Cutting your wallpaper strips to the correct length before you start hanging is critical. For most standard ceilings, you’ll need to add at least 4-6 inches to the ceiling height measurement. This extra length, known as ‘trim allowance,’ is essential for trimming at the ceiling and baseboard. Overestimating slightly is always better than underestimating, as you can always trim excess, but you can’t add material if a strip is too short.
Prep the wall for a smooth finish
Proper wall preparation is the most crucial step in any wallpaper installation. Skipping this can lead to peeling, bubbling, or a surface that doesn’t adhere well. Start by removing all existing wall coverings. This includes old wallpaper, borders, and any adhesive residue. Use a wallpaper steamer or a solution of hot water and fabric softener for stubborn wallpaper. Ensure the walls are completely dry before proceeding. Next, fill any holes or cracks with spackling compound and sand them smooth once dry. Then, wash the walls with a mild detergent and water to remove dirt, grease, and chalking. Rinse thoroughly and allow the walls to dry completely. If your walls are glossy, you’ll need to lightly sand them to create a surface that the new wallpaper adhesive can grip. For new drywall or repaired areas, applying a coat of wallpaper primer is highly recommended. Primer seals the surface, prevents the drywall paper from becoming oversaturated with paste, and ensures easier removal later. Allow the primer to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Measure and cut your wallpaper strips accurately
Before you cut anything, understand your pattern repeat. If your wallpaper has a pattern, note how many inches it takes for the pattern to repeat. This will be crucial when matching subsequent strips. Measure the height of your wall from the ceiling to the baseboard in several places, as walls are rarely perfectly plumb or level. Use the longest measurement and add 4 to 6 inches for trimming allowance at both the ceiling and the baseboard. This extra material ensures you have enough to work with when trimming. Lay your wallpaper flat on a clean, large surface, pattern side up. Use a long, straight edge and a sharp utility knife or scissors to cut your first strip. For patterned wallpaper, you’ll need to cut subsequent strips, ensuring the pattern matches. Align the pattern on the next strip with the pattern on the previous strip before cutting. If your wallpaper has a random match, you can cut strips to the same length. Always cut one extra strip in case of mistakes.
Tools and materials for successful wallpaper install
Having the right tools on hand will make the wallpaper install process much smoother. You’ll need a sharp utility knife or scissors, a measuring tape, a straight edge or T-square, a smoothing brush or plastic smoother, a seam roller (for certain types of wallpaper), a paste brush or roller (if using unpasted paper), a water tray or bucket (for prepasted paper), a stepladder, a pencil, and a sponge or damp cloth for cleaning up excess paste. Drop cloths are also essential to protect your floors and furniture. For non-woven wallpaper, a dedicated wallpaper adhesive might be recommended. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific tool recommendations for your chosen wallcovering.
Hanging unpasted wallpaper: the traditional method
Hanging unpasted wallpaper requires applying adhesive directly to the back of the paper. First, lay your cut strip pattern-side down on a clean surface. Using a wallpaper paste brush or roller, apply an even coat of adhesive to the entire back of the paper, extending to the edges. Avoid getting paste on the pattern side, as it can be difficult to remove. Once pasted, ‘book’ the wallpaper by folding the pasted sides together, pattern-to-pattern, without creasing. Let it sit for the time recommended by the manufacturer to allow the paste to activate and the paper to become pliable. This soaking time is crucial for proper adhesion. Unfold the strip carefully when ready to hang.
Hanging prepasted wallpaper: a quicker option
Prepasted wallpaper comes with a dry adhesive on the back. To activate it, you’ll typically need to submerge the strip in a water tray or bucket for the time specified by the manufacturer, usually around 30-60 seconds. Ensure the entire strip is thoroughly wet. After soaking, gently remove the strip from the water and allow any excess water to drip off. Book the paper by folding the pasted sides together, similar to unpasted wallpaper, to allow the paste to fully activate. Again, avoid creasing the folds. This method is generally faster than working with unpasted paper but still requires careful handling to avoid tearing.
Activate your wallpaper correctly
Whether you’re using unpasted or prepasted wallpaper, the activation of the adhesive is a critical step. For unpasted paper, this means applying the correct type and amount of paste evenly across the back. For prepasted paper, it involves submerging it in water for the precise duration. Over-soaking can make the paper too fragile and difficult to handle, potentially leading to tears during hanging. Under-soaking means the adhesive won’t activate properly, leading to poor adhesion and bubbles. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions precisely regarding soaking times and paste application. This ensures the adhesive is ready to bond effectively with your primed wall.
