A paperhanger, or wallpaper designer, works with an interior decorator or homeowner in order to select and apply various wallpaper styles to a home or business. In order to become a paperhanger, you will probably need to complete some type of vocational training after graduating from high school, in addition to participating in an apprenticeship program to receive professional, hands-on training. As you learn this trade, be sure to take pictures of your completed work to build your professional portfolio. After you become a paperhanger, advertise your services to interior decorators, housing contractors, and realty companies to generate a steady stream of work. You should also consider joining a professional trade organization to keep up with the latest trends and techniques.
Before you can become a paperhanger, you will need a certain amount of formal education. In high school, taking courses in mathematics and vocational training will help you to gain a good foundation for your future career, as it will involve a lot of measurements and practical application. After graduation, enroll in a two-year vocational school to learn paperhanging. You will learn about the various types of wall coverings, adhesives, and techniques used in this profession, in addition to taking classes in decorating and wall construction.
An apprenticeship program is a great way to gain firsthand, practical experience as a paperhanger, as it will allow you to receive hands-on training from an experienced professional. You will learn how to match wallpaper patterns at each seam and remove air bubbles trapped beneath the surface, in addition to instruction in measuring, cutting, and adhesive preparation. Various techniques for wallpaper removal and surface preparation will be taught as well.
It is a good idea to take pictures of your completed work as your skills increase to allow you to build a professional portfolio of your abilities as a paperhanger. You may want to offer free paperhanging services to friends and family members to increase your portfolio, being sure sure to include any special designs that you were personally responsible for creating. Seeing photographic evidence of your finished work is one of the best ways to convince prospective employers to hire you.
Once you have become a paperhanger, advertise your services to as many people as possible. Making a list of all of the people who might need your services is a good way to start. This list should include interior decorators, housing construction contractors, and realty companies. Attending construction and real estate trade fairs to establish a large network of potential employers will enable you to be exposed to as many people as possible to keep a steady stream of work.
You may also want to join a professional trade organization after you become a paperhanger. The National Guild of Professional Paperhangers has local chapters in several United States cities and provides continuing education classes to keep you informed of the latest decorating trends and designs. Being a member of a recognized professional trade organization may also enhance your credibility with potential employers.
