How to | Hang Lincrusta wallcoverings

Preparation

Thorough preparation of the surface is essential when installing Lincrusta.

Start by removing any old wallpaper and wash the walls down before filling all imperfections with filler and allowing the wall to dry. For porous surfaces, rub down before applying a coat of size (diluted wallpaper paste).

For all non-porous surfaces (e.g. solvent-painted walls), it is recommended that you cross-line with lining paper to give perfect adhesion. Apply using a ready-mixed paste containing a fungicide. Ensure the wall is dry before installing your Lincrusta wallcovering.

When applying Lincrusta to newly plastered walls, it is not necessary to cross-line the wall. Allow the plaster to dry thoroughly, then scrape, rub down and fill any imperfections with filler. Apply two thin coats of size (diluted wallpaper paste) and allow to dry before moving onto the next step.

How to hang a Lincrusta wallcovering

Before installing, keep your Lincrusta stored upright at room temperature and check the manufacture date before installing. It’s recommended you only use Lincrusta within two years of the production date.

When handling your Lincrusta wallcovering, care should be taken to avoid damaging its surface. Either follow the below instructions or if you're not sure, Lincrusta has a list of recommended specialist installers who can help with your project.

1. Plan your start and finish points in the room to minimise wastage and mark a vertical plumb line to which to hang your first length.

2. Match the pattern where necessary. Cut individual lengths to size adding 50mm (2") at the top and bottom for trimming.

3. Cut to the left and right trim position using a sharp knife and straight edge, taking care to avoid edge damage. Contact Lincrusta specific details of recommended trim position for individual designs.

4. Wet the back of the paper with warm water using a sponge. For best results, place the wallcovering lengths back-to-back and leave for approximately 5–8 minutes. Soaking allows the product to expand and helps it stick to the adhesive. You should notice the product will become more pliable after soaking.

5. Remove any excess water using a sponge or cloth.

6. Apply Lincrusta adhesive to the back of the Lincrusta wallcovering using a 50–75mm paint brush with synthetic bristles, or for larger areas, a mohair roller can be used. It is recommended you stick to the Lincrusta adhesive which has been specially formulated to work with their unique wallcoverings.

7. Apply to the surface and smooth down using a 178mm felt smoothing roller, working from the middle to the outer edges, getting rid of all air bubbles. If the Lincrusta adhesive is a little thick, make sure to stir it well before applying.

8. To form the lower edge, mark Lincrusta at each side with a pencil, ensuring it’s level with top of the skirting board. Place a cutting board behind the Lincrusta, and cut a straight line between the pencil marks using a sharp knife and straight edge. Repeat again at the top, marking a pencil line where the Lincrusta meets the dado or top of the wall.

9. Sponge off any surplus adhesive from the surface.

10. Leave to dry for at least 24 hours prior to decorating.

How to apply around corners

FOR INTERNAL CORNERS

Cut to fit into the corner. Hang the remaining off-cut to a plumb line on the adjacent wall, trimming to fit in corner. Trim any areas of high relief in the corner at 45° angle to fit.

FOR EXTERNAL CORNERS

For gently rounded corners, Lincrusta can be smoothed round in one piece. Where the angle is sharp, cut the Lincrusta to finish flush at the corner. Hang the remaining off-cut to a plumb line on adjacent wall, equal to the minimum width of off-cut. Fill any gaps at the external corner using linseed putty.