Are you looking for a way to transform your room without spending too much time and money? Wallpaper is a great option that can add color, texture, pattern, and style to any space. Wallpaper can also hide wall imperfections, create focal points, and enhance the mood of your room.
Whether you want a bold statement wall or a subtle background, wallpaper can help you achieve your desired look.
However, applying wallpaper can be a daunting task if you don’t know how to do it properly. You might end up with crooked lines, mismatched patterns, visible seams, or damaged walls. That’s why we have created this step-by-step guide on how to apply wallpaper like a pro.
We will show you what you need, how to prepare the walls, how to hang the wallpaper, and how to deal with tricky areas. By following these steps, you will be able to apply wallpaper with confidence and ease.
Why wallpaper?
Wallpaper is a versatile and affordable way to decorate your walls. Wallpaper comes in a variety of materials, designs, colors, and finishes that can suit any taste and style. Wallpaper can also create different effects on your walls, such as:
- Adding depth and dimension to textured or embossed wallpaper
- Creating contrast and drama with dark or bright colors
- Adding warmth and coziness with floral or geometric patterns
- Creating a modern and sleek look with metallic or glossy wallpaper
- Adding personality and character with themed or custom wallpaper
Wallpaper can also improve the quality of your walls by covering cracks, holes, stains, or uneven surfaces. Wallpaper can also protect your walls from moisture, dirt, scratches, or scuffs.
What you need
Before you start applying wallpaper, you need to gather some tools and materials. Here is a list of what you need:
- Wallpaper of your choice (make sure you buy enough rolls to cover your wall area plus 10% extra for waste).
- Wallpaper adhesive (also known as paste or glue)
- Wallpaper primer (also known as size or sealer)
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Level
- Scissors
- Utility knife
- Paint roller
- Paint tray
- Paintbrush
- Smoothing tool (also known as a squeegee or spatula)
- Seam roller
- Sponge
- Bucket
- Ladder
- Drop cloth
Step 1: Measure and cut the wallpaper to the correct lengths.
How to measure the wall
The first step in applying wallpaper is to measure the wall that you want to cover. This will help you determine how much wallpaper you need and how to cut it. To measure the wall, follow these steps:
- Use a measuring tape to measure the height and width of the wall in inches.
- Divide the width by the width of your wallpaper roll (usually 20.5 or 27 inches) to get the number of strips you need.
- Round up the number of strips to the next whole number.
- Multiply the number of strips by the height of the wall to get the total length of wallpaper you need.
- Add 4 inches to each strip for trimming at the top and bottom.
- Divide the total length by the length of your wallpaper roll (usually 33 feet) to get the number of rolls you need.
- Round up the number of rolls to the next whole number.
For example, if your wall is 8 feet high and 12 feet wide and your wallpaper roll is 20.5 inches wide and 33 feet long, you need to do the following calculations:
- 12 feet x 12 inches = 144 inches (wall width)
- 144 inches / 20.5 inches = 7.02 strips
- Round up to 8 strips.
- 8 feet x 12 inches = 96 inches (wall height)
- 96 inches + 4 inches = 100 inches (strip length)
- 8 strips x 100 inches = 800 inches (total length).
- 800 inches / (33 feet x 12 inches) = 2.02 rolls
- Round up to 3 rolls.
How to cut the wallpaper
The next step is to cut the wallpaper into strips according to the measurements you took. To cut the wallpaper, follow these steps:
- Unroll the wallpaper on a flat and clean surface, such as a table or the floor.
- Use measuring tape and a pencil to mark the length of each strip on the back of the wallpaper, adding 4 inches for trimming.
- Use scissors or a utility knife to cut along the marked lines.
- If your wallpaper has a pattern, make sure to match the pattern on each strip before cutting. You may need to adjust the length of each strip to align the pattern correctly.
- Label each strip with a number and an arrow indicating the top of the strip.
Step 2: Apply adhesive to the wall.
