Ready to give your walls a new look? Our fuss-free, paste-the-wall wallpapers make transforming your space surprisingly easy. If you haven’t already, check out our Journal post for all the ins and outs of our wallpaper collection, and use our handy wallpaper calculator to figure out how many rolls you’ll need.
Then, forget about the usual stress and mess of wallpapering – just follow our step-by-step guide, and your walls will look lovely in no time at all!
1. Gather Your Tools
Before you get started, gather all the essentials: wallpaper adhesive, brush, roller and tray, plumb line or spirit level, measuring tape, sponge and water, wallpaper tool or brush, knife or edge cutter, and lastly, a stepladder. It might seem like a lot, but the right tools are key to making wallpapering easier! If you need to prep your wall first, you’ll also want wall filler, sandpaper, primer or maybe even lining paper.
2. Prep and Prime
Start with a clean canvas: remove old wallpaper, fill holes and sand down glossy surfaces. If possible, paint the walls in a shade similar to your wallpaper’s base color to avoid visible seams. If applying on plaster, wood, or uneven surfaces, use a universal primer or hang lining paper for a smoother finish. Just be sure to let the lining paper dry fully before you begin hanging your wallpaper.
3. Mark Your Starting Point
Start in a corner or near a window. Using a measuring tape, mark 19.4 inches from the corner of the wall (if your wallpaper is 20.4 inches, like ours). Then, use a plumb line or spirit level to draw a straight vertical guide with a pencil. The extra inch will help you avoid any imperfect corner joins if the corner isn’t perfectly straight. Get the first drop right, and the rest should line up without too much difficulty!
4. Apply the Paste
Our wallpapers are paste-the-wall for minimal mess. Apply adhesive evenly to the wall, extending slightly beyond the width of the wallpaper. This makes it easier to hang the second drop without getting paste on the first. Use a brush for edges and a roller for larger areas, starting at the top and working your way down. Don’t worry if some paste gets on the moldings; you can easily wipe it away later.
5. Hang the First Strip
Unwrap your wallpaper roll and place it back in the box it was delivered in – think of it like a kitchen foil dispenser. Lift the wallpaper up towards the ceiling and align the first drop to your vertical line. Leave an inch at the top to make a clean cut later.
Use a wallpaper tool or brush to smooth the paper out from the center, working out any air bubbles. Trim the excess at the top and bottom with a knife or scissors, and wipe away any paste residue with a damp sponge.
6. Hang the Rest of the Wallpaper
Working to the right of the first drop, apply paste to the next section. Align the pattern edges carefully with the previous drop, brushing out any bubbles as you go. The beauty of our non-woven wallpaper is that it can be easily adjusted – so don’t worry if you need to lift and reposition the paper. Just gently smooth it back down.
7. Wallpaper Around Doors and Windows
Trim the wallpaper along the edge of the window, then cut a 45-degree angle at the top corner. Smooth the wallpaper down along the frame and trim the excess. Use a tool to press firmly into the edges, ensuring a clean, polished finish.
8. Wallpaper Around Switches and Sockets
Turn off the power and remove the switch covers. Hang the wallpaper over the area, then carefully cut out the space for the switch. Once the wallpaper is in place, reattach the cover for a clean and professional look.
With these steps, you’re all set to hang wallpaper with ease! Take your time, and feel free to take breaks whenever you need to – you can pick up right where you left off. Once you’re done, make sure the room is well-ventilated for at least 24 hours to allow the wallpaper to set. Happy decorating!