The
Quick Fix Fabric on Walls
By
Tammy Jo Schoppet - Rental Decorating Digest
Can't stand those white walls anymore !
Wallpaper your walls with fabric!
Placing fabric on your walls is a simple process, as a matter of fact, it is
just like wallpapering except you are using fabric and starch which allow you to
easily remove and reuse as needed.
Before we begin, decide which walls you would like to "fabric".
Do you want to cover the whole wall, or would you prefer to go up half a wall
and apply a border trim? You may choose to create a collage of color
and place a decorative frame around it, or use the fabric to create a wall
mural.
If being budget conscious is necessary for you,
understand that fabric prices vary and could actually run into quite a bit of
money depending on your tastes - this can be easily remedied by discount fabric
stores and clearance sales.
The good news is when you remove the fabric from the wall, all you will need to
do is wash it. It can be easily re-used for another craft project, good as new!
Keeping all that in mind - let's get busy.
These simple instructions will help you apply and remove your fabric.
Materials:
- LINIT® Starch OR LINIT® Starch-n-Crafts™ Stiffener
- Fabric
- Clean sponge or paint roller
- Pan
Process:
-
Wash the wall to remove any dirt
or film.
-
Lightweight fabrics, such as polished cottons,
ginghams, and chintzes, are easiest to use. Measure from the
floor to the ceiling and add a couple extra inches.
-
Cut the fabric accordingly. If
fabric has a design, be sure to match the design before cutting the next
panel as when using wallpaper.
-
Pour starch into a clean pan or
paint pan or spray on if using stiffener (see Tip section if using spray
stiffener). Apply starch to the top half of the wall with a sponge, paint
roller or spray on if using spray stiffener.
-
Smooth fabric into place at the
top of the wall, leaving about one inch to be trimmed later. Use push pins
to hold the fabric temporarily in place. Apply more starch going down the
wall as needed until you get to the floor, leave approximately one inch
overlap at floor level.
-
Apply starch to the top of the
fabric, brushing and smoothing the fabric in place to remove bubbles and
wrinkles. Be sure the starch penetrates the fabric evenly.
-
Work your way down the panel,
continuing to sponge or spray starch onto the wall, smoothing the fabric,
and applying more starch.
-
Position the second panel,
matching the design along the edge. Repeat steps.
-
Around windows and doors, leave a one inch
overlap as with the ceiling and floor.
-
Fabric overlap should be cut when the fabric is
completely dry. It will then cut clean and easily and any shrinkage will
have occurred before you trim.
When
Using Stiffener in Spray Bottle: Be sure to mask edges of ceiling & floor to
avoid over spray.
To Remove Fabric From Wall: Peel one
corner loose, then gently begin to peel the fabric off of the wall panel by
panel. If the fabric does not peel easily, dampen the fabric with water using a
wet sponge and it should come right off.
Whether you choose to cover your entire wall or
only a portion, you will enjoy the look of a professionally decorated room,
without the permanence of paint or wallpaper!
Rental Decorating Digest is an online publication focused on helping renters
decorate with style! Visit them online at
www.rentaldecorating.com
Courtesy of www.Craftopoly.com
