Installing wallpaper is an excellent way to add character and detail to a room. While it may seem like a job for professionals, it is a manageable DIY project with the right preparation and technique. This guide provides a clear process for beginners to follow, covering the essential steps from wall preparation to the final trim. Whether you choose a traditional pasted paper or a modern self-adhesive version, these instructions will help you achieve a clean finish.
Gather Your Tools and Materials
Before you begin, collect all the necessary supplies. A complete toolkit prevents interruptions and makes the process smoother. You will need a tape measure, a pencil, a spirit level or plumb line, a sharp utility knife with extra blades, a wallpaper smoother, and a clean sponge or cloth. For traditional wallpaper, you will also need wallpaper adhesive and a tray or brush for application. Selecting a design that matches your aesthetic is the first step; you can find many options that align with a current trending wallpaper style.
Prepare Your Walls for Application
Proper wall preparation is the most critical step for a durable and neat result. Start by cleaning the walls with a mild detergent solution to remove any dust or grease. Fill any cracks or holes with spackle, then sand the patches smooth once dry. For best results, apply a coat of wallpaper primer. A primer seals the wall, prevents the drywall from absorbing the adhesive, and makes future wallpaper removal much easier. This step is important even if you are using removable wallpaper.
Measure and Cut Your First Strip
Measure the height of your wall from the ceiling to the baseboard. Add about 10 cm (4 inches) to this measurement to allow for trimming at the top and bottom. Unroll your wallpaper on a flat surface and cut your first strip to this length. If your wallpaper has a repeating pattern, you will need to account for the pattern match when cutting subsequent strips. Lay your second strip next to the first and align the pattern before cutting it to the same length. For a more in-depth look at this process, consult a detailed wallpaper installation Guide.
Apply the First Strip
Do not use a corner as your starting point, as corners are rarely perfectly straight. Instead, use your level to draw a straight vertical (plumb) line on the wall about 50 cm (20 inches) from the corner, which is slightly less than the width of your wallpaper. This will be your guide for the first strip. For traditional paper, apply the paste evenly to the back of the paper or directly to the wall, following the manufacturer's instructions. For peel-and-stick wallpaper, simply peel away the top few inches of the backing, align the edge of the paper with your plumb line, and press it onto the wall.
Smooth and Trim the Wallpaper
As you apply each strip, use the wallpaper smoother to work out any air bubbles. Start from the center of the strip and push the bubbles out toward the edges. Once the strip is securely in place and smooth, trim the excess paper at the ceiling and baseboard. Use a straight edge as a guide and cut with your sharp utility knife. Changing the blade frequently will prevent tearing the paper. Following these steps is key to understanding how yo install wallpaper correctly.
Hang Subsequent Strips and Match Seams
Align your next strip of wallpaper with the edge of the first one. Take care to match the pattern precisely. Press the seams tightly together, but do not overlap them. A seam roller can help create a tight bond between the two edges. After hanging each new strip, repeat the smoothing and trimming process. This repetitive method is the core of any good wallpaper installation guide.
Work Around Obstacles
When you reach obstacles like light switches or electrical outlets, first turn off the electricity to that circuit. Remove the cover plate and hang the wallpaper directly over the opening. Use your smoother to press the paper firmly around the edges of the outlet box. Then, carefully make a diagonal cut from corner to corner over the opening and trim away the flaps. When the adhesive is dry, you can safely replace the cover plate.
With patience and attention to detail, you can successfully install wallpaper and give your room a new look. Whether you use a traditional peel and stick wallpaper or a pasted one, the fundamentals of clean walls, precise measurements, and careful application remain the same
