Summary: Learn how to wallpaper a ceiling, hang paper and paper around ceiling obstacles.
To hide any hairline cracks in the ceiling you can paper the ceiling before painting. Papering a ceiling can seem daunting to the inexperienced due to the difficult height and angles at which you have to work. This is a misconception as the technique required is almost exactly the same as that for papering a wall. However, recruiting someone to help you with this task will make it a lot easier, particularly when hanging the paper.
To start with you will need to prepare a work platform from which you will be able to reach the ceiling without over stretching.
Decorating platforms designed for this specific purpose can be purchased, but an effective alternative can be produced by simply placing a scaffold plank at the required height across two stepladders positioned at either end of the plank.
Remove as much furniture from the room as possible to make it easier to move the work platform around. Dustsheets should also be spread over any furniture that remains and over the floor covering.
A good tip is to start papering from the wall where the main window is situated and work away from the light, so that you can see what you are doing more clearly. However, if the distance is shorter the other way, then it will be easier to paper in that direction.
As your helper positions the ceiling paper in line with the wall, you will be free to brush it into place using a paperhanger's brush.
Mark a line on the paper where the ceiling and wall meet, ease the paper away from the wall and cut along the pencil line with scissors.
The advantage of papering a ceiling over papering a wall is that there are no doors, windows or radiators to work around. However there can be obstacles such as light fittings and decorative plaster centrepieces on a ceiling. These obstacles require you to carefully cut the paper to achieve a neat finish.
Cut the flaps you have made around the ceiling rose with a sharp knife and brush the edge neatly against the rose.
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