Decorating advice for a complete novice

[RubySlippers]

DH has decided he would like to paint and paper our bedroom

so, we need tips on what to do from start to finish as this has never been attempted before Chez Ruby

we currently have manky delightful flowery wallpaper, so i think we will need to strip it and then paint walls, paintwork etc

how complicated is it to paper a wall?

will do we really need to buy equipment wise (and don't say paint brushes and paint )

TIA

what do we really need to buy equipment wise

It's pretty simple to paper a wall provided the wall is in reasonable condition and you are just using lining paper (Ie no patterns that need matching up). You do have to take off every tiny remnant of old paper first though or the new stuff won't stick. You will need a pasting table, brush, scissors, bucket for the paste and sponge to wipe the bubbles out of the paper once you have stuck it up (you can buy cheap kits with everything in them at DIY stores) plus a spirit level that measures vertically as well in order to start with a true vertical line. Use a very heavy lining paper which will (a) be easier to hang and (b) cover up any unevenness in the walls.

If the walls are bad once the existing paper is off, have them skimmed and paint directly onto the new surface once it has been primed.

thank you Lala

think we may need to hire/buy a steamer thing to get the old wallpaper off

We got a steamer from B&Q for around £20. It won't win any glamour prizes but it does the job and saves so much time.

ok - my list of essentials is taking shape

thanks!

i recently took off nasty nasty woodchip paper in the hall.

i sanded it back lightly to get rid of the glue and stubborn bits, brushed the walls clean of dust, filled some gaps between the door and wall, and then applied that polycell basecoat complete for an even finish, and it looks lurverly now.

now for the top coat and only another 4 rooms to go...

Cross line your walls.

In other words lining paper across the wall, then actual wallpaper the conventional top-to-bottom way

I agree with the post above, line horizontally and dont overlap the paper or the overlap will show through the final paper. If your lining paper does overlap sand slightly over the join for a smooth finish. Dont forget to get rid of all the air bubbles for a nice finish. Good luck.

thank you

sounding a wee bit more complicated

have i mentioned we are rubbish at DIY