If you're looking for that perfectly smooth, plastered look without the massive mess and expense of a professional plasterer, renovlies behang aanbrengen is probably the best decision you'll make for your renovation project. It's one of those DIY tasks that seems intimidating at first, but once you get into a rhythm, it's actually quite satisfying. Plus, it's a lifesaver for hiding those annoying little cracks and imperfections that seem to pop up in both old and new-build homes.
In this guide, we're going to walk through how to get this done properly. We aren't just talking about slapping some paper on a wall; we're talking about achieving a finish that makes your neighbors think you spent thousands on high-end stucco.
Why people love renovlies anyway
Before we dive into the "how," let's talk about the "why" for a second. Renovlies (renovation fleece) is basically a non-woven wallpaper that acts like a protective skin for your walls. Unlike that old-school flowery wallpaper your grandma had, this stuff is thick, durable, and meant to be painted over.
The biggest perk? It's crack-bridging. If you live in a new house that's still settling, or an old house that likes to move with the seasons, renovlies will keep those hairline cracks hidden. It's also much tougher than standard drywall, so if you bump into the wall with a vacuum cleaner, you won't leave a massive dent.
Getting your toolkit ready
You can't really start renovlies behang aanbrengen without the right gear. Don't try to wing it with a kitchen knife and a sponge. You'll just end up frustrated with jagged edges and air bubbles.
Here is what you'll want to have on hand: * Renovlies wallpaper: Usually 150 grams is the sweet spot for a smooth finish. * Special glue: You need "lijm" specifically for non-woven/fleece wallpaper. * A glue roller: A thick microfiber one works best. * A wallpaper spatula: To smooth everything out. * A very sharp snap-off knife: This is non-negotiable. Buy extra blades. * A cutting guide or ruler: To get those straight lines at the ceiling. * A plumb line or spirit level: To make sure your first strip isn't crooked.
Preparing the walls is 90% of the job
I know, I know. You want to see the transformation immediately. But if you skip the prep, your renovlies behang aanbrengen project will look amateur. The fleece is thick, but it's not magic—it won't hide big lumps or deep holes.
First, go over the walls and scrape off any old bits of plaster or paint drips. If there are holes from old screws, fill them with a quick-drying filler and sand them flush. Speaking of sanding, it's worth giving the whole wall a quick once-over with some sandpaper to ensure it's clean and dry.
Pro tip: If your walls are brand new or very porous, you absolutely need to use a primer (voorstrijk). If you don't, the wall will suck the moisture out of the glue so fast that the wallpaper won't have time to stick, and you'll be left with peeling corners a week later.
Starting the process: The first strip
When you're ready for the actual renovlies behang aanbrengen, start about 50cm away from a corner. Why? Because corners are rarely straight. Use your spirit level to draw a perfectly vertical line on the wall. This is your "north star." If the first strip is straight, the rest of the room will be too.
Apply the glue directly to the wall using your roller. Be generous, but don't let it drip everywhere. You want a nice, even layer that's slightly wider than the width of the wallpaper roll.
Pick up your first strip (cut it about 10cm longer than the height of the wall) and press it against the wall, following your vertical line. Use your spatula to smooth it from the center outwards. This pushes out any air bubbles and ensures the glue is doing its job.
Seamless joins are the secret
The difference between a "DIY look" and a "Pro look" is how the strips meet. With renovlies, you don't want any overlap, but you also don't want a gap. You want the edges to "butt" together perfectly.
When you place the second strip, slide it right up against the first one. Don't force it, or you'll create a ridge. If you get it just right, the seam will almost disappear. If some glue squeezes out of the joint, just wipe it away immediately with a damp (not soaking) cloth.
Tackling the tricky bits: Corners and Sockets
Corners are where most people start sweating, but they're manageable. For internal corners, don't try to wrap a whole sheet around the bend. It'll almost certainly wrinkle. Instead, let the sheet go about 2cm past the corner, then cut it. Start the next sheet right in the corner, overlapping slightly, and use a "double cut" method if you're feeling brave, or just butt them up tight.
For sockets and switches, make sure the power is off first! Hang the paper right over the socket. Then, use your knife to make a small cross-cut over the center of the socket. Peel back the triangles of paper and cut them away carefully, leaving the plastic housing exposed so you can put the cover back on later.
Trimming the edges
Once a strip is up and smoothed out, you'll have some excess at the ceiling and the floor. Use your cutting guide or a wide spatula to press the paper firmly into the crease. Then, take your sharp knife and cut along the guide.
The keyword here is "sharp." If the blade is even slightly dull, it will tear the wet paper rather than cutting it, leaving you with a fuzzy, messy edge. Snap off a new blade section every couple of strips—it's worth the few extra cents.
The finishing touch: Painting
You aren't finished with renovlies behang aanbrengen until the paint is on. Once the glue has dried completely (usually 24 hours), the walls will look a bit translucent and patchy. Don't panic; that's normal.
Renovlies is designed to be painted. Usually, two coats of a good quality matte wall paint will do the trick. The fleece absorbs a bit more paint than a plastered wall would on the first coat, so keep that in mind when you're buying your supplies. Once the paint is dry, the seams should be completely invisible, and you'll have a wall that looks like solid stone but feels much warmer to the touch.
Common mistakes to avoid
Even if you're careful, things can go sideways. Here are a few things to watch out for: 1. Too little glue: If the edges start curling while you're working, you're being too stingy with the paste. 2. Air bubbles: If you see a bubble, try to move it to the edge with your spatula. If it's stubborn, you might have to peel that section back and add more glue. 3. Not cleaning the wall: A single tiny grain of sand behind the paper will look like a mountain once the paint goes on. 4. Rushing the drying: Don't turn the heating up to 100 to make it dry faster. This can cause the paper to shrink and create gaps at the seams. Just let it dry naturally at room temperature.
Final thoughts on the project
Doing the renovlies behang aanbrengen yourself is a great way to save money and get a really high-end result. It takes a bit of patience, especially when you're dealing with corners or cutting around radiators, but the result is so much more durable than just painting over bare drywall.
Once you get that first wall done and see how smooth it looks, you'll probably find yourself wanting to do the whole house. Just remember: take your time, keep your knife sharp, and don't be afraid to use plenty of glue. Your walls will thank you for it!