Do Your Rooms Like a Pro: Your Quick Guide to Wallpaper Installation
Wallpaper can last three times longer than paint, which can make it a much more cost-effective choice for your home.
But don't let the wallpaper installation process overwhelm you. It's not as hard as it looks. We've put together this guide to help you learn how to install wallpaper like a pro.
So let's get started.
Have a Plan Before You Start
Before you buy the wallpaper or prep your room, you need to come up with a plan.
Where are you hanging the wallpaper? On one wall? As trim? Throughout the entire room?
If you don't know how much wallpaper you need, you might end up not having enough or spending too much money on it. So know where you're putting your wallpaper before you start.
Make Sure the Walls Are Smooth
Your new wallpaper might not stick to the wall if the surface is bumpy or dirty.
Spend some time sanding off any texture. You should also wash the walls with warm water and a gentle detergent.
If you're tempted to hang wallpaper on unfinished drywall, don't. The wallpaper will stick to the drywall too well, and you'll never be able to get it back off. Always make sure your wall has a layer of paint or at least primer.
Prep the Wallpaper
Once your walls are smooth and clean, it's time to get your wallpaper ready.
Start by cutting several strips of wallpaper (the right length for your wall). Then paint the paste directly onto the paper. You'll need a table or a flat surface to do this.
After the strips are all covered in paste, book it—folding it into three folds like a book—for at least five minutes. This allows the paper to soften and the paste to activate, which will make the hanging process easier.
Hang the Wallpaper
Make sure the wallpaper is level as you start to apply it to the wall.
Once it's hanging, brush it down with a wallpaper sweep. This will remove any air bubbles that got trapped under the surface.
But don't press too hard. Otherwise, you'll push out the paste or stretch the paper. If you still see air bubbles after the paper has dried, you can pop them with a small pin or needle.
Don't Overlap the Seems
The seems in your wallpaper should be butted (both edges touch each other) rather than overlapped. If you overlap your seams, you'll end up with weird lumps on your wall.
Make sure you go over each seam with a roller. But again, don't press too hard. You don't want to push out any paste or damaged the paper.
Clean the Wallpaper as You Go
After you hang each piece of wallpaper, wipe it down gently with a sponge and warm water. This will remove any extra paste residue, which will be much harder to get off once it dries.
How to Make Your Wallpaper Installation Faster, Easier, and Better
If you're getting ready to give one of your rooms a makeover, make sure you stick to these wallpaper installation tips. They'll make the process faster and easier and give you better results.
Need some inspiration before you get started?
Make sure you click here to take a look at some of our wallpaper options!