How to Hang Traditional Wallpaper
Prepare the Walls
As is the case for all DIY projects, preparation is key. When hanging wallpaper, preparing your walls is just as important as the installation.
"First, make sure the walls are flat. Bumps and holes should be fixed," explains Falk. "Next, paint the wall the [base] color of the paper in case seams were to show through."
Berwick also recommends sealing the walls with an oil-based primer, followed by a coat of wallpaper primer ($39, amazon.com). "This ensures the installation—and eventual removal—of the wallpaper goes as smoothly as possible."
Remove all outlet and light switch faceplates and cover the sockets with tape to protect them from the wallpaper glue.
Layout and Cut the Wallpaper
Anticipate how you'll need to hang your wallpaper in the designated space, especially if it's patterned. Also, consider where and how the seams fall.
"The fewer seams, the better, and mirroring seams on opposite walls create symmetry," says Berwick. "No matter the wallpaper, each room will always have a best or most logical layout, so always map it out before you actually start cutting and hanging the wallpaper."
Once you've mapped out the design, measured the walls, and marked the wallpaper, carefully cut each strip. Leave an extra three inches on the top and bottom to allow for trimming after hanging.
Create Plumb Lines
Once your walls are ready and your wallpaper is cut accordingly, you'll want to make sure each piece is hung straight and level. Berwick recommends using a plumb line or a 6-foot level for this (a laser level could also work) and notes you'll have to repeat the line for each new wall.
See AlsoHow to hang wallpaper | Ideas &a Advice | DIY at B&QGraham & Brown | Wallpaper, Paint & Home InteriorYour Seams Are Showing! Prevent This Wallpaper ProblemHow to Hang WallpaperTo create a plumb line, draw a straight vertical line down the wall (from the top to the baseboard), marking where the first wallpaper panel goes. It's best to start on the left of the wall and work to the right unless your wallpaper design has a focal point. Consider adding more plumb lines along the wall to help you consistently hang the wallpaper straight.
Apply Wallpaper Paste
There are several methods for applying adhesive and wallpaper paste—from booking the wallpaper to applying the paste to the wall to using a water-based adhesive instead of paste. Traditional wallpaper requires wallpaper paste (use the product recommended by the wallpaper brand) and a process referred to as "booking" that allows the paste to soak into the paper itself. Some wallpaper (like non-woven wallpaper) is best hung after pasting the wall—no booking necessary. Other wallpapers have a water-activated adhesive and don't require wallpaper paste.
- Booking wallpaper: To book your wallpaper, apply the paste evenly over the whole surface of the cut wallpaper piece from one end to the middle, Berwick says. "Next, fold the pasted side onto itself, leaving a few inches of exposed, pasted paper. Finish the other half and fold it back towards the middle right up to the other folded edge."
- Pasting the wall: If applying the wallpaper paste to the wall first, there's no need to follow the booking process. Instead, cover the wall with the paste, then hang the wallpaper on top.
"If your paper allows for this technique...you will need a brush to cut in all the edges of the wall with the paste," Berwick says. "Only paste one section at a time with a few inches of overlap and maintain an efficient speed [so] as to not let the overlapped paste dry before your next piece of wallpaper goes up."
- Water-based adhesive: For wallpapers with a water-activated adhesive, soak the wallpaper in water, then follow the booking process before hanging it on the wall. When in doubt, default to the product's application instructions.
- Booking wallpaper: To book your wallpaper, apply the paste evenly over the whole surface of the cut wallpaper piece from one end to the middle, Berwick says. "Next, fold the pasted side onto itself, leaving a few inches of exposed, pasted paper. Finish the other half and fold it back towards the middle right up to the other folded edge."
Hang the Wallpaper
Allow the wallpaper paste to soak into the paper for about three minutes. Then, you can hang your wallpaper. Begin at the top of the wall and place your first piece using the plumb line (or level) as a guide to keep it straight.
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.
Trim the Edges
To trim the excess wallpaper from the top and bottom, use a fresh razor and move carefully along the edges to prevent tears. Follow the baseboard or use a level to help you keep a straight line as you trim.
How to Hang "Peel-and-Stick" Wallpaper
If hanging traditional wallpaper seems overwhelming, a peel-and-stick option might be more your speed.
"Peel and stick wallpaper isn't as much of a commitment compared to traditional wallpaper. It's also a quarter of the price for material, easy to install, and temporary, so you can pull it off anytime," Falk says. "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."
To install peel-and-stick wallpaper, you'll follow much of the same procedure used for installing traditional wallpaper, says Berwick. 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.
Tips for Keeping Wallpaper Clean and Free of Damage
Considering all the effort you put into hanging your wallpaper, you want it to remain intact for a long time. When installed correctly, it should last for years. These tips can help you maintain your wallpaper in good condition.
Repairing Wallpaper Damage
Should any minor damage occur to the wallpaper, try using a touch of paint or colored pencils to hide a blemish. In the case of major damage, replace one panel at a time.
Keep extra wallpaper on hand in a sealed container.
Cleaning Wallpaper
To clean wallpapered walls, you'll need to know if the wallpaper you installed can get wet.
"Vinyl wallpaper is the most durable and can actually be washed with soap and water. Also, most paper wallpaper comes with a matte glaze, which offers decent protection from fingerprints and minor scuffs. These can be gently wiped like painted walls, but always test on an inconspicuous area first," Berwick says. "Textured wallpapers made with linen, silk, grasscloth, or other materials can be vacuumed but should never get wet."
How to Clean Walls for a Room Refresh
