Cutting wallpaper borders accurately is essential for a professional finish, involving precise measurements and careful cutting techniques for straight runs, corners, and seams.
Essential Tools for Cutting Wallpaper Borders
Having the right tools makes the cutting process much smoother and more accurate.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Measuring Tape | For accurate wall dimensions and border strip lengths. |
| Pencil | To mark cut lines on the border and placement lines on the wall. |
| Straightedge/Ruler | Guides your utility knife for perfectly straight cuts. |
| Utility Knife | The primary tool for precise, clean cuts; ensure a fresh, sharp blade. |
| Cutting Mat | Protects your work surface and provides a stable base for cutting. |
| Scissors (optional) | Useful for rough cuts or trimming small sections. |
Preparing for the Cut
Before you start cutting, it's beneficial to plan your layout and prepare your workspace. Ensure your walls are clean and dry, and consider drawing a level guideline for the border's top edge to ensure straight application.
Measuring and Initial Cuts
The most crucial step in cutting wallpaper borders is accurate measurement and creating the initial strips.
- Measure Your Wall: Measure the exact length of the wall where you intend to apply the first strip of wallpaper border.
- Add Overlap: To allow for minor adjustments and a clean finish, cut a strip of wallpaper border 2 inches (50mm) longer than the measured wall length. This extra length provides a comfortable overlap on each end, which will be trimmed later.
- Mark Your Cut: Roll out the border onto a clean, flat surface, preferably a cutting mat. Use your measuring tape and a pencil to mark the desired cut line, including the extra overlap.
Making Straight Cuts
For clean, straight edges:
- Use a Straightedge: Position a straightedge or long ruler firmly along your marked cut line.
- Sharp Utility Knife: With a sharp utility knife, score the border material along the straightedge. Apply steady, even pressure and make multiple passes if necessary to cut through completely, rather than trying to cut it all in one go, which can tear the paper.
- Protect Your Surface: Always cut on a self-healing cutting mat to protect your table or floor.
Handling Corners and Seams
Cutting for corners and joining strips requires specific techniques to maintain a seamless appearance.
Inside Corners
For inside corners, where two walls meet:
- Overlap and Crease: Apply the border, allowing it to slightly overlap into the adjacent wall. Press the border firmly into the corner to create a crease.
- Double-Cut Method (Recommended): Apply the next strip of border, overlapping the first one in the corner. Using a straightedge placed firmly in the corner, cut through both layers of border simultaneously. Remove the excess strips from both the top and bottom layers to achieve a perfect, seamless butt joint.
- Simple Overlap: Alternatively, you can simply trim the first strip cleanly into the corner and butt the next strip against it, but this can sometimes leave a visible seam.
Outside Corners
For outside corners, where two walls meet at an outward angle:
- Wrap Around: Apply the border, allowing it to wrap slightly around the corner onto the adjacent wall, typically by about an inch (2.5 cm).
- Crease and Cut: Press the border firmly around the corner to create a sharp crease. If the pattern allows, you might be able to simply trim the excess from the underside and wrap the top layer over.
- Double-Cut Method: Similar to inside corners, apply the next strip to overlap the first. Use a straightedge to make a vertical cut through both layers at the corner. Remove the trimmed pieces from both layers for a clean join.
Joining Border Strips (Seams)
When you need to use multiple strips along a long wall:
- Pattern Matching: If your border has a repeating pattern, carefully align the pattern of the next strip with the previous one before making your cut.
- Double-Cut for Seamless Joints: Overlap the end of the new strip over the end of the previous one by about 2 inches (50mm). Carefully align any patterns. Place a straightedge vertically through the center of the overlap and cut through both layers. Remove the top waste piece and lift the top layer to remove the bottom waste piece. This creates a perfectly matched, invisible seam.
Trimming Excess
Once your border is applied and smoothed onto the wall, you'll need to trim the excess from the ends and any other areas.
- Along Edges: Use your utility knife and a straightedge (or a wallpaper smoother tool with a flat edge) to trim any extra border material along the ceiling line, baseboard, or doorframes.
- Sharp Blade is Key: A sharp blade will prevent tearing and ensure a crisp, clean edge. Change your blade frequently, especially if you feel resistance.
Tips for a Perfect Finish
- Practice Makes Perfect: If you're new to wallpapering, practice cutting on a scrap piece of border first.
- Keep Blades Sharp: Dull blades tear the paper, leading to jagged edges.
- Take Your Time: Rushing can lead to mistakes. Work patiently and methodically.
- Accordion Fold for Handling: Once a strip of border is cut and pasted, the easiest way to handle it without creasing is to gently fold it accordion (or concertina) style. This helps manage the length as you apply it to the wall.
- Cleanliness: Keep your tools and workspace clean to avoid transferring paste or dirt onto your border.
Following these steps will help you achieve clean, precise cuts for your wallpaper borders, ensuring a professional and polished look for your room. For more detailed instructions on wallpaper application, consider consulting resources from reputable home improvement sites like Home Depot or Lowes.
