Wood Grain Wallpaper in Grey Brown by Julian Scott

UNTRIMMED WALLPAPERS
Definition
Untrimmed wallpaper means that when you unroll the wallpaper, you will see that there is a
blank area on the left and right sides of the wallpaper. This is called the selvage edge, and it is
approximately 1.5” on each side. This will need to be trimmed off prior to installing the wallpaper.
Your selvage edges are clearly marked with what are called “trim join” marks.
Trim join marks are placed exactly in between the pattern edge and the selvage edge of the
wallpaper. The purpose of trim join marks is:
To define the exact place to line up the pattern repeat with the next drop of wallpaper
To define the exact place to trim the wallpaper along the selvage edge
Why Are Wallpapers Untrimmed?
Most traditional high-end wallpaper is provided untrimmed. The reasons for this are many.
Valuable Information: Selvage edges provide a space for the trim/join mark, which allows the
installer to quickly determine the pattern repeat and match.
Superior Installation: Most knowledgeable and experienced installers prefer to trim their own
selvage edges. It provides them with more control when matching the wallpaper seams. Are you
working with an installer who does not like to work with untrimmed wallpapers? This likely
means that they lack experience with untrimmed wallpapers.
Damage Prevention: The most common way a roll of wallpaper is damaged prior to installation
is by being dropped on its end. When a roll of wallpaper is dropped on its end, the paper gets
smashed and it can ruin the roll. This risk is significantly reduced with an untrimmed roll, since a
damaged end is simply trimmed and discarded.
Trimming wallpaper is an extra step, and most wallpaper installers will assign a small upcharge
for this service. However, the extra step provides superior results and superior craftsmanship.
Table Trimming vs. Double Cutting
Table Trimming: This is the process of laying out the wallpaper along a horizontal flat work
surface (such as a table) and trimming the selvage edges off using a sharp razor prior to
hanging. We recommend this method for most installations, because it is considered less risky.
Double Cutting: Some wallpaper installers specialize in what is called double cutting. That is
when you do not pre-trim the wallpaper on a table, but rather you hang two drops of wallpaper
on the wall, overlap them, and trim both at the same time on the wall, and pull off the selvage
while the wallpaper is wet. For some installers, this is their specialty and they prefer it, having
ample experience and success with this method. If this is the case, then you should trust that
your installer is choosing the best method for your installation.
DIYers: There are a lot of YouTube videos that offer tutorials on how to hang untrimmed
wallpapers using a double cutting method. We recommend table trimming, NOT double cutting
for beginners.
If in doubt as to which trimming method to use, we suggest table trimming. The major risk with
double cutting is that you can cut through the wall surface below the wallpaper, causing serious
damage to the wall and the installation.