Hang your first strip: establishing a straight line
Hanging the first strip is arguably the most important step, as it sets the tone for the entire installation. You need to ensure this strip is perfectly vertical. The best way to achieve this is by creating a plumb line. Use a level or a plumb bob to draw a faint pencil line on the wall, starting from the ceiling down to the baseboard, about 1 inch away from the corner. This line will serve as your guide. When you hang your first strip, align its edge with this plumb line, ensuring the edge of the paper just touches the line. Leave the excess wallpaper at the ceiling and baseboard untrimmed for now. Use your smoothing brush or plastic smoother to gently press the paper onto the wall, working from the center outwards to push out any air bubbles or excess paste. Ensure the edges are well-adhered.
Proceed to the second strip and beyond
Once your first strip is successfully hung and smoothed, you can proceed with the second strip. Apply the second strip right next to the first, butting the edges together tightly. Do not overlap the strips unless the wallpaper is specifically designed for overlapping (which is rare for most residential papers). Align the pattern of the second strip with the pattern of the first strip. This is where paying attention to the pattern repeat during the cutting phase is vital. Again, use your smoothing tool to ensure a seamless finish and to press out any trapped air or paste. Continue this process for each subsequent strip, working your way across the wall. Pay close attention to seams, ensuring they are tight and well-adhered. If you encounter any issues, such as bubbles or paste on the face of the paper, wipe them away immediately with a damp sponge.
Trimming excess wallpaper
Once all your strips are hung and smoothed, it’s time for the final trimming. Use your sharp utility knife and straight edge to carefully trim the excess wallpaper at the ceiling and the baseboard. Make long, clean cuts. It’s often easier to trim the top first, then the bottom. For intricate areas like around electrical outlets or windows, use your knife to carefully cut around the openings, then trim the excess. Replace your utility knife blade frequently to ensure a clean cut and avoid tearing the wallpaper. A dull blade will snag the paper and create an unsightly edge.
Non-woven wallpaper installation considerations
Non-woven wallpaper, often referred to as ‘paste-the-wall’ wallpaper, offers a simpler installation process. With this type of wallpaper, you apply the adhesive directly to the wall, not the paper. This eliminates the need for booking time and reduces the risk of over-wetting the paper. After applying the adhesive to a section of the wall slightly wider than your wallpaper strip, you hang the strip directly onto the pasted wall. The paper itself is typically more durable and easier to handle than traditional paper. However, ensure you use the correct type of adhesive recommended for non-woven materials, as standard wallpaper paste may not be suitable. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for specific application instructions. This method can significantly speed up the process of wallcovering installation.
Wallpaper installation videos: a visual aid
While this guide provides detailed steps, visual aids can be incredibly helpful for understanding the nuances of wallpaper installation. Many manufacturers and DIY resources offer wallpaper installation videos online. These videos demonstrate techniques for cutting, pasting, smoothing, and trimming, which can be invaluable, especially for first-time installers. Watching a professional hang wallpaper can clarify tricky steps and help you avoid common mistakes. Look for videos that specifically address the type of wallpaper you are using, as techniques can vary slightly. Pink paneling wallpaper or floral vinyl wallpaper might have specific hanging tips that are worth seeing in action.
Common wallpaper installation mistakes to avoid
Several common pitfalls can derail a DIY wallpaper project. One of the most frequent is inadequate wall preparation. Skipping the cleaning, sanding, or priming steps will almost guarantee a poor result. Another mistake is not checking for pattern repeats or not aligning patterns correctly between strips, leading to a visibly disjointed look. Rushing the process and not allowing enough booking time for prepasted or unpasted paper can also cause adhesion issues. Using a dull utility knife blade for trimming results in ragged edges. Lastly, not cleaning up excess paste immediately can lead to stains or visible residue once the paste dries. Always take your time and be meticulous.
When to hire a professional for wallcovering installation
While installing wallpaper can be a rewarding DIY project, there are times when hiring a professional is the better choice. If you have intricate walls, many corners, or architectural details like crown molding, the precision required might be beyond a beginner’s skill level. Highly patterned or delicate wallpapers, such as grasscloth or silks, also demand expert handling. If you’ve attempted wallpaper installation before and had a negative experience, or if the project involves a large area and you want a flawless finish without the stress, professional installers are worth considering. You can learn more about how to vet these professionals before you book by reading our guide on how to vet wallpaper installation companies before you book.
Maintaining your newly installed wallpaper
Once your wallpaper is installed, proper care will ensure its longevity and beauty. Most modern wallpapers are washable or scrubbable, but the method depends on the material. Vinyl wallpapers are generally the most durable and easiest to clean. For most washable wallpapers, use a soft sponge or cloth with mild soap and water. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing, as this can damage the surface or pattern. For delicate wallpapers like fabric or grasscloth, spot cleaning with a dry cloth is usually the safest approach. Always test any cleaning method in an inconspicuous area first. For specific types like 3D brick wallpaper or flower wall wallpaper, refer to the manufacturer’s care instructions. Addressing spills or marks immediately will prevent them from setting in.
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