Discover how to transform a room with Barbie wallpaper. Follow these easy steps to install Barbie-themed wallpaper and create a fun space for your little one.
Creating a Barbie-themed playroom is a dream come true for many little girls. When I decided to create one for my daughter, I wanted it to feel just like a Barbie room. I was thrilled to find the Pink Pumps Wallpaper in Light Pink from Wallshoppe. The quality is fantastic, and they offer a variety of prints, including removable peel-and-stick and traditional wallpaper options.
How This Wallpaper Project is Different
The installation process for this wallpaper is similar to other peel-and-stick wallpaper tutorials I’ve shared. However, this project had some unique steps due to the room’s specific conditions. The playroom is attached to our exterior back porch and is fully enclosed, making it an unfinished interior space. Two walls and the ceiling are unfinished drywall, and the other two walls are plywood. To prep the surfaces, I filled the seams with drywall tape and joint compound for the drywall and Bondo wood filler for the plywood. I applied two coats of primer to ensure a good base for the wallpaper.
It’s important to note that wallpaper can adhere to primed plywood, but it might not stick as tightly as it does to drywall. Just an FYI if you ever decide to install wallpaper on plywood. My plywood walls aren’t completely smooth, which resulted in some bumps in the wallpaper. I was okay with this, knowing it’s an outdoor playroom and perfection wasn’t necessary. After priming, I applied the wallpaper as usual. Although I didn’t finish the corners or joints, I plan to add trim pieces later. The Barbie wallpaper is adorable, and I love how it brings the theme to life. There’s still more to do, so stay tuned for future updates!
Supplies for Wallpapering using Barbie Wallpaper
- Pink Pumps Wallpaper from Wallshoppe
- Drywall tape
- Joint compound
- Bondo wood filler
- Primer
- Paintbrushes
- Roller
- Wallpaper smoother
- Utility knife
- Tape measure
- Level
- Trim pieces (optional)
How to Wallpaper Unfinished Drywall and Plywood
- Start by preparing your walls. I had unfinished drywall on two walls and plywood on the other walls. I filled drywall seams with drywall tape and joint compound, and the plywood seams with Bondo wood filler. Let it dry completely.
- Next, prime your walls. Apply two coats of primer to all walls. Let dry completely. This will help the wallpaper stick and seal the drywall and plywood.
- Measure and cut your wallpaper. Measure the height and width of your walls. Cut the wallpaper to size, allowing a few extra inches for adjustments. My walls were very uneven, so it’s important to have that wiggle room.
- When installing wallpaper you want to work from left to right. Always line your first piece of wallpaper up with a plumb line to ensure everything will be level and plumb.
- Apply the wallpaper. Peel the backing off a section of the wallpaper. Start at the top of the wall and smooth down as you go. Use a wallpaper smoother to remove air bubbles.
- Trim any excess wallpaper. Use a utility knife and a straight edge to trim excess wallpaper around edges and corners. The paper will dull the razor blade pretty quickly; be sure to replace the utility knife blade frequently.
- Finish the corners. If needed, apply trim pieces to corners and joints for a polished look. This is what I decided to do because my corners were very uneven.
TIPS AND TRICKS
- Prime the walls thoroughly to ensure good adhesion.
- Use a level to make sure the wallpaper is straight. I love my laser level for wallpapering.
- Smooth out air bubbles as you apply the wallpaper.
- Trim excess wallpaper carefully for a clean finish, replacing the blade often.
- Consider adding trim pieces for a more finished look.
What type of wallpaper is best for a Barbie-themed room?
For a Barbie-themed room, it’s essential to choose wallpaper that captures the playful and stylish essence of Barbie. The Pink Pumps Wallpaper in Light Pink from Wallshoppe is the perfect choice. This wallpaper features a fun, whimsical design with cute pink pumps, perfectly embodying the Barbie theme. Wallshoppe offers high-quality prints that are available in both removable peel-and-stick and traditional wallpaper options, making it easy to install and ideal for any room. The vibrant, playful design of the Pink Pumps Wallpaper will make the room feel like a true Barbie dream space.
How do I smooth out air bubbles in wallpaper?
To smooth out air bubbles in wallpaper, start by using a wallpaper smoothing tool or a clean, dry cloth. Begin at the center of the bubble and gently push towards the edges to release the trapped air. For stubborn bubbles, use a pin or a small needle to poke a tiny hole in the center of the bubble, then smooth it out by pressing the air towards the puncture. Always smooth in the direction of the seams to maintain the wallpaper’s alignment. If using peel-and-stick wallpaper, you can carefully peel back the affected section and reapply, smoothing as you go to avoid bubbles.
How do I fill seams in drywall and plywood?
To fill seams in drywall, start by applying drywall tape over the seams. Then, use a putty knife to apply joint compound over the tape, smoothing it out to create an even surface. Apply a second coat of joint compound once the first one is dry, feathering the edges to blend it with the wall. For plywood seams, use a wood filler like Bondo. Apply the filler with a putty knife, ensuring it fills the seam completely. Once dry, sand the surface smooth. Always follow up with a coat of primer before painting or wallpapering to ensure a uniform finish.
