How to Hang Wallpaper (2024)

FAQs

Where should I start when wallpapering? ›

If you're wallpapering a full room then it's usually best to start in an inconspicuous corner however remember not to follow the wall as a straight edge, it's likely going to be wonky so it's usually best to start just shy of one strip in so you can straighten the design running into the corner.

Apply a good amount of pressure when installing and smoothing the wallpaper, consider using a seam roller. Wipe away any excess paste that pushes out at the seams/edges with a soft cloth. Allow your wallpaper to dry as naturally as possible for 48 hours in a well-ventilated space.

The easier way to hang wallpaper is to use "paste-the-wall" wallpaper. Instead of applying paste to the paper, you apply it directly to the wall after your sizing layer has dried. This makes it quicker and easier to hang your paper, as the wallpaper is dry when you're handling it.

Where on the wall do you start wallpapering? If your wallpaper does not have a main focal point, start at the left corner of the wall and move toward the right. If you do have a central design element, you'll want to center that in the middle of the wall and move outwards.

To make sure this is done properly, you want your wallpaper to overlap over the wall's edges while it's being hung. This is almost always done at the top and bottom of the wall, meaning each wallpaper strip has to be longer than the height of the wall.

No, wallpaper seams are not meant to show. The edges should touch, but not overlap so be careful when doing this. If you're struggling to line them up perfectly, you can always use a seam roller to seal the seams, but make sure you don't press too hard (this could cause the paste to seep out).

How do you fix mistakes while hanging wallpaper? If your wallpaper develops bubbles or blisters, cut a small slit along the side of the air bubble, insert a glue injector into the slit and add a bit of seam adhesive inside. Press down and remove any excess. Gently flatten the bubble.

You should use a plumb line whenever you need to make a straight, vertical line – whether that is for hanging wallpaper, putting up a painting, or checking the angle of a door. You can purchase plumb lines quite cheaply from most DIY stores.

Paste-the-wall wallpaper is probably the simplest because you apply the adhesive directly to the wall, which lessens the mess and allows you to easily reposition the wallpaper as needed.

How long does it take to wallpaper one wall? ›

How long does it take to wallpaper one wall? It depends on the size of the wall and how much preparation is needed, but it should take around 1 to 2 hours. If the wall needs patching and sanding, it could take a few hours longer, as the spackling needs time to dry.

Either use a wallpaper ruler or fold the wallpaper at the marked point "edge on edge", and cut it with your wallpapering knife or scissors. For plain-coloured wallpapers, the cutting process for the first length is identical.

Choose the Right Place to Start.

The traditional method for papering a room is to work away from light, (windows or doors), but you may find it easier to paper the longest uninterrupted wall to get used to the basic techniques before tackling corners or obstructions.

HANGING THE WALLPAPER

First find the centre point of your feature wall, the easiest way to do this is measure across at the top, middle and bottom and then line the three dots up with your plumb line.

Here's a few tips you can use if you're not sure the wallpaper design goes up or down: Manufacturers usually roll the wallpaper up. When you undo the wrapping on the wallpaper roll, the end you unroll is the top.

Don't choose the wall behind you or out of your line of sight when you enter the room. For maximum impact, choose the wall you first see when you walk into the room. Don't choose a wallpaper design that's too plain and light in colour for a high traffic area as it will experience more wear and tear over time.