Hanging wallpaper can transform the look and feel of a room. With some careful planning and preparation, you can create a beautiful, professional-looking wallpaper installation. This comprehensive guide covers all the key steps for successfully hanging wallpaper on your walls.

Selecting the Wallpaper

Choosing the right wallpaper is the first step to a successful project. Consider the following when making your selection:

Wallpaper Types

There are a few main types of wallpaper to choose from:

Paper – The most traditional option, paper wallpaper is durable and affordable. It comes in a wide range of patterns and textures.
Vinyl – Vinyl wallpapers are water-resistant and easy to clean. They are a good option for high-moisture areas like bathrooms.
Non-woven – Non-woven wallpapers are made from synthetic fibers. They are durable, strippable, and easy to install. Many mimic the look of natural materials.
Foil – Foil wallpapers have a thin metallic foil coating and add a contemporary, stylish look. They are eye-catching but hard to repair if damaged.
Flock – Flock wallpapers have a velvet-like finish. The soft texture adds depth and dimension. They are delicate and require gentle cleaning.
Textile – Textile wallpapers incorporate fabrics like silk or linen. These add a luxurious feel but are typically the most expensive option.

Patterns and Textures

Consider the patterns and textures that will work best for the room. Small-scale dense patterns can make a space feel warm and cozy. Light or monochromatic colors create an airy, relaxed look. Large dramatic patterns make a bold statement. Distressed textures like stucco or brick add rustic charm.

Sheen Level

Wallpaper sheen ranges from matte to shiny. Flat, matte finishes minimize imperfections in walls. Higher sheens like satin or semi-gloss reflect more light. Shiny metallic papers have the highest reflectivity. Choose sheen based on the mood you want to set.

Durability

Consider the wallpaper’s durability for the intended space. Bathrooms and high traffic areas need wallpapers that resist moisture, stains, and dirt. Nurseries and kids’ rooms require wallpapers that can handle being cleaned frequently.

Strippable vs. Peelable

Strippable wallpaper is coated so it peels off in full sheets when removing. This makes it easier to change without damaging walls. Peelable paper peels off in small pieces and has stronger adhesion. Choose strippable paper for temporary installations or rentals.

Quantity Required

Measure wall dimensions to calculate the number of wallpaper rolls needed. Buy a few extra rolls to allow for mistakes and pattern matching. Store extras properly for future repairs or additions.

Price

Wallpaper prices vary widely from $10-$100 or more per roll. Budget-friendly ombre and texture papers start around $25 per roll. High-end options with ornate prints or real materials can cost over $150 per roll.

Preparing the Room

Proper prep work ensures the wallpaper adheres smoothly and evenly. Plan to do the following tasks before installation:

Clean the Walls

Walls should be clean and free of dirt, grease, and soap buildup. Wash painted walls with a grease-cutting cleaner like TSP. Rinse and allow to fully dry before installation.

Remove Wallpaper

If hanging over existing wallpaper, remove old wallpaper and adhesive. Use a steamer or chemical stripper to safely take off all layers. Scrape away any remaining adhesive.

Repair Flaws

Fill holes, cracks, and uneven surfaces with spackle. Sand smooth once dry. This provides an even base for the new wallpaper.

Prime the Walls

Apply primer to the walls to improve adhesion. Oil-based primers work best on newly repaired drywall. For painted walls, water-based primers are fine.

Match Wall Texture

Texture differences under wallpaper are visible. If your walls are heavily textured, add a layer of paintable wall texture compound to smooth out the surface.

Paint Neutral Colors

Paint walls neutral colors like off-white, beige, or light grey with matte finish paint. Avoid glossy paints that can cause adhesion issues.

Gather Supplies

Having all your supplies ready ahead of time makes the installation process go smoothly. Be sure to have the following on hand before you start:

Wallpaper

Wallpaper rolls
Extra rolls for repairs and pattern matching

Adhesives and Pastes

Wallpaper paste or adhesive
Paint roller and tray for paste
Water for soaking paper and mixing paste

Wallpaper Tools

Sharp razor blades for cutting paper
Straight edge for cutting along
Smoothing brush for eliminating bubbles
Seam roller for flattening seams
Wallpaper scissors for trimming edges
Utility knife for precise trimming
Sponge and clean rags for wiping excess paste
Drop cloths for protecting floors and furniture

Measuring Tools

Tape measure
Level
Pencil

Ladder or Wallpaper Work Table

Additional Supplies

Primer
Paint
Repair compounds
Sandpaper
Painter’s tape
Plastic smoother
Removable sticky notes
Drywall screw or nail

Plan the Layout

Carefully mapping out the layout helps ensure you purchase enough paper and that the pattern matches properly. Consider the following:

Pattern Repeat

The pattern repeat is the measurement from one distinct part of the pattern to the next. Measure this distance to calculate how many full and partial repeats will be needed to cover each wall.

