wallpapering - help please!

[RMPM]

I have never put up wall paper in my life and just wont know where to start. Reading a few reviews I see that some recommend using a professional to put up Laura Ashley Wall Paper as its apparently rather flimsy. Can you recommend anyone please in SW london and also help me with what should I expect to pay for wall papering a child's bedroom, painting the skirting boards and door. I just have no idea! Or should I attempt to tackle it myself?!
Thank you:)

[NotGoodNotBad]

What do you need to know? Wallpapering isn't hard, but if it's your first time it helps to have two of you, one to paste and one to hang the paper.

You need: plumbline, wallpaper scissors, papering table (unless it's the kind where you paste the wall, even then it might help for measuring), ladder, paste brush and bucket (any bucket), paste, long ruler (easier than tape measure), pencil, paperhanging brush and cloths. Actually, our long ruler has a spirit level on it which is easier than plumbline. A wallpaper trimmer is not essential but makes cutting the ends easier.

Take your time, measure everything twice, especially if the paper has a match in it, and cut the paper a little longer than you need then trim once it's on the wall. Plan out where to start and finish (I think you're supposed to work away from windows so that the light doesn't highlight joins), and if you have a big pattern and/or chimney breasts etc. work out where the paper will need to go to look best.

When you're cutting the paper, mark the top and bottom as you cut so you don't get confused. Cut a couple of pieces in advance so you can plan the matching edges on the board rather than on the wall.

For a good finish, turn off the electricity and unscrew fittings such as wall lights or light switches, and tuck the paper behind them.

I'm sure there must be lots of youtube videos if you're thinking of giving it a go.

[RMPM]

NotGoodNotBad, thank you so much for taking the time to post. Really appreciate it. What you've mentioned doesn't sound so daunting as I envisaged. Am now tempted to give it a go. You tube is a good idea. Thank you:)

[NotGoodNotBad]

Good luck.

[fossil971]

There are some good websites or if you go to Wickes do they still do those Good Idea leaflets? here you go?

Wallpapering is not that hard if you are careful. Have a helper and take your time. Just don't try to fold the paper around corners, that's my tip. Never works. Take it an inch round and then overlap a new piece. Also when you have pasted the paper it often says to leave it a few minutes to soak, this makes it a bit more flexible and it goes on nicely then.

Practising on a small room is a good start!

You do need to get a pasting table and a few bits but none of that is as expensive as paying a decorator for 2 days.

[RMPM]

Thanks NotGoodNotBad and Fossil971. Having been quoted £600 [shock - how do I do the shocked smiley?!!] for one bedroom I think I will try myself. Thank you for the tips Fossil971. I will feel so much happier if I save on paying a decorator, even if the paper is somewhat lopsided!

[fossil971]

I am a real book-follower, I only learnt out of the Collins DIY Manual and following it absolutely to the letter. It is worth buying one if you think you will be doing this thing a lot.

[RMPM]

Excellent, thanks Fossil971, shall go and search for the book. My little one is only 4.5. He will no doubt want new wall paper on a regular basis!

[NotGoodNotBad]

I second the Collins manual.

[CuddyMum]

Great advice from NotGoodNotBad. Go for it! I love wallpapering - it's very satisfying!

[GrandPoohBah]

Also, we've got Laura Ashley wallpaper - it felt quite substantial to me, at least as much so as the lining paper I was using in another room...

[RMPM]

Thank you all for your helpful comments. Still not started the task yet but will soon:)