Wallpaper Installation in St Albans

Painted walls, yes, after cleaning and priming. Papering over old wallpaper is a false economy — trapped seams telegraph through and moisture can lift both layers. Strip first; installers quote removal as a separate line.

Yes, with the right product — vinyl and washable papers handle humidity, and some installers seal edges with clear varnish in splash zones. Avoid delicate uncoated papers near cookers and showers. Good extraction/ventilation matters more than the paper choice.

Stripping is typically priced per room or per hour and depends entirely on what's underneath: modern non-woven papers peel off dry in minutes, while old glued layers over unsized walls can take a full day per room with steamers and leave repairs behind.

Installers price per roll, per square metre, or per day. Labour usually lands between half and the full cost of the paper itself — and premium papers (grasscloth, murals, wide-width vinyls) cost more to hang because mistakes are expensive. Removal of old paper is always quoted separately.

Measure wall width and height, then let the installer confirm — pattern repeat is the trap. A large repeat can add 15-25% waste, and you should order all rolls from one batch number to avoid shade differences. Always order one spare roll for future repairs.

Much UK housing has old, patched plaster; lining paper evens out suction and surface so the top paper hangs flat with tight seams. Cross-lining (horizontal) is the norm under quality papers. Skipping it on old walls is the main cause of visible seams.