Before you even think about unrolling your new paper, you need to prep the wall. This isn’t a step you can skip or rush if you want a smooth, lasting finish. Start by cleaning the walls thoroughly. Remove any dust, grease, or old adhesive. A mild detergent and water solution works well, followed by a clean water rinse. If you have any loose paint, scrape it off and feather the edges with sandpaper. Then, apply a coat of high-quality primer. This seals the surface, creates a uniform base color, and ensures your wallpaper adheres properly. For unpasted wallpaper, a special wallpaper primer is recommended. For most vinyl-coated papers, a standard drywall primer is sufficient. Let the primer dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually 24 hours.
Measure & cut your wallpaper strips
Accurate measurements are crucial for a seamless look. Start by measuring the height of your wall from the ceiling to the baseboard. Add at least 4 inches to this measurement (2 inches for the ceiling and 2 inches for the baseboard overlap). This extra length allows for trimming and ensures you have enough to work with. For patterned wallpaper, you’ll need to account for the pattern repeat. Lay out your wallpaper roll and identify where the pattern repeats. When cutting subsequent strips, align the pattern and cut to match the previous strip, adding the extra length for trimming. A sharp utility knife and a long, straight edge or T-square are essential for clean, straight cuts. You’ll typically get 3 to 4 single rolls from a standard double roll, depending on the height of your walls.
Prepare your paste (if unpasted) or activate (if prepasted)
For unpasted wallpaper, you’ll need to apply adhesive. Choose a wallpaper paste specifically designed for the type of paper you’re using. Most vinyl or heavyweight papers require a clear, strippable adhesive. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions precisely when mixing the paste; consistency is key. Too thin and it won’t hold; too thick and it will be difficult to work with and may show through the paper. Apply an even coat of paste to the back of the wallpaper strip using a roller or a paste brush, ensuring you cover the entire surface, including the edges. Fold the pasted sides of the strip together (this is called booking) and let it rest for the time recommended by the manufacturer, usually 5-10 minutes. This allows the paste to penetrate and the paper to relax, preventing bubbles and wrinkles later.
If you have prepasted wallpaper, the process is different. You’ll need a water tray. Fill the tray with clean, cool water. Submerge the wallpaper strip, paste-side down, for the time specified by the manufacturer, usually 15-30 seconds. Gently slide the strip out of the water, allowing excess water to drip off. Book the wallpaper by folding the pasted sides together, just like with unpasted paper. Let it rest for the recommended time. This activates the pre-applied adhesive and makes the paper pliable.
Hang your first strip
This is arguably the most important step, as the first strip sets the tone for the entire project. You’ll need a plumb line to ensure your first strip is perfectly vertical. You can create one using a chalk line, a laser level, or a plumb bob. Start in a corner or at a prominent focal point. Position your first strip on the wall, allowing about 1-2 inches of overlap onto the adjacent wall or into the corner. Smooth the paper onto the wall, working from the center outwards with a wallpaper brush or a smoother. Use long, even strokes to push out any air bubbles and ensure good contact with the wall. Trim the excess wallpaper at the ceiling and baseboard using a sharp utility knife and a straight edge. Be careful not to cut into the wall itself. For intricate areas like around outlets or light switches, turn off the power at the breaker, remove the cover plates, and carefully cut the wallpaper to fit around them.
Proceed to the second strip and beyond
When hanging the second strip, align its edge precisely with the edge of the first strip. For most wallpapers, you’ll want to butt the edges together without any overlap. Ensure the pattern matches perfectly if you have a patterned paper. Again, smooth the strip from the center outwards, eliminating air bubbles. Use a seam roller to gently press down the seams for a smooth finish, but be careful not to over-roll, which can flatten the texture or damage the paper. Continue this process for each subsequent strip, always checking your pattern match and ensuring vertical alignment. You may need to trim around windows, doors, and other obstacles. Take your time, and don’t be afraid to reposition a strip if it’s not quite right before the paste sets.
Tools needed to hang wallpaper
Gathering the right tools is essential for a professional wallpaper hanging job. You’ll need a sharp utility knife with plenty of extra blades, a metal straight edge or T-square for cutting, a measuring tape, a pencil, a step ladder, a smoothing brush or plastic smoother, a seam roller, a paste brush or roller (for unpasted), a water tray (for prepasted), and a bucket for cleaning. A sponge and clean water will be needed for wiping away excess paste. Consider a chalk line or laser level for creating a plumb line. Having drop cloths to protect your floors is also a good idea.
Dealing with corners and obstacles
Corners can be tricky. For inside corners, wrap the wallpaper strip around the corner by about 1/2 inch onto the next wall. The next strip will then start just past the corner, overlapping slightly if necessary or butting up against the first strip’s edge. For outside corners, wrap the paper around as far as it will comfortably go and then create a relief cut if needed before proceeding to the next wall. Take care around outlets and switches. Cut an ‘X’ in the wallpaper over the opening and carefully fold the flaps inside the opening. Once the wallpaper is dry, trim away the excess material. If you’re working with complex architectural features, consider using antique wallpaper murals, which often come in large, pre-cut panels designed for easier application.
Maintaining your wallpaper
Once your wallpaper is up, a little care will keep it looking great. For most vinyl-coated wallpapers, a gentle wipe with a damp cloth or sponge is usually sufficient for cleaning. Avoid abrasive cleaners or excessive water, which can damage the paper or the adhesive. For delicate papers, consult the manufacturer’s recommendations. Regular dusting will also help prevent buildup. If you’re considering a high-traffic area like a kitchen or hallway, opt for durable, washable wallpaper. For inspiration on beautiful patterns, check out Rifle Paper Co. wallpaper or explore flowers on wallpaper designs.