Home > Paperhanging basics > Paperhanging skills > Papering corners

Papering into a corner.

• Corners often present a little difficulty for beginners; because however accurate they look, they are usually a little out of true.
• Never hang you first piece into a corner if possible.
• Measure the wall space between the last length hung and the angle of the corner.
• Measure the space at top and bottom and at least two other positions, where you think the space might be slightly wider owing to variation of the corner.
• Always cut the widest measurement plus an ¼ inch overlap; never attempt to go round the angle with a whole width.
• A length must be ready and pasted before you cut it to the width required.
• When hanging make sure the paper is forced into the angle of the corner. The overlap should be pressed onto the next wall. If the overlap will not lie flat because the corner is out of true then snip along it with the scissors and brush flat.
• The remaining width of the cut piece should then be hung into the corner ensuring that it is perfectly vertical by using plumb-line or spirit level. Ideally you should snap another chalk line at the required distance.(See: Using a plumb-line.)

Corners.—Corners will present a little difficulty to the beginner, because, however accurate they may look, they are frequently a little out of the true. A whole width of paper should never be used when turning a corner, but the following procedure adopted:

Measure the wall space between the last length of paper hung and the angle of the corner. Owing to the variation referred to above, it is a wise precaution to take measurements at top and bottom of the wall. A length which has already been cut and pasted should then be cut to the wider of these two measurements, plus an extra ¼ inch, and should be hung, special care being taken to force the paper well home into the angle. The surplus ¼ inch should be brought round on to the next wall.

The remainder of the length divided in this manner is hung on the other side of the corner, but a vertical line should first be snapped on the wall and the paper hung from this to the angle, where the joint will be made.

A joint, however, should never be made at the angle of an outward corner, such as, for example, at the front corner of a chimney breast, where it would be far too noticeable. Part of the width of the paper must be turned well round the bend, and the join effected in as inconspicuous a position as possible.