Before you buy, decide if you want a peel-and-stick or traditional unpasted option. Peel-and-stick shiplap textured wallpaper is forgiving for DIYers, allowing repositioning within the first few minutes. Traditional unpasted requires a separate adhesive, often a liquid starch or a specific wallpaper paste, applied to the wall or the paper itself, depending on the product. If you’re new to wallpapering, peel-and-stick is generally easier to handle.
Understanding shiplap textured wallpaper types
Shiplap textured wallpaper mimics the look of horizontal wooden planks, but it’s applied with rolls. The key distinction is the texture. Some wallpapers have a subtle raised pattern, while others offer a more pronounced, tactile surface that closely resembles real wood grain or embossed designs. Consider the overall aesthetic you’re aiming for. A subtle texture might work best for a modern look, while a deeper texture can enhance a rustic or farmhouse feel.
You’ll find shiplap designs printed on various paper types. Vinyl-coated options offer durability and are often washable, making them suitable for high-traffic areas or even kitchens and bathrooms, provided they aren’t exposed to direct steam or excessive moisture. Paper-backed options are more budget-friendly but less resistant to moisture and damage. Some are specifically designed to be painted after application, offering a completely customizable finish. This is crucial if you’re looking for a specific color beyond the pre-printed options, like the PW20000 Paintable Faux Shiplap Unpasted Wallpaper.
Choosing the right tools for installation
Gather your supplies before you start. You’ll need a sharp utility knife or craft knife with plenty of spare blades, a metal ruler or long straight edge, a smoothing tool (a plastic smoother or a squeegee works well), a measuring tape, a pencil, a level, a step ladder, and potentially a bucket and sponge for cleaning up excess paste or adhesive.
For peel-and-stick, ensure your walls are clean and dry. For unpasted wallpaper, you might also need a paste brush or roller, and potentially a seam roller if the manufacturer recommends it. Always check the specific instructions for the wallpaper you purchase, as they can vary.
Prepping your walls is crucial
This step cannot be overstated for a professional finish. Start by cleaning your walls thoroughly. Remove any dirt, grease, or old wallpaper residue. A slightly damp sponge with mild soap and water is usually sufficient. If you have glossy paint, lightly sanding it can help the wallpaper adhere better. Ensure the walls are completely dry before proceeding.
Fill any holes or cracks with spackling compound and let it dry. Sand smooth. If you’re applying wallpaper over a dark color or a busy pattern, consider priming your walls with a wallpaper primer or a neutral-colored paint. This prevents the old wall color from showing through, especially with lighter-colored shiplap designs. A smooth, even surface is your best friend for wallpaper installation.
Measuring and cutting your wallpaper
Measure the height of your wall from the ceiling to the baseboard. Add at least 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) to this measurement. This extra allows for trimming at the top and bottom, ensuring a clean edge. For each strip, cut a piece of wallpaper to this length.
When planning your layout, consider where the seams will fall. Try to place them in inconspicuous areas, like behind doors or in corners, if possible. For shiplap designs, the horizontal lines will naturally create visual breaks, but you still want to minimize visible vertical seams.
Step-by-step installation process
For peel-and-stick shiplap wallpaper:
- Dry fit: Hold the first strip up to the wall, aligning it with your level line or the edge of the wall. Ensure it’s straight.
- Apply: Peel back about 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) of the backing paper from the top. Align the edge of the wallpaper with your starting point (usually a corner or a vertical guideline).
- Smooth: Press the exposed adhesive side onto the wall. Use your smoothing tool to work from the center outwards, pushing out any air bubbles as you go.
- Unroll and repeat: Slowly peel more backing paper as you continue to smooth the strip onto the wall.
- Next strip: Overlap the next strip according to the manufacturer’s instructions (often 1/8 inch or 3 mm, or a butt seam). Carefully align the shiplap pattern between the strips. Use your smoother to ensure good adhesion along the seam.
- Trim: Once the strip is in place, use your utility knife and straight edge to carefully trim the excess wallpaper at the ceiling and baseboard. Change your blade frequently for clean cuts.
For traditional unpasted shiplap wallpaper:
- Apply paste: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. This might involve pasting the back of the wallpaper strip or applying paste directly to the wall.
- Book the paper: If pasting the back, fold the pasted ends towards the center (pasted side to pasted side) and let it sit for the recommended ‘booking time’ (usually 5-10 minutes). This allows the paper to expand.
- Hang the strip: Unfold the paper and apply it to the wall, aligning it with your level line.
- Smooth and trim: Use your smoothing tool and seam roller as described above. Trim excess at the ceiling and baseboard.
- Clean up: Wipe away any excess paste immediately with a damp sponge.
Dealing with corners and obstacles
For inside corners, cut the wallpaper strip so it extends about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) around the corner onto the adjacent wall. For the next strip, start it about 1/2 inch in from the corner, ensuring it’s plumb with your level. This double-layering in the corner helps prevent peeling.
Around outlets and switches, cut an ‘X’ in the wallpaper over the opening. Fold the flaps back and smooth the wallpaper around the opening. Then, carefully trim away the excess paper. For windows and doors, treat them like corners, extending the wallpaper slightly beyond the frame and then carefully trimming after it’s smoothed.
Common installation mistakes to avoid
Rushing the process is the most common pitfall. Take your time, especially with the initial strips. A crooked first strip will throw off the entire wall.
Using dull blades on your utility knife will result in torn, ragged edges. Change your blades after every few strips, or as soon as you notice the cut isn’t clean. Likewise, not smoothing out air bubbles as you go will leave unsightly blemishes that are hard to fix later.
Failure to properly prep walls is another major error. Applying wallpaper over a dirty or uneven surface will lead to poor adhesion and a short lifespan for your shiplap textured wallpaper. For a lasting, professional look, every step matters.
Maintaining your shiplap textured wallpaper
Regular dusting with a soft cloth or a vacuum cleaner brush attachment will keep your wallpaper looking fresh. For vinyl-coated or washable papers, a damp cloth can be used to wipe away minor marks or smudges. Always test cleaning solutions in an inconspicuous area first.
Avoid using abrasive cleaners or excessive water, which can damage the texture or lift the adhesive, especially at the seams. If you’re using a paintable wallpaper, ensure you use a high-quality paint and apply it evenly for the best results. You can explore options like elegant white textured wallpaper for inspiration on color choices.
Alternatives to traditional shiplap
While shiplap textured wallpaper is a fantastic way to achieve the look, other textured wallpapers offer similar visual appeal. For instance, exploring the world of textured vinyl wallpaper can provide robust and visually interesting options. Additionally, styles like faux grasscloth wallpaper offer a distinct textural dimension that can add warmth and depth to any room. For a comprehensive overview, consult a guide on transforming your space with textured wallpaper.