Measure your wall and add at least 4 inches to the total height and width for trimming. This ensures you have enough material for overlap and to account for any imperfections in your wall or ceiling. Cut your first strip to this calculated size.
Fill a clean bucket or basin with warm water. The amount of water needed will depend on the wallpaper manufacturer’s instructions, but a general guideline is about 2 gallons of water per strip, adjusted as needed. You’ll also need a smooth, clean surface to lay out the wallpaper, like a table or a clean section of floor.
Carefully fold the wallpaper strip, paste-to-paste, ensuring the edges align. This allows the paste to activate evenly without drying out. Let it book for the time specified by the manufacturer, typically 5-10 minutes. Do not overbook, as this can weaken the paper and cause it to tear.
Prepare your walls correctly
Before you begin, ensure your walls are clean, dry, and smooth. Wash off any dirt, grease, or old adhesive residue. If your walls are glossy, lightly sand them to create a better surface for the wallpaper to adhere to. Fill any holes or cracks with spackle and let them dry completely. Then, sand the patched areas smooth. Prime the walls with a wallpaper primer or a quality latex primer; this seals the surface, prevents the paste from soaking into the drywall, and makes future removal much easier. Allow the primer to dry thoroughly according to the product’s instructions.
For a professional finish, it’s crucial to hang your first strip perfectly plumb. Use a level or a plumb bob to draw a faint vertical line from the ceiling to the floor on the wall where your first strip will go. This line should be about 1 inch less than the width of your wallpaper strip away from the corner. This allows for overlap onto the adjacent wall, ensuring the first strip isn’t cut too close to the corner, which can lead to a crooked installation.
Hanging the first strip
Unfold the booked wallpaper strip carefully, starting from one end. Have a helper hold the other end if needed. Position the top edge of the strip against the wall, aligning it with your plumb line and allowing for about 2 inches of overlap at the top and bottom. Gently press the wallpaper onto the wall, working from the center outwards to smooth out any air bubbles.
Use a smoothing tool or a clean, damp cloth to press the wallpaper firmly onto the wall, pushing out any air pockets or wrinkles. Start at the top center and work your way down and outwards. Pay close attention to the edges to ensure good adhesion.
Trimming excess wallpaper
Once the strip is smoothed and adhered, use a sharp utility knife or a razor blade and a straight edge (like a metal ruler or a specialized trimming guide) to trim the excess wallpaper at the ceiling and baseboard. Cut carefully and deliberately. For the ceiling and baseboard, make a single, continuous cut. For corners, trim the excess leaving about a 1-inch overlap onto the adjacent wall.
Hanging subsequent strips
Repeat the process for each subsequent strip. Apply the next strip immediately next to the previous one, butting the edges together without any overlap. Ensure the pattern matches precisely before smoothing the strip onto the wall. This is critical for a seamless look, especially with patterned wallpapers. If you’re working with a large pattern repeat, you might need to trim excess from the sides of subsequent strips to ensure the pattern aligns correctly across seams. This is where proper measuring and cutting initially become vital.
When you reach an inside corner, allow the wallpaper to run onto the next wall by about 1/2 to 1 inch. Make a relief cut at the top and bottom where the wallpaper meets the ceiling and baseboard. Then, smooth the wallpaper onto the next wall. On the next wall, start your new strip about 1/2 inch away from the corner, ensuring it’s plumb, and overlap the existing wallpaper. This overlap will be hidden by the next strip, creating a clean finish.
Dealing with obstacles and tricky areas
For outlets and switches, turn off the power at the breaker box first. Hang the wallpaper over the opening, smoothing it down. Then, carefully make an ‘X’ cut from corner to corner over the opening with your utility knife. Trim away the excess wallpaper around the opening, leaving a small overlap that can be tucked behind the outlet or switch plate once it’s reinstalled. Reinstall the cover plates only after the wallpaper is dry.
When wallpapering around windows and doors, use the same technique as for corners. Cut the wallpaper so it extends over the frame, then make relief cuts to help it lie flat. Trim the excess around the frame, leaving a small overlap to tuck behind the trim. For intricate areas like radiators or built-in shelving, patience is key. You may need to cut small pieces to fit around pipes or molding. Always prioritize a smooth finish and ensure good adhesion.
Important considerations and common mistakes
Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions, as different wallpapers may have slightly different booking times or application methods. Using too much or too little water can affect adhesion. Too much water can cause the paper to stretch and tear, while too little may prevent the paste from activating properly.
A common mistake is not booking the wallpaper long enough, or booking it for too long. This can lead to paste drying out or the paper becoming overly saturated. Another frequent error is not aligning patterns correctly between strips, resulting in a visibly disjointed look. Always check the pattern repeat and plan your cuts accordingly.
Failing to prepare the walls correctly is a major pitfall. Uneven, unprimed, or dirty walls will lead to poor adhesion, visible imperfections, and a shorter lifespan for your wallpaper. Ensure your walls are smooth, clean, and primed before you start.
Using a dull blade for trimming will result in ragged edges and torn paper. Always use a fresh, sharp blade for clean cuts. Rushing the process is another mistake that leads to bubbles, wrinkles, and misaligned seams. Take your time, especially when smoothing and trimming.
If you’re hesitant about tackling the entire project yourself, consider hiring professionals for tricky areas or the entire installation. You can vet wallpaper installation companies to ensure you choose a reliable service.
For those interested in specific styles, you might explore options like purple striped wallpaper or a striking heron wallpaper mural. Understanding different materials and finishes, such as with pink paneling wallpaper or classic brown toile wallpaper, can also inform your installation choices.