Hanging wallpaper isn’t rocket science but it’s not a walk in the park either, especially if the walls being dressed have lots of cut-outs, corners or slopes. When I asked professional painter and paper hanger Mike Scapillati, above, for tips on how to do the deed well, his advice was simple, “Hire a professional!”
“High-end papers can cost upwards of $500 per roll,” notes Scapillati, “and in a lot of cases the order turnaround is six or even eight weeks. If you mess up the application of just one sheet of paper it could leave you short and then you’ll be looking at half-finished walls for a couple of months.”
Scapillati’s jobs are all quoted individually but his ballpark rate is about $350 per day, the price of a roll of super-trendy Timorous Beasties paper.
Scapillati is a second generation paper hanger — that’s his dad’s van above, circa 1979. Mike’s been in the game since he was 14 years old. He made a detour into plumbing in his 20s but like most things that are bred in the bone, he came back to paint and paper when pipe fitting work took too hard a toll on his joints.
“I’m a perfectionist,” he says. “I cannot tolerate sloppy work and my eye for detail drives me crazy because I can’t go into a building without looking at the walls, trim, etc. and critiquing them.”
Scapillati was flattered that I wanted to put him on styleNorth but he doesn’t need the publicity. He’s busy with referrals from satisfied customers, from his interior designer mother and from swish paper supplier Ministry of the Interior (below) where he also hangs all the demo papers. If you’re nervous about hanging your own wallpaper most suppliers can recommend a professional.
Scapillati gives high marks to Canada’s Crown Wallpaper but he’s also a big fan of imported papers from Farrow & Ball, Cole & Son and especially Timorous Beasties, which doesn’t just make trendy patterns like the punk London Toile, their flocked damask patterns are supremely luxe
“Timorous Beasties really goes the extra mile when it comes to quality,” says Mike, “their papers are a joy to hang.”
For anyone determined to hang their own paper, Scapillati recommends the tips on the Timorous Beasties website, which gives a good description of the process.
Mike Scapillati is available for consultation; email him at innhomes [at] gmail.com or call him at 647.299.1642.
August 12th, 2009 at 9:37 am
In this age of CHEAP you gotta love craft and craftsman…don’t let them die off…!!!
August 12th, 2009 at 11:04 am
It should be noted that the Mike who left the comment above is NOT the Mike who the post is about.
August 12th, 2009 at 6:37 pm
Today the wall covering is so amazing….It is great to see Michael carrying on the art of custom install…
how can I arrange to have Michael as a installer?
August 12th, 2009 at 6:41 pm
Mike’s number is at the bottom of the post Shirley, feel free to call him for a consultation.
August 12th, 2009 at 9:44 pm
Good work isn’t cheap. Cheap work isn’t good.
Mike has been setting the pace for the entire Scapillati
family to follow for many years. It is great to see him
get some much deserved recognition. This man MUST hand your paper.
August 12th, 2009 at 9:59 pm
Mike wallpapered my entire living room in beautiful Farrow & Ball Ivy. Can’t explain how amazing it looks, completely seamless, flawless, this guy is the best in Toronto. Worth the $$$.
August 12th, 2009 at 10:52 pm
If you want to view some of Mike’s other handy work visit the website below and I’ll also give you another link to visit to see his hand in more then just painting and hanging wall paper. This man is not only a tradesman but a true artisan. Visit: http://www.nomadshop.net and click on (about us) for pics.
He help build and curate these magnificent spaces. http://www.anotherfaceinthecrowd.com/clients/nomad
Honest, hard working people that are good at their craft are people that should just be a phone call away…
Good luck my friend!
Zeb
August 15th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
The Scapillati’s taught me how to house paint and since that time I have worked for many different painting companies and I can honestly say that quality is number one with the Scapillati family.
Good job Mike!!
October 12th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
I‘m sure many of you are like me and one of the first things you do in the morning is head here and check out the new post. Along with seeing the new posts, I’m also always checking out the blog roll rss feed and watching them grow, or shrink sometimes. In one of my past …but all in all excellent site. Keep it up!
October 12th, 2009 at 5:02 pm
Just wanted to drop you a line to say, I enjoy reading your site. I thought about starting a blog myself but don’t have the time.
Oh well maybe one day…. :)
January 3rd, 2010 at 10:58 pm
Reg and Co. painted my house this Spring and it looks fantastic. Reg came highly recommended, he knows and loves his craft and it shows through the work he does. We have gotten numerous compliments on the house and I have referred his work to many.
Thanks again Reg!
May 18th, 2010 at 1:16 am
Mike Scapillati pays attention to detail, believes in doing things right the first time, uses quality materials and excels at traditional craftsmanship. A stand up gentleman in an industry full of rogues and scallywags ! Highly recommended. You guys should do a follow up of his collections of vintage tools, furniture, containers, and various eye catching objects.