We walk you through all the steps for hanging wallpaperincluding how to prepare your walls.
While wallpaper was popular in the 1960s and ’70s, it’s once again seeing a rise in popularity.
Plus, we share a few tips for keeping your wallpaper in good condition.
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“There is a color, pattern, and texture for everyone and every room.
When hanging wallpaper, preparing your walls is just as important as the installation.
“First, confirm the walls are flat.
Bumps and holes should be fixed,” explains Falk.
Berwick also recommends sealing the walls with an oil-based primer, followed by a coat of wallpaper primer.
“This ensures the installationand eventualremovalof the wallpapergoes as smoothly as possible.”
Also, consider where and how the seams fall.
Leave an extra three inches on the top and bottom to allow for trimming after hanging.
Consider adding more plumb lines along the wall to help you consistently hang the wallpaper straight.
Some wallpaper (like non-woven wallpaper) is best hung after pasting the wallno booking necessary.
Other wallpapers have a water-activated adhesive and don’t require wallpaper paste.
Hang the Wallpaper
Allow the wallpaper paste to soak into the paper for about three minutes.
Then, you’re able to hang your wallpaper.
There’s no need to wait if you’re not using the booking method.
Simply apply the paste to the wall and hang the piece on top before the paste dries.
Remove Bubbles
Once placed, release any bubbles from the wallpaper with a plastic smoothing tool.
Start in the middle of the wallpaper and push the bubbles and creases to the outer edge.
Don’t pull or stretch the paper.
Repeat steps 4-6 of this process until all wallpaper pieces have been hung.
“Peel and stick wallpaper isn’t as much of a commitment compared to traditional wallpaper.
“A drawback is that it’s a much lower quality product.
It’s typically a digital print, and therefore a completely different product compared to traditional.”
No wallpaper paste or booking is required, however.
Prepare Walls
Fix bumps and holes and paint the walls a base color.
Then, seal and prime the walls.
Layout the Pieces
Plan your design and the order in which strips should be hung.
Mark the back of the paper, then cut the strips along your marks.
Use a Level
With a pencil, create plumb lines on the wall with a level.
Use these lines as guides when placing the wallpaper.
Work From the Top Down
Apply the strips to the wall from the top down.
Work slowly and carefully place each strip on the wall.
Smooth Bubbles
Use a plastic smoothing tool to remove bubbles as you go.
Work from the middle of the wallpaper to the outer edges.
Trim Excess
Remove any excess wallpaper at the top or bottom.
With a fresh razor, follow the wall’s edges to trim along the top and bottom.
When installed correctly, it should last for years.
These tips can help you maintain your wallpaper in good condition.
In the case of major damage, replace one panel at a time.
Keep extra wallpaper on hand in a sealed container.
“Vinyl wallpaper is the most durable and can actually be washed with soap and water.
