The Paper Dolls
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST TO WALLPAPER MY SPACE?
Clients should take into account several factors when considering their wallpaper budget. This includes installation and materials fees, which are calculated by the square foot, as well as the cost of the paper itself, which clients will purchase. Keep in mind that you will typically need to order about 15% more wallpaper than your square footage calls for, to account for pattern repeat and necessary overage.
HOW DO I DETERMINE HOW MUCH PAPER I NEED?
We calculate the amount of paper needed based on your wall measurements, paper dimensions and pattern specifications. This mathematical formula allows us to ensure you will have enough paper to cover your space, with a small allowance for possible misprints, tears, etc.
DO YOU OFFER FREE ESTIMATES?
Yes! Send us an inquiry or give us a call. One of our skilled technicians will come take dimensions and photos of your space. We use this information, combined with your wallpaper selection, to determine the potential cost of your installation along with a paper calculation.
WHERE CAN I BUY WALLPAPER LOCALLY?
We love working with The Pattern Collective, Spruce Showroom and the Design Center New Orleans.
CAN I ORDER MY PAPER ONLINE?
Yes! You can order your paper online, but as we like to say, "swatch before you shop!"
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We strongly suggest ordering samples from any online supplier so you can assess the quality of the paper, ink, colorfastness and print quality in person, as some colors and images can look different on a computer screen than they do in real life.
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Not all companies produce the same quality products, and not all expensive items are high-quality, so ordering a swatch will help you decide on the best product for your home.
If you need advice on selecting paper, please contact us and we are happy to advise.
CAN I USE PEEL & STICK PAPER?
Peel and stick paper is designed to be extremely temporary. Most peel and stick papers have a very low tack adhesive and may start to separate from the wall or bubble in as little as 3 weeks to 6 months. Most will not last longer than one year.
Climates with high humidity may even see an accelerated rate of deterioration. The Paper Dolls Wallpaper no longer offers peel and stick installation because of these factors. If you're looking for a more temporary solution, there are higher quality spray and stick options we are happy to recommend.
WHAT IS A PATTERN REPEAT?
The vertical pattern repeat is the number of inches in length the pattern is printed between each section of repeating pattern. The horizontal pattern repeat is the number of inches the pattern repeats itself across the width of the wallpaper roll.
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HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR WALLPAPER INSTALLATION?
If your space is undergoing renovations, we recommend saving wallpaper till the last step. Think of it as a finishing touch. If your space is currently lived-in, please make sure large furniture is moved away from the walls, along with any fixtures, sconces, mirrors, tchotchkes, etc. are removed. If oil-based primer has been recommended, please apply at least seven days in advance to allow proper drying time.
WHAT KIND OF PAPER DO I NEED?
There are many types of paper, some are rated commercial, and some are residential. Commercial-grade papers have specific fire-ratings to meet code enforcement requirements. Not all commercial papers are suited for residential spaces. Wet rooms like bathrooms with showers or kitchens do best with papers designed for high traffic and moisture. For help selecting the right paper for your space, please contact us.
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WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT PAINTING AND PRIMING?
- If your walls have been painted for a long time, please make sure they are clean and free of dust and mold.
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- New paint: please note, latex-based paint takes up to 30 days to cure properly. Acrylic-based paint takes up to 7 days.
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- If mold mitigation is required, this must be done by a professional before installing wallpaper.​
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- All holes should be filled and repaired with adequate time to dry, at least one day or more depending on the size of the repair.
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- Skim coats should be smooth and primed with paint prior to installation.
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- We cannot hang on raw drywall. At minimum, fresh drywall needs to be sealed with 2 coats of Guardz sealant. We strongly recommend priming fresh walls.
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- We recommend adding color tint to your primer paint to match your dark wallpaper and reduce seam visibility. Similarly, if your paper has a white background, using a white primer is best.
HOW CAN I PROTECT MY WALLPAPER INVESTMENT?
Ensuring your walls are in good condition prior to installation is paramount. The paper will only look as good as the wall underneath it! Preparing your walls based on our recommendations will ensure a good installation.
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Maintaining climate and humidity is key. Extreme temperature fluctuations can cause wear on your paper and wall adhesive.
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Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for paper care and limit scrubbing and moisture contact on the surface to add longevity to your investment.
DO YOU OFFER REPAIRS?
Yes! Wallpaper can last for many years and may need some maintenance to keep it looking its best. We are happy to help revive your preexisting wallpaper. Sometimes all your older paper needs to be refreshed and touched up to help it last.
We can roll down curled seams and even put patches in damaged areas if there are remnants available on-hand. An initial consultation will be needed to assess the condition of the older paper.
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We stand behind our work and all of our installations are backed with a warranty. We are happy to deliver a touch-up on your existing paper and will replace one full panel for free as long as we are in business (calendar permitting).