Avoid using heavy fabrics like velvet or wool, as these are too heavy to be held up properly using liquid starch. If you pick a patterned fabric, you’ll need to match the design up along the seam wherever there is a break in the fabric. The effect looks great, but it does take a bit more work to hang and get looking right.
Fabric tends to be sold in yards or meters and is 40–50 in (100–130 cm) wide.
It’s important to wash the fabric before you begin because it may shrink very slightly.
Don’t worry if the fabric is slightly wrinkled when it’s dry, as you will smooth it out later. If there are any large creases, iron the fabric before you continue.
It can be helpful to have your friend hold the fabric up while you take a few steps back to check that it is positioned correctly.
Don’t place the masking tape on the cut edge of the fabric without folding it first, as this may cause the fabric to fray.
Use a utility knife to cut the fabric around outlets, windows, or light switches if there are any. Leave approximately 1⁄2 in (1. 3 cm) of excess, as you can trim this away later. Make sure to fold under any raw or frayed edges with masking tape. [9] X Research source
Make sure that each fabric panel is flush with the edges of the other panels rather than overlapping. If there are any frayed edges, fold these under with masking tape first.
Liquid starch can be very damaging to flooring and is a nuisance to remove.
Don’t worry if there are any spots that you can’t reach because of the masking tape, as you can come back to these areas later. Alternatively, you can take the fabric down from the wall while you apply the liquid starch. However, it may be difficult to reposition again.
Simply add more liquid starch if it dries before you get a chance to stick the fabric down.
Aim to use enough liquid starch so that it soaks through the fabric and onto the wall.
The length of time that it takes for the fabric to dry depends on the temperature and humidity.
It’s important to wait until the fabric is fully dry before cutting it, as sometimes it can shrink slightly when the liquid starch is added.
The pre-existing finish underneath the fabric won’t be harmed at all. You can use the fabric again by simply washing it with laundry detergent in the washing machine and then letting it dry on a clothesline.