Pattern Matching

Plan the layout so pattern motifs align smoothly across seams. This often requires trimming partial repeats at windows, doors, and corners.

Wall Height vs Paper Length

Measure the height of walls and compare to the wallpaper length to determine how many panels will be needed stacked vertically. Account for trimming at ceilings and baseboards.

Order of Installation

Number the rolls and map out the order in which you’ll paper each wall. Work from top to bottom and complete one wall fully before moving on.

Take Detailed Notes

Record measurements and diagrams detailing pattern repeats, cuts, and roll numbers needed for each wall. These will guide you during installation.

Prep the Paper

Proper preparation of the wallpaper before hanging will make installation much easier:

Unroll and Cut Rolls

Unroll the wallpaper and inspect for defects. Trim off uneven edges or misprinted areas as you go. Cut into individual strips if working alone.

Reverse Alternate Strips

For patterned paper, reverse every other strip. This allows you to match the pattern at seams as you hang the paper in sequence.

Soak Extensible Papers

For difficult to hang papers like grasscloths or burlaps, soak strips in water prior to installation. This prevents tearing and shrinkage gaps as they dry.

Fold Paper

Loosely fold strips in sequence, keeping track of their order. This prevents paste from drying out before you hang them. Do not crease the paper.

Mix Wallpaper Paste

Mix up paste according to package directions. Let stand 5-10 minutes to activate. Add a little extra water for very thick or delicate papers.

Apply the Adhesive

Properly pasting the wallpaper ensures adequate adhesion and avoids bubbles and wrinkles:

Use Correct Adhesive

Choose a store-bought adhesive made specifically for wallpaper. Avoid DIY pastes that can stain the paper over time.

Paste the Walls

Use a paint roller to apply an even layer of paste directly to the walls where paper will be hung. Do not get paste on the ceiling or baseboards.

Paste the Paper

Unfold paper strips and apply a coat of paste to the back using a paint roller. Aim for full, even coverage. Fold loosely to allow paste to soak in.

Allow Time to Activate

Let pasted strips sit in a loosely folded position for 5-10 minutes. This allows the paste to penetrate the paper so it doesn’t expand on the walls.

Remove Excess Paste

Before hanging, lightly wipe off any thick blobs or drippy areas of paste with a clean damp sponge. Avoid creasing or wrinkling the paper.

Hang the Paper

Once pasted and activated, you’re ready to start hanging the strips. Follow these tips for best results:

Position the First Panel

Hang the first panel above, but not directly over, electrical outlets. Unfold and align vertically using a level. Smooth any bubbles or wrinkles.

Match Patterns Perfectly

When hanging subsequent strips, carefully match up patterns from strip to strip as you install across and down the wall. Wipe seams clean.

Overlap Edges Slightly

Seams should just barely overlap by 1/16”. Use a seam roller tool to flatten each seam after hanging every 2-3 strips.

Work Around Obstacles

When you come to an outlet, switch plate, or fixture, cut the paper and fit tightly around it. Use painters tape to prevent tearing.

Alternate Pattern Sequences

Remember to reverse the hanging order of alternating strips. This allows patterns and colors to match across horizontal seams.

Work From Ceiling Down

Always hang paper from the top down. Try to keep paste off ceilings. Use a wallpaper work table or ladder to reach high walls.

Smooth Bubbles and Wrinkles

Use a wallpaper brush and plastic smoothing tool to gently flatten any bubbles, wrinkles or raised edges as you go. Work from top to bottom.

Use a Wallpaper Net

For delicate papers, use a special plastic wallpaper net to hang strips. This prevents ripping the paper and provides extra slip to position each panel.

Trim Excess Paper

Use a sharp razor blade and straightedge to trim excess paper at ceilings, baseboards, and around fixtures. Remove trim pieces carefully to avoid tearing seams.

Finish the Installation

Add the perfect finishing touches:

Seal Edges and Seams

Brush wallpaper sealer onto outside edges, corners, and seams to prevent moisture from penetrating behind the paper. Avoid getting sealer on the surface.

Reinstall Fixtures

Carefully reinstall light switch plates, electrical outlets, thermostats, vents and other fixtures removed prior to installation.

Caulk Along Trim

Apply a fine bead of paintable latex caulk along baseboards, ceilings, and door/window trim to hide any gaps. Smooth with a damp finger before it dries.

