How to properly glue self-adhesive film to the walls in a bathroom, kitchen or children”s room: stages of work, sequence, recommendations

Self-adhesive film is an easy and affordable way to update the appearance of your kitchen, bathroom, or kids’ room. With so many patterns and finishes to choose from, this technique makes it possible to make rapid updates without having to undertake a complete renovation.

However, meticulous planning and attention to detail are necessary to achieve a flawless, polished finish. Every stage, from picking the ideal film to applying it correctly, is vital to the outcome.

In order to guarantee that your self-adhesive film remains firmly in place and maintains its excellent appearance for many years to come, this guide will lead you through the procedure while providing helpful advice and suggestions.

Technology of pasting walls with self-adhesive film

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The thin, self-adhesive, moisture-resistant film has polyester and polyvinyl chloride on the front, which gives it a glossy, long-lasting finish. It has glue impregnated into the back side.

Features of choosing for a bathroom

Rolls ranging in width from 45 to 90 centimeters are available. The roll’s length ranges from 2 to 15 meters. The material may be bright or pastel, patterned, or embellished. There are two types of material: matte and glossy, smooth and rough. It is able to mimic:

  • tapestry;
  • stone;
  • wood;
  • fabric;
  • ceramics;
  • canvas;
  • mirror, gold and silver surface.

Products having a fluorescent effect could be marketed.

Different types of self-adhesive wallpaper for bathrooms and kitchens

  1. Cork wallpaper. They are made of artificial materials, have a wax coating, similar to natural cork. They will last a very long time (up to 20 years). They keep the room warm, do not muffle extraneous sounds. Do not change their appearance, are antistatic.
  2. Self-adhesive polyvinyl chloride film. It stretches well and is very durable. Sold in one tone or with a pattern, matte, glossy. It is used to cover walls, furniture, door frames.
  3. Photo wallpaper on an adhesive base.
  4. Satin self-adhesive wallpaper, imitating fabric.
  5. Film with a special coating. You can make a drawing on it with chalk or a marker.
  6. Self-adhesive wallpaper imitating wood flooring, brick, marble, leather.

In order for the material to blend in with the other elements of the kitchen and bathroom, you must first decide on its color and pattern.

A bathroom with a one-color, slightly uneven surface covering looks nice. Seascape-themed prints are available.

Self-adhesive film is a popular finish because it offers the following benefits:

  1. After gluing, it will protect the walls from water.
  2. It easily replaces washable vinyl wallpaper.
  3. Can withstand high temperatures (up to 80°C).
  4. Easily tolerates sudden changes in air temperature.
  5. It sticks perfectly to various walls: made of wood, plaster, metal, plasterboard, glass.
  6. They sell a variety of materials, it can be matte and glossy, plain and patterned, pastel and bright shades, can imitate wood, brick.
  7. It is easy to attach to the surface, you do not need to buy glue.
  8. It has good performance characteristics.
  9. It requires minimal maintenance.
  10. It is cheap, always available in stores.

Indeed, it has drawbacks as well:

  1. It will serve in the bathroom for about 3 years.
  2. Its surface is not breathable, so air does not get to the wall. Therefore, condensation and mold may appear on the wall. Because of this, it is worth treating the surfaces with a primer that has the necessary properties before attaching the material.

How to glue self-adhesive film with your own hands: stages

Instruments:

  • assembly knife;
  • scissors;
  • pen, pencil;
  • ruler;
  • measuring tape;
  • felt spatula;
  • construction hair dryer.

The film must be warmed up with a hair dryer in order for it to adhere to the wall flawlessly. To smooth the walls and adjust the application so that there are no air bubbles, use a felt spatula.

What surface is pasting allowed on

You should first get the walls ready:

  1. If the walls have irregularities, then they are sanded, since the glued material is thin and can display all the irregularities.
  2. If the walls are made of wood, then they are sanded and coated with varnish.
  3. Metal surfaces must be primed. Apply 2 layers of acrylic-based primer.
  4. Drywall must be puttied and cleaned.
  5. Walls must be cleaned of dust and dirt, degreased with water.
  6. If the wall is constantly exposed to sunlight, there are sharp changes in air temperature, then you need to purchase a film that has a long service life.

When you can’t glue

Since the material is very thin and will show any defects, you cannot glue it to a surface that has depressions or protrusions. Consequently, you should prime, putty, and treat the walls before gluing.

