How do I protect a silk wall paper surface? I have tried masking tape and even low contact tape and they both damage the wall paper.

The best way to protect delicate surfaces such as these is to lean a section of stiff plexiglass or similar material up against the wall . These materials can be purchased in hardware and home centers in four by eight foot sheets. There is no need to buy enough to cover all the wall surface since you can move the sheet along the wall as you work .

TIP There are also plastic sheeting products that will cling by static electricity thus avoiding the use of tape.