It’s a Wild, Wild Life: Mexican Oilcloth Wallpaper

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    Mauricio Paniagua and Tony Moxham's library is covered floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall in Mexican oilcloth.
ReadyMade

Posted by ReadyMade  
Written by Katherine Sharpe, Photography by Stephen Karlisch

“Don’t be subtle, and don’t scrimp!” advises Moxham. “Excess is often best in situations such as these. Remember, the effect here is Victorian and psychedelic, neither of which is known for anything less than more.”

Skill Level

Moderate

Active Time

Half a day

Cost

$$

    Materials

  • Mexican oilcloth
  • Rags and sanding paper (if needed)
  • Wallpaper primer
  • Pencil
  • Wallpaper glue
  • Natural sponge
  • Glass cleaner

    Tools

  • Tape measure
  • Tarp
  • Straight-edge razor blade
  • Paint roller tray
  • Small paint roller
  • Plastic smoother
  • Stepladder
  • Putty knife
 
1

Measure the surface of the area you wish to cover.

2

Buy rolls of oilcloth at a kitchen supply store or online (search for “Mexican oilcloth”).

3

Make sure the wall is completely clean and smooth. Spread a tarp on the floor.

4

Apply wallpaper primer.

5

Cut the oilcloth into strips that are 4 inches longer than the height of your wall. Arrange them side by side on the floor, so that the pattern lines up correctly (if you like that).

6

Fill a paint roller tray with premixed wallpaper glue. Apply the glue to the back of a strip of oilcloth with the roller.

7

Apply the oilcloth to the wall one strip at a time, beginning in a corner. If you’re covering a large area or have high ceilings, working with a partner is a must. For tall walls, use a stepladder and work from the top down. Make sure each strip is straight and perfectly adjacent to its neighbor, then use a plastic smoother to push bubbles away from the center.

8

Use a damp natural sponge to wipe off any excess glue.

9

Trim the oilcloth so it exactly fits the height of your walls. Press oilcloth into the corner with a putty knife, and use the knife’s edge to guide a straight-edge razor blade along the cut.

10

Keep your oilcloth clean with glass cleaner, or use water with a few drops of detergent added and a clean rag.