It is not a good idea to glue them to old wallpaper because the film adheres to it much more firmly than it does to puttied surfaces. This is especially true in the kitchen where fat tends to accumulate on the wallpaper and is impossible to remove. If you glue a new film over the old one, it will adhere a little better, but not very well. Furthermore, the outdated movie may delaminate.

How to stick on a flat wall

  1. Design the material. To do this, first draw squares on the wrong side.
  2. It is required to cut a roll. You should leave the extra 2 cm above and below. If there is a drawing with a rapport, then you need to cut off a piece on the front side. If a pattern is applied to the material in the form of tiles, then it is cut at the seams of the tiles.
  3. It is necessary to remove part of the paper 3-3.5 cm from the film, and apply the adhesive canvas to the wall and glue the separated part.
  4. Then, slowly, but evenly pull the paper with one hand from the material, and the second hand is smoothed out a piece on the wall with a felt spatula with movements from the center to the edges.
  5. Cut the excess material with a knife.
  6. The next strip is glued so that it is overlap from the previous one by 1 cm.
  7. If the film is already glued, but there is a small amount of air bubbles, then it is necessary to pierce them with a thick needle, and then carefully smoot it with a spatula.
  8. If the film has stuck to the surface, but folds have appeared, then you need to tear it off with a sharp movement, and then glue it again.
  9. The roll must not be glued together, as it is difficult to separate.
  10. The glue will dry only after 3-4 hours.
  11. If the film is placed on a relief wall, it is recommended to use a construction hair dryer for drying.
  12. Heat the film, holding the hair dryer at some distance so that it does not overheat, otherwise the surface may turn black, melt or weld to the wall. You should constantly move the hair dryer, do not linger in any one place.
  13. If the wall is exposed at the joints, then it is worth increasing the overlap of one sheet on another to 3 cm.
  14. If you are pasting large surfaces, then you can apply wallpaper paste to them. And until the glue dries, then stick the film.
  15. If the film sticks too quickly, then it is worth powdering the walls with talc. Then the film will not stick very quickly, there will be time for its arrangement as required.

How to properly glue in the corners

A section should be cut off and attached so that it is 10 cm away from one wall and toward another.

Apply the film to the opposite wall in the same manner. After that, an overlap will be glued on it. After that, trim off any excess. Using a building hair dryer, iron the film.

Self-adhesive film is an easy yet powerful way to update the appearance of a kitchen, bathroom, or kids’ room. To prevent bubbles and wrinkles, the procedure calls for meticulous surface preparation, accurate film measurement and cutting, and steady hand application. Anyone can achieve a smooth, polished finish that elevates the room’s décor with the correct techniques and a little perseverance.

Is it possible to glue adhesive wallpaper in other rooms

One minor flaw in the film is that air cannot pass through it. Condensation may thus form on the wall as a result. As a result, you must use a primer with specific qualities to pre-treat the walls. After that, any room—even the nursery—can have its walls pasted over.

Additionally, self-adhesive film can be used to paste over furniture. Purchase a film that mimics the feel of wood for this. It will extend the useful life of an outdated cabinet, table, or shelf. The material can be used to cover window sills and door frames.

Stage Action
Prepare the Surface Clean the wall, removing dust, grease, and any rough spots to ensure the film sticks well.
Measure and Cut Measure the area, then cut the film to size, leaving a little extra for adjustments.
Peel and Stick Peel off a small portion of the backing and start applying the film from the top, smoothing it down as you go.
Smooth Out Bubbles Use a squeegee or a cloth to press out air bubbles, moving from the center to the edges.
Trim the Edges Once the film is in place, trim the excess with a sharp knife for a clean finish.
Final Check Check for any remaining bubbles or imperfections and smooth them out for a perfect finish.

Self-adhesive film can be a simple and efficient way to update a space while infusing it with character and flair. A professional-looking finish can be obtained by carefully following the steps: cleaning the surface, measuring and cutting the film, and applying it smoothly.

Be it a kitchen, bathroom, or kids’ room, patience and attention to detail are essential. To prevent peeling over time, make sure the film is firmly attached and that there are no air bubbles present.

If done correctly, this easy project can give your place a new look without requiring a complete renovation.

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Veronica Gerasimova

Interior designer, author of books on the design of residential premises. I will help you make your home not only functional, but also beautiful.

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