What will I be doing?

One of my friends loves to wallpaper. She sees every painted wall as a challenge. She knows what papers look best in a room and, most important, how to apply them. If this describes you as well, consider offering a wallpaper service based from your home. You will select, prepare, install, trim and remove printed wallpaper. Some wallpaper services contract directly to paint and paper stores while others work with remodeling contractors or directly with the public.

What will I need to start?

Hanging wallpaper, as anyone who has tried knows, is a skill. Doing it fast and well is a craft. To start a professional wallpaper service, you’ll need to first develop your skills and crafts.

You will also need to know how to select the most appropriate wallpaper for a room, or advise your customer on how to do so. This requires some design training and experience. Many decorating books cover this topic adequately and can be purchased at larger bookstores or found in public libraries.

Equipment needed for hanging wallpaper is minimal. A ladder, a work surface (counter, card table, portable work bench), a tray, brushes, rollers and seamers are all that’s needed for most jobs. If you also remove wallpaper, buy removal tools such as a heat gun or steamer and putty knives. You will also need tools for preparing painted walls for wallpaper.

Who will my customers be?

Customers for a wallpaper service include individuals, companies, interior decorators, contractors and retailers. Most services start with individuals and build the business and reputation, then move to contractors. Others who have friends and relatives in the contracting industry start there.