Wallpaper Buying Guide LAURA ASHLEY Superior Quality Wallcovering The Laura Ashley wallpaper range draws upon a rich heritage of traditional values and originality to offer a wealth of inspirational and distinctive designs. From subtle textures to bold statement florals our wallcoverings are designed to co-ordinate beautifully with our interiors collections ensuring the perfect results for your home and the way that you live. Laura Ashley wall coverings are printed in our UK factory on fine quality paper using rich pigments for a superior finish. Manufactured to high standards, each batch of wallpaper is meticulously tested to ensure consistency of colour and stunning results. WALLPAPER GUIDE Our helpful guide includes information about the Laura Ashley wallpaper collection from choosing the perfect wallcovering to expert tips on preparation and application - everything you need to know to achieve the very best results. HOW TO BUY WALLPAPER TYPES BEFORE YOU START HOW MUCH DO I NEED SURFACE PREPARATION APPLICATION CARE & CONSIDERATIONS THE PERFECT FINISH HINTS, TIPS AND FAQ SEE A VIDEO OF OUR BEAUTFUL WALLPAPER BEING PRINTED
HOW TO BUY A fabulous resource for interior inspiration can be found on our website and in our seasonal catalogues, and we are on hand either by phone or in store to help you with choosing the perfect wallpaper for your project. The full collection of Laura Ashley wallpaper is available to view and buy online at www.lauraashley.com, all options can be ordered instore for collection or by mail order. Selected colours and options are stocked in store for immediate collection. WALLPAPER SAMPLES To help you visualise how your choice of wallpapers will look in your room, and with coordinating items we always recommend the use of wallpaper samples. These offer a good idea of the scale, colour and texture of the designs in your home. The appearance of wallpaper can vary depending upon lighting conditions so it s helpful to see your wallpaper sample in situ with natural or artificial lighting, viewing during the day and evening is useful too. Also consider the direction that your room is facing as natural light can either be warm or cool depending on the direction of the light source. Up to 8 wallpaper samples can be sent to your home by ordering online, in-store or by telephone on 0333 2021 196* We do make every effort is to ensure the accuracy of colour, however colour may not render consistently across all screens and devices which is why we recommend the use of samples prior to purchase.
Wallpaper Types Our collection includes stunning designs to suit every room in your home. Read on to find out how to choose the perfect wallcovering for your decorating project. Made in Great Britain using traditional printing techniques on paper sourced from accredited Forest Stewardship suppliers using water based inks, each batch of our wallpaper is meticulously tested to ensure the best possible results. All of our wallcoverings meet the CE requirement specified by BSEN15102:2007. Traditional Printed Wallpaper Each of our traditionally printed wallpapers are printed on carefully selected fine quality papers using specialised techniques to create a wide range of unique designs. Traditional printed wallpaper is made of wood pulp and performs with the natural properties of paper which means that particular care and attention to the preparation, soaking time and hanging instructions provided on the reverse of the product label is essential to achieve the perfect finish. Designs printed on traditional paper are suitable for all interiors, including well ventilated kitchens and bathrooms. Can be wiped clean but abrasive cleaning products should not be used as they will damage the wallcovering. We therefore advise carefully wiping away any marks or dirt with a damp non-abrasive sponge. Non Woven Printed Wall Covering A durable, washable non woven wall covering suitable for all rooms, including kitchens and bathrooms. This option is paste the wall for ease of hanging and is easily dry strippable making it simple to remove when you wish to redecorate. Our non-woven wallcoverings are formaldehyde and pvc free which makes them an environmentally friendly wallpaper choice. Our non woven printed wallcovering can be wiped clean but abrasive cleaning products should not be used as they will damage the wallcovering. We therefore advise carefully wiping away any marks or dirt with a damp non-abrasive sponge.
BEFORE YOU START Check everything is in place before you start your decorating project to ensure a fuss free decorating project. 1. Check that you have sufficient rolls to complete your project and that all rolls have the same batch reference. Our traditional manufacturing processes mean that there may be a slight variation between production runs. Although slight these differences may be noticeable when the wallpaper is hung which is why it is essential that your wallpaper comes from the same batch. 2. Whilst we do take every care checking and testing our wallcoverings please do check that all the rolls are in good condition, with no visible damage. Inspect for colour compatibility or any visible issues prior to hanging and that all colours match roll to roll and edge to edge. It s important to check that you have sufficient good condition rolls from the same batch before you begin. If any of the rolls are found to be defective please return them immediately. 3. Retain the label along with the batch number, and if possible a sample for each roll as this is essential should any queries or problems arise. 4. For best results use Laura Ashley wallpaper paste. 5. Carefully read through and follow the preparation and hanging instructions printed on the back of the roll label.
