Julian Cassell's DIY Blog

Walls must be in a sound condition for tiling, and quite simply, the flatter the better. Any wallpaper must be removed, but you can tile over old tiles if they are firmly stuck down. If in doubt, it’s always best to remove the old tiles. Wall surfaces must be sealed correctly before tiles are applied – always take directions from the tile and adhesive manufacturer, as sealant type recommendations can vary. read more »

Wallpaper seams and edges tend to lift and peel because the paper was not properly stuck down in the first place. When wallpaper is applied it is essential to check that all the edges have had sufficient paste applied, as even the smallest ‘dry’ patch will soon begin to lift or curl away from the wall. Lifting also commonly occurs on overlaps. read more »

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The Guardian, Saturday 9 October 2010

We’re trying to sell our flat, but the open-plan kitchen and sitting area – separated by a rectangular arch – is, apparently, a deal breaker. Any stylish (inexpensive) ideas? read more »

The Guardian, Saturday 2 October 2010

Our stone chimney breast has been covered in matt emulsion. How can we restore it to its original appearance? read more »

Before wallpapering a room it is essential to prepare the walls so that they are in as good a condition as possible for hanging the wallpaper. If you need to strip the walls of their existing paper, see my guide ‘Stripping wallpaper‘. Fill any small holes in the walls with all-purpose interior filler. When dry, sand smooth and sand the remaining wall surfaces to remove any rough areas. The smoother you get the walls, the better the finish. If you are painting the ceiling and woodwork in the room, do this first, as it is much easier to wipe excess paste off painted surfaces than paint off wallpaper surfaces. read more »