This document provides guidance on applying standard papers to ceilings and walls as part of the City and Guilds of London Institute Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating. It discusses planning considerations like starting points, soaking times, and plumbing first lengths. It also provides step-by-step instructions for hanging paper on walls with chimney breasts, internal angles, ceilings, staircases, and cutting around obstacles. Key steps include planning starting points, using concertina folds, trimming after each length, and cleaning excess adhesive. The document concludes with two discussion questions.

1. © 2013 City and Guilds of London Institute. All rights reserved.
Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating
Planning
Unit 217: Applying standard papers to ceilings and
walls

2. © 2013 City and Guilds of London Institute. All rights reserved.
Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating
Applying papers to ceilings and walls
Before applying papers consider the following:
• Starting points: Where is the focal point (for example, a chimney breast)?
• Finishing point: Where will your paper stop (this is usually at the door or a
corner where it is less noticeable)?
• Nearest light source: This reduces of overlaps being visible?
• Data: What is the soaking time (pattern type, trimming methods some
papers require a snap off and caulk board or shears)?
• Plumbing your first length

3. © 2013 City and Guilds of London Institute. All rights reserved.
Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating
Starting and finishing points to a room with
a chimney breast
….....
The recommended starting point for
patterned paper is the centre of the
chimney breast:
1. Plumb a line in the centre and work in
both directions, following the arrows on
the chimney breast
2. Trim each length after application using
a snap-off knife and caulk board
3. Clean excess adhesive with a sponge
and water
4. Finish at the corner where the door is
located

4. © 2013 City and Guilds of London Institute. All rights reserved.
Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating
Planning considerations (internal angles)
1. Overlap the internal angle by
approximately 25mm (wallpaper
to be overlapped)
2. Measure the remaining width of
paper and plumb a vertical line
on the wall
3. Apply the paper into the corner to the plumbed chalk line this
allows the paper to be straight. You will lose some pattern in the
corner but this cannot be avoided as no wall is 90°
4. Apply the remaining, ensuring the pattern is matched, and trim at
ceiling and top of the skirting
5. Clean excess adhesive with water and a sponge

5. © 2013 City and Guilds of London Institute. All rights reserved.
Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating
Starting points on ceiling
1. Measure the required lengths for the ceiling and cut the lengths
required allowing for wastage
2. Measure 500mm from end to end on the longest length (marked
red) and chalk a line – this allows trimming approximately 30mm
excess as no ceiling is straight
3. Apply adhesive and using a concertina fold apply the first length on
the red area
4. Unfold, apply and trim after each application
5. Clean excess adhesive with a sponge and clean water

6. © 2013 City and Guilds of London Institute. All rights reserved.
Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating
Pattern papers on a ceiling
1. Measure and chalk a line in the
centre of the ceiling
2.Apply first length of paper using
concertina fold
3.Apply the remaining lengths
working from the line in opposite
directions
4. Trim papers after each length has
been applied
5. Remove excess adhesive with
sponge and water
…………..

7. © 2013 City and Guilds of London Institute. All rights reserved.
Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating
Staircases
1.Plumb a vertical guide line on the stairwell, this will
be the longest length
2.Apply paper following the arrows
3.Trim after each length and clean
access adhesive with water and a
sponge

8. © 2013 City and Guilds of London Institute. All rights reserved.
Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating
Cutting and trimming around obstacles
Discuss the following cutting procedures
Switches
Ceiling rose
Window reveals

9. © 2013 City and Guilds of London Institute. All rights reserved.
Level 2 Diploma in Painting and Decorating
Questions
1. Describe the types of access equipment used to apply
papers to stair wells and ceilings
2. State the starting point for applying a straight match
paper to a chimney breast
Discuss the questions in groups before deciding on
your answers