HOW MUCH WALLPAPER DO I NEED? It s very easy to calculate how much wallpaper you need with our handy guide. Three simple steps: 1. Measure your room to establish a) The wall height and b) the perimeter (the length of all of the walls to be papered). 2. Look up the number of rolls needed on the table below. 3. It s very important that all your wallpaper is from the same batch to ensure consistency of appearance. We advise that you allow for an additional roll in case of errors. Unopened excess rolls can be returned for refund in accordance with Laura Ashley refund policy. Please check pattern repeat when calculating number of rolls.
SURFACE PREPARATION Thoroughly preparing your surfaces will help to ensure that you achieve beautiful results for your decorating project. 1. Make sure that you follow the instructions on the back of the label. 2. Remove all old wallcovering and any loosely adhering material such as flaky paint, traces of wallpaper, adhesive etc. 3. Wash all walls with a fungicidal wash. 4. Ensure that all surfaces are smooth, firm, clean and dry 5. Roughen gloss painted surfaces with fine glass paper 6. Size all porous surfaces. This step is essential for highly absorbent surfaces e.g. new plaster. If your walls are newly plastered, they will absorb the paste very quickly and this may prevent your wallpaper adhering to the wall. Always coat the plaster with a dilute solution of wallpaper paste to 'size' or seal the surface before papering. 7. For walls with uneven or blemished surfaces cross line with lining paper before using traditional wallpaper. This will help smooth uneven surfaces and prevent coloured surfaces showing through.
APPLICATION Once you have selected the perfect wallcovering and prepared your surfaces our application advice will help you to complete your project beautifully. 1. Pasting Instructions For Traditional Wallpaper Use Laura Ashley All purpose wallpaper paste or comparable water soluble starch wallcovering adhesive. Mix according to the manufacturers instructions Apply an even coat of paste to pre-cut lengths one at a time ensuring paste is well brushed out at the edges. Avoid getting paste on the printed surface. Allow to soak for 3 4 minutes and apply to the wall immediately Inadequate soaking can cause bubbling Do not oversoak as this will cause the paper to tear in handling. the pattern match to run out and excessive shrinkage on drying. 2. Pasting Instructions For Non Woven Wall Covering Use Laura Ashley All purpose wallpaper paste or comparable water soluble starch wallcovering adhesive. Mix according to the manufacturers instructions for vinyl and washable papers. Apply an even coat of paste to the wall sufficient to hang one full length. You can use a brush or a roller. Apply the paste to a width just wider than the paper. Avoid getting paste on the printed surface. Either pre-cut a length or apply direct from the roll and hang one length at a time. Use either a decorators brush or a sponge roller making sure all air pockets and bubbles are removed. 3. Position on wall and butt joint each piece for a perfect pattern match. Smooth out air bubbles and smooth down edges. Trim top and bottom, any uprights, sockets or switches. 4. Wipe off excess paste immediately before it dries with a sponge dampened with clean water. Excess dried paste can damage the decorative surface. Avoid excess rubbing, as this may damage the surface finish. 5. Use a vinyl overlap adhesive for awkward edges and slight overlapping 6. Dry naturally. Turn off heating appliances. Slight blisters will smooth out as the wallcovering dries.
CARE & CONSIDERATIONS CARE Laura Ashley can be wiped clean but abrasive cleaning products should not be used as they will damage the wallcovering. We therefore advise carefully wiping away any marks or dirt with a damp non-abrasive sponge IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS FIRE HAZARD: Do not hang over expanded polystyrene veneers WARNING: Tests have shown that the use of ready-mix adhesives with this product when applied to Type Z gypsum board may result in a Class B flammability rating under the U.S NFPA 101.94 Life Safety Code. It is the responsibility of the user of this product to ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards for a particular end use. In the event of a query please return the wallpaper label for EACH roll considered to be faulty with a sample. After hanging several lengths to a maximum of one roll we recommend that you review the results to ensure that you are satisfied as unfortunately we cannot accept claims for hanging / decorating costs for goods hung in excess of one roll. It is the customers responsibility to check and inspect the wallpaper for any visible defect prior to hanging. Laura Ashley will not after any wallcovering has been hung be liable for any consequential loss or damage caused by any defect in the wallcovering or defect in the matching of one roll of wallcovering to another if such defects were apparent at the time of hanging.
