Applying wallpaper is a project that can significantly alter the character of a room. While many homeowners hire professionals, you can achieve a high-quality result on your own with the right preparation and technique. This guide provides a direct, methodical approach to the process.
Assemble Your Tools and Materials
Before you begin, gather all necessary equipment. A complete toolkit prevents interruptions and ensures a smooth workflow. You will need a measuring tape, a pencil, a level, a metal straightedge, a sharp utility knife with extra blades, a wallpaper smoothing tool, and a seam roller. For traditional wallpaper, you will also need wallpaper adhesive, a pasting brush or roller, a tray, and a bucket of water with a sponge.
Prepare the Wall Surface
Proper wall preparation is the most critical step for a successful outcome. The surface must be clean, smooth, and dry. Start by washing the walls with a mild cleaning solution to remove any dirt or grease. Fill any holes or cracks with spackle, allow it to dry completely, and then sand the patches until they are flush with the wall. Finally, apply a coat of wallpaper primer to seal the surface and promote adhesion. This step also makes future removal much easier.
Measure and Cut Your First Strip
Measure the height of your wall from the ceiling to the baseboard. Add at least four inches to this measurement to allow for trimming at the top and bottom. Unroll your wallpaper on a flat surface and measure out your first piece, marking it with a pencil. Use your straightedge and utility knife to make a clean, straight cut. If your wallpaper has a repeating pattern, plan your subsequent cuts carefully to ensure the design aligns correctly from one strip to the next.
Hang the Initial Strip Correctly
The first strip of wallpaper acts as the guide for the entire room, so its placement must be perfectly vertical. Use your level and pencil to draw a plumb line on the wall about one inch less than the width of your wallpaper from a corner. Align the edge of your first strip with this line. If using traditional paper, apply the paste evenly. If you have peel and stick wallapper, begin removing the backing from the top. Smooth the paper onto the wall from the center outwards using the smoothing tool to eliminate air bubbles. For a more detailed walkthrough of this initial application, a visual resource like a How to Install Wallpaper: A Step-by-Step Beginner’s Guide can be very beneficial.
Align Subsequent Strips and Seams
Apply the next strip of wallpaper next to the first, sliding it into place so the edges meet perfectly. Do not overlap the seams. Carefully align the pattern as you work your way down the wall. Once the strip is in place, use your smoothing tool again. Lightly run the seam roller over the joined edges to ensure they are securely bonded to the wall. This wallpaper installation guide is designed for precision.
Work Around Obstacles
You will inevitably encounter obstacles like windows, doors, electrical outlets, and corners. For outlets and switches, first turn off the electricity to that circuit. Remove the faceplate and hang the wallpaper directly over the opening. Then, use your utility knife to cut an 'X' from corner to corner over the outlet box and trim away the excess paper. For corners, press the paper firmly into the angle and trim. Tackling these interruptions with care is a key part of any DIY Wallpaper Installation: Simple Steps for a Stunning Wall.
Complete the Finishing Touches
After all the strips are hung, perform the final trimming. Use your sharp utility knife and straightedge to cut away the excess paper along the ceiling and baseboard. Take your time to ensure a crisp, clean line. Use a damp sponge to gently wipe away any adhesive residue from the wallpaper surface. Following these procedures is fundamental when learning how yo install wallpaper for a professional finish. Allow the wallpaper to dry completely for at least 24 to 48 hours.