Clean Up Paste Residue

Use a clean, damp sponge to wipe away any residual paste or adhesive on the wallpaper surface. Rinse sponge frequently to prevent smearing.

Check All Pattern Alignments

Critically examine the installed paper to ensure patterns align properly across seams and corners. Make any necessary touch ups while paste is still pliable.

Save Leftover Paper

Store any leftover paper in a zippered plastic bag in case future repairs are needed. Include notes detailing which walls it was used on.

With the proper prep work, tools, and techniques, it’s possible for even novice DIYers to install wallpaper like a pro. Carefully following these comprehensive steps will result in a polished, flawless wallpaper installation you’ll love coming home to for years to come. Let your walls make a stylish statement and show off your handiwork!

How to Hang Wallpaper FAQs

Hanging wallpaper involves some new techniques and skills. Here are helpful answers to the most frequently asked questions about how to hang wallpaper perfectly every time.

What type of adhesive should I use?

Use premixed wallpaper adhesive designed specifically for hanging wallpapers and borders. Avoid DIY pastes and adhesives not meant for wallpaper. The best adhesive for your project also depends on the wallpaper’s weight and texture. Consult the manufacturer’s guidelines for recommended adhesives.

Should the adhesive be applied to the wall or the wallpaper?

Most professional paper hangers recommend pasting the walls rather than the wallpaper. Using a paint roller, apply an even coat of adhesive directly onto the installation surfaces. This method helps minimize bubbles and wrinkles. Heavier, delicate, or porous papers may also be pasted prior to hanging for extra slip.

How do I prep textured walls?

If walls are heavily textured, add a thin skim coat of joint compound or plaster to smooth bumps before installation. Allow compound to dry fully, then sand any uneven spots for a level surface. Priming levels absorption between the textured drywall and smoother compound.

How do I match complex repeating patterns across seams?

Study the pattern repeat – the distance between one distinct part of the pattern and the next identical part. Measure repeats across multiple strips and draw a diagram mapping where pattern elements will align between strips. Plan paper cuts to match the repeat. Identify dominating features like trees or houses to match at eye level.

How much overlap should there be at the seams?

Overlap seams just slightly – about 1/16th of an inch or the thickness of a quarter. Overlapping too much creates visible ridges, while not overlapping enough leaves gaps between strips. Roll all seams after hanging 2-3 strips to flatten them.

What’s the best way to work around electrical outlets and switches?

Whenever possible, position strips so outlets fall toward the top or bottom edge to make cutting easier. Cut paper to fit around outlets in a tight square or circle versus a jagged edge. Use painter’s tape on edges around cutouts to prevent tearing while working. Remove plates carefully.

How can I prevent blisters or bubbles?

Work slowly and methodically, smoothing paper as you go. Don’t allow paste to dry before hanging. Overlap only slightly and roll seams flat. Avoid overworking seams when positioning strips or bubbles can form. Never poke blisters as they will tear when dry – use a brush and scraper to flatten instead.

How long does the paper need to set before I can remove the paste?

Wait the time recommended by the adhesive manufacturer before wiping excess paste away – typically around 15-20 minutes. Test a section. Soft, damp sponges work best to avoid damaging fragile papers. Avoid scrubbing or using too much water which could loosen seams.

What’s the trick to papering around windows and doors?

Wrap paper uninterrupted around inside corners onto adjoining walls by at least 6 inches. Cut diagonally at corners toward the frame trim to prevent corners from lifting later on. Never apply just one strip next to trim. Seam edges should meet above/below openings, not directly at trim.

How can I fix gaps or lifted seams?

For small gaps, you can carefully lift the edge and apply new adhesive underneath using a small roller or paintbrush. Rub the paper edge back down and roll to adhere. For lifted corners or large areas, new adhesive may not bond reliably – patches or complete replacement are safer options.

By following the techniques outlined here combined with patience and care, you can master the art of wallpaper installation. With the right preparation, materials, and tools, anyone can transform their home with beautiful decorative wallpaper.

Conclusion

Hanging wallpaper is an extremely rewarding do-it-yourself home improvement project that allows you to customize the look and feel of any room. While it requires careful planning, measurement, pattern matching, and patience, having the right information at hand makes for a successful installation. This comprehensive guide covers all the key techniques – from selecting the best wallpaper for your needs to properly prepping and pasting the walls, matching complex patterns across seams, and finishing the edges for a polished look. With the right preparation and tools, wallpaper novices can install wall coverings with beautiful, professional-looking results. So tackle that upcoming wallpaper project with confidence using the tried and true steps outlined above. In no time at all, you’ll be admiring the stylish statement your designer-worthy walls are making in any room.