How do I install wallpaper?
To install wallpaper, prepare your walls by cleaning and repairing them. Measure and cut your wallpaper strips, adding extra for trimming. Apply adhesive if needed and carefully hang each strip, aligning it vertically. Smooth out any air bubbles and trim excess material at the ceiling and baseboard using a sharp blade.
Installing wallpaper yourself is a rewarding project that can dramatically change the look of a room. The key to a successful wallpaper installation lies in meticulous preparation and careful execution. Before you even unroll your first sheet, ensure your walls are clean, dry, and smooth. Remove any old wallpaper, nail holes, or imperfections. Sand down any rough patches and wipe the walls clean with a damp cloth to remove dust. If you’re hanging wallpaper over a dark color, consider applying a primer or a coat of white paint first to prevent the old color from showing through the new paper.
Prepare your walls for wallpaper installation
Proper wall preparation is non-negotiable for a professional wallpaper finish. Start by removing all outlet covers and switch plates. If there are any significant cracks or holes, fill them with spackling compound and let them dry completely. Sand these areas smooth. For a truly professional job, especially with lighter colored wallpapers or on walls with a glossy finish, applying a wallpaper primer is highly recommended. Primer helps the wallpaper adhere better, makes it easier to remove later, and ensures a uniform color base. Allow the primer to dry thoroughly according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically 24 hours.
Measure and cut your wallpaper
Once your walls are prepped, it’s time to cut your wallpaper. Measure the height of your wall from the ceiling to the baseboard. Add at least 4 inches (10 cm) to this measurement – 2 inches (5 cm) for the ceiling and 2 inches (5 cm) for the baseboard. This extra allows for trimming and ensures you have enough overlap. If your wallpaper has a pattern, lay out your strips and carefully match the pattern repeat. It’s crucial to cut your strips in the order you will hang them, numbering the back of each strip lightly with a pencil. This helps maintain pattern continuity and makes it easier to manage your workflow.
Apply adhesive and hang the first strip
The method of applying adhesive depends on the type of wallpaper. For traditional, unpasted wallpaper, you’ll need to apply a wallpaper paste using a roller or brush. Ensure even coverage, paying attention to the edges. For pre-pasted wallpaper, you’ll typically dip the strip in water according to the manufacturer’s instructions to activate the paste. For peel-and-stick wallpaper, no adhesive is needed; you simply peel off the backing as you go. When hanging the first strip, align it perfectly with the ceiling and the corner. Use a plumb bob or a level to ensure it’s perfectly vertical. This first strip sets the tone for the entire room, so take your time.
Smooth out bubbles and trim excess
As you hang each strip, use a wallpaper smoothing tool or a clean, dry cloth to gently push out any air bubbles or wrinkles. Work from the center of the strip outwards towards the edges. Don’t press too hard, as this can stretch the paper. Once the strip is in place and smoothed, use a sharp utility knife or a razor blade to carefully trim the excess wallpaper at the ceiling and baseboard. For a clean cut along the ceiling, a putty knife or a straight edge can help guide your blade. Repeat this process for each strip, ensuring a slight overlap with the previous strip if the wallpaper design calls for it (usually about 1/16 inch or 1-2 mm for seam lapping), or butting the edges together for a seamless look with certain types like vinyl.
Dealing with corners and obstacles
Corners can be tricky. For an inside corner, hang the wallpaper so it slightly overlaps the adjacent wall by about 1/2 inch (1-1.5 cm). Then, make a relief cut vertically up to the corner to allow the paper to lie flat. For an outside corner, wrap the wallpaper around the corner by about 1 inch (2.5 cm) and make a vertical relief cut from the top down to the corner. For windows and doors, cut a large ‘X’ over the opening once the wallpaper is smoothed. Then, trim the excess around the frame, making relief cuts as needed to get the paper to lay flat against the wall. Overlap the wallpaper onto the trim if possible for a cleaner finish.
Allow wallpaper to dry and clean up
Once all strips are hung and trimmed, allow the wallpaper to dry completely. Drying times vary depending on the type of wallpaper and adhesive used, but it’s usually best to let it cure for at least 24-48 hours. During this time, avoid opening windows or using fans that could create drafts, as rapid drying can cause seams to lift or crack. After the wallpaper is dry, remove any excess paste residue with a damp sponge. Reattach your outlet covers and switch plates. Step back and admire your newly transformed room!
Common Wallpaper Installation Mistakes
| Step/Tool | Typical Mistake | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|---|
| Wall Preparation | Hanging wallpaper on uncleaned or uneven walls. | Clean walls thoroughly. Fill holes, sand smooth, and apply a primer for best adhesion and a uniform base. |
| Measuring and Cutting | Cutting strips too short or not accounting for pattern repeat. | Measure wall height and add at least 4 inches (10 cm) for trimming. Carefully match patterns and cut strips in order. |
| Hanging the First Strip | Starting with a crooked first strip. | Use a plumb bob or level to ensure the first strip is perfectly vertical. This is critical for the entire installation. |
| Smoothing Bubbles | Leaving air bubbles or wrinkles. | Use a wallpaper smoothing tool or soft cloth to gently press out air from the center outwards. Don’t stretch the paper. |
| Trimming | Using a dull blade or cutting unevenly. | Use a sharp utility knife or razor blade for clean, precise cuts. A straight edge or putty knife can guide your blade. |
FAQ
How do you install wallpaper?
To install wallpaper, first prepare your walls by cleaning and repairing them. Measure and cut your wallpaper strips, adding extra for trimming. Apply adhesive if needed and carefully hang each strip, aligning it vertically. Smooth out any air bubbles and trim excess material at the ceiling and baseboard using a sharp blade.
Can I wallpaper over painted walls?
Yes, you can wallpaper over painted walls as long as the paint is in good condition, the surface is clean, and it’s not a glossy finish. For best results, clean the walls, lightly sand any sheen off semi-gloss or gloss paint, and apply a wallpaper primer.
How do I deal with wallpaper seams?
For most wallpapers, seams should be butted together tightly or slightly overlapped (1/16 inch or 1-2 mm) for a seamless look. Ensure the edges are perfectly aligned and smooth them down firmly to prevent lifting.