THE PERFECT FINISH HINTS, TIPS AND FAQ Top Tips for the Perfect Finish Always follow the instructions on the reverse of the label. Our traditional quality wallpaper is made of wood pulp and performs with the natural properties of paper, meaning when it s exposed to moisture it expands, then when it dries it shrinks back to it s original size. If wallpaper paste is left on the paper in excess of 3 4 minutes and allowed to over soak it absorbs excessive moisture and it will cause the paper to be more difficult to hang. It can lead to paper tears during handling, the pattern to run out and it may leave noticeable gaps at the seams when it dries out. If in doubt only paste up one length at a time. Do use sharp tools to cut the paper for the perfect finish. Avoid over soaking traditional wallpaper as the paper will become more difficult to trim without tearing Do avoid getting paste on the surface of the wallpaper wipe off excess paste immediately before it dries with a non- abrasive sponge dampened with clean water. Avoid excess rubbing, as this will damage the surface finish. Whilst we do take every care with our products occasionally designs featuring darker colours may have a residual amount of loose ink on the surface of the design which may cause noticeable marks if paste is allowed to dry over the top of this ink onto the surface of your wallpaper. FAQ Why does wallpaper come in different thicknesses Each of our traditionally printed wallpapers are printed on specially selected fine quality papers using specialised techniques to create a wide range of unique designs; from those with a matt aesthetic to exquisitely detailed designs. Finely detailed designs require a very smooth surface to print upon, in order to achieve the required surface the paper is calendared and coated, this process compresses the paper. What is the difference between Traditional Wallpaper and Non Woven Wallpaper Traditional wallpaper is pasted before applying to the wall, the paste needs to soak into the paper for a specified time before hanging. The soaking time will vary depending on your chosen wallpaper so always check the instructions on your label for exact timing. Non woven wallpaper is applied dry onto a pasted wall, you don t have to wait for the paste to soak into the paper which helps to make is easier and quicker to hang. How long do I need to leave traditional wallpaper to soak before hanging Leave each length for 3 4 minutes maximum after pasting then hang immediately. Over soaking by leaving the paste on too long before positioning can cause the paper to be more difficult to hang as it can lead to paper tears during handling and to the pattern running out as it stretches. If in doubt only paste up one length at a time.
FAQ Why are batch numbers important Our manufacturing processes mean that there may be a slight variation between production runs. Each production run has a unique batch number, although variations between each batch are slight, these differences may be noticeable when the wallpaper is hung. Which is why it s very important that all your wallpaper is from the same batch to ensure consistency of appearance. Before you begin decorating check that you have sufficient rolls to complete your project and that all rolls have the same batch number. We advise that you allow for an additional roll in case of errors. What is cross lining Cross lining is where a lining paper is hung horizontally prior to wallpapering. Cross lining helps to smooth uneven surfaces and prevent coloured surfaces from showing through. Using a lining paper creates a smooth base for the top wallpaper resulting in a beautiful finish. What is sizing Sizing is the process of treating porous or newly plastered walls before hanging your wallpaper. If your walls are newly plastered, they will absorb paste very quickly and this may prevent your new paper adhering correctly to the wall. Coating the plaster with a dilute solution of wallpaper paste to 'size' or seal the surface before papering will create a barrier between the surface of your wallpaper and the wall, ensuring the paste isn t rapidly absorbed by the plaster. How to avoid paper tears when cutting wallpaper Always use sharp tools to cut the paper. Take care not to leave the paste on your traditional wallpaper longer than the recommended 3 4 minutes before hanging as oversoaked wallpaper is more difficult to trim without tearing. How do I clean wallpaper Laura Ashley wallpaper can be wiped clean by carefully wiping away any marks or dirt with a damp, non-abrasive sponge. Abrasive cleaning products should not be used as they will damage the wallcovering. Avoid excess rubbing, as this will damage the surface finish.