Made using simple supplies that can be found at Walmart, the idea has popped up on college campuses around the nation because of its affordability, adherence to institutional rules and its quick cleanup at the end of the year.
What you need:
-lightweight fabric
-liquid fabric starch
-sponge or paint roller
-paint pan
-thumbtacks
-measuring tape
How to Install:
1. Prewash the fabric in hot water to remove any excess dyes that could stain walls.
2. Wash the wall to remove any dust, dirt or film as it will keep the fabric from adhering correctly.
3. Measure the wall or space to which you will be adhering the fabric, adding a couple of inches to account for possible shrinking as the fabric dries. Cut the fabric, being sure to align any designs if the fabric requires multiple panels.
4. Pour the starch into the pan and roll the starch onto the top half of the wall with the roller.
5. Begin applying the fabric to the top of the wall that has already been starched, leaving excess inches on top in case of shrinkage. Use thumbtacks to secure the fabric while the starch dries. Roll on additional starch going all the way down the wall while securing the fabric with thumbtacks until the entire wall has been starched and tacked.
6. Brush and smooth the fabric before it has dried in order to avoid any bubbles or wrinkles, rewetting the fabric with starch as needed. Be sure the fabric is saturated with starch and that the starch has penetrated the fabric as evenly as possible.
7. Let the fabric dry completely, allowing time for any shrinkage in the fabric drying process to occur, then cut the excess fabric off of each edge.
How to Remove:
1. Using a rag or sponge, lightly dampen the wall with warm water.
2. Begin peeling the fabric off of the wall by the corner, rewetting the fabric as necessary.
3. If needed, wipe down the wall with a damp washcloth to clean excess starch off the wall.
A removable, reusable wallpaper wall has now been created, allowing students to make spaces cheerier, more inviting and their own, overcoming the dreariness of winter, all while abiding by apartment, dorm and rental property rules.