ceiling at one end at a point a little less than the width of the paper away from this first wall. Mark a point at the other end of the ceiling the same distance from the wall. Join these two marks with a straight line to denote the edge of the first length.
Use a builder’s chalk line to strike a line between the two marks. They are very useful. Fix the end against the first point and unwind the chalk covered string. Hold the string against the second mark and pull it taut. Now, maintaining the tension, lift the middle of the string away from the surface and allow it to snap back. You will now have a straight chalk line printed on the surface for the first length of paper to follow.
This will ensure that your paper runs straight. If the paper is allowed to curve, successive pieces will need to curve more and more until you reach a point at which you cannot line up the joins.
Measuring, cutting, pasting and folding
Measure, cut and paste the paper as usual and fold in a concertina fashion.
Either hold the folded paper in one hand while hanging with the other, or enlist a helper to hold the folded part of the paper for you.
Ensure that your platform can support your combined weight safely.
Hanging the paper on the ceiling
Starting at one end, unfold the first concertina and line up the edge of the paper with the line on the ceiling.
Smooth the paper eliminating air as you go, in the same fashion as for papering walls. Tap the end of the paper into the wall angle using the tips of the brush.
Now work along the platform, unfolding and smoothing into place one fold at a time.
Once the whole length is in place, trim the ends so that they lap down the wall by 1/4 – 1/2″ (except in the case of lining paper which will be papered over – this should be trimmed to the angle). The first piece will also need to be trimmed in the same way along its edge to the window wall.
Continue working across the ceiling in this way.
The final length will also need to be trimmed along its longest edge to suit the wall angle.
If the final piece is much less than a whole width of paper, trim it roughly before hanging.
Trimming ceiling paper around pendants and ceiling roses.
Always switch off the power before working around ceiling roses or other electrical items.
When you reach a circular obstruction on the ceiling, lay the paper over it lightly and mark its centre on the paper.
Make radial cuts spanning out from this mark, long enough to accommodate the obstruction. Push the paper back to the surface and tap the paper down around the object with the end of the bristles.
The remaining triangular pieces should be trimmed once the rest of the length has been hung. They are best cut with a sharp knife to avoid having to lift and re-fix the paper.