How to choose the right adhesive
The type of adhesive you use depends on the type of wallpaper you have. There are two main types of wallpaper: pre-pasted and un-pasted.
- Pre-pasted wallpaper has adhesive already applied to the back of the paper. You just need to activate it with water before hanging it on the wall.
- Unpasted wallpaper does not have adhesive on the back of the paper. You need to apply it yourself with a paint roller or a brush.
The type of adhesive you use also depends on the type of wall you have. There are two main types of walls: drywall and plaster.
- Drywall is made of gypsum panels that are attached to wooden studs. Drywall is more common in newer homes and buildings. The drywall is porous and absorbs moisture easily, so you need to use a wallpaper primer before applying adhesive. This will help the wallpaper stick better and prevent damage to the wall.
- Plaster is made of lime, sand, and water that is applied over wooden lathes or metal mesh. Plaster is more common in older homes and buildings. Plaster is hard and smooth and does not absorb moisture easily, so you do not need to use a wallpaper primer before applying adhesive.
To choose the right adhesive for your wallpaper and wall type, check the label on the wallpaper roll or consult with a wallpaper expert at your local store.
How to apply the adhesive evenly
The next step is to apply the adhesive to the wall in sections as you hang each strip of wallpaper. To apply the adhesive evenly, follow these steps:
- Cover the floor with a drop cloth to protect it from spills and drips.
- Pour some adhesive into a paint tray and dip a paint roller into it.
- Start from the top corner of the wall, where you want to hang your first strip of wallpaper.
- Roll the adhesive onto the wall in a thin and even layer, covering an area slightly wider than your strip of wallpaper.
- Use a paintbrush to apply adhesive around the edges, corners, and outlets.
- Repeat this process for each section of the wall as you hang each strip of wallpaper.
Step 3: Hang the wallpaper on the wall.
How to align the wallpaper with the plumb line
The most important thing when hanging wallpaper is to make sure it is straight and aligned with the wall. To do this, you need to use a level and draw a plumb line on the wall as a guide. A plumb line is a vertical line that is perpendicular to the floor and ceiling. To draw a plumb line on the wall, follow these steps:
- Use a measuring tape and a pencil to mark a point about an inch away from the corner where you want to start hanging your first strip of wallpaper.
- Place a level on this point and adjust it until it is vertical.
- Draw a straight line along the edge of the level from top to bottom.
- This is the plumb line that you will use to align your first strip of wallpaper.
To align your first strip of wallpaper with the plumb line, follow these steps:
- If you have pre-pasted wallpaper, soak it in water for about 15 seconds or according to the instructions on the label.
- If you have unpasted wallpaper, apply adhesive to the back of it with a paint roller or a brush.
- Fold both ends of the strip towards the middle, making sure the adhesive or the water does not touch the front of the wallpaper. This is called booking, and it helps the wallpaper relax and activate the adhesive.
- Unfold the top half of the strip and hold it by the corners.
- Align the edge of the strip with the plumb line, leaving about 2 inches of extra wallpaper at the top.
- Press the strip onto the wall and smooth it with a smoothing tool from the center to the edges.
- Unfold the bottom half of the strip and smooth it in the same way.
- Use a utility knife to trim the excess wallpaper at the top and bottom, using a level or a ruler as a guide.
How to smooth out air bubbles and wrinkles
After hanging each strip of wallpaper, you need to smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles that may have formed. To do this, follow these steps:
- Use a smoothing tool to gently push out any air bubbles or wrinkles from the center to the edges of the strip.
- Do not press too hard, or you may damage the wallpaper or cause it to tear.
- If you cannot remove an air bubble or a wrinkle, use a utility knife to make a small slit in the wallpaper and press out the air or smooth out the wrinkle.
- Use a seam roller to press down the slit and seal it with some adhesive.
How to trim excess wallpaper at the edges
The last step in hanging each strip of wallpaper is to trim any excess wallpaper at the edges of the wall, such as at the corners, windows, doors, or outlets. To do this, follow these steps:
- Use a utility knife to cut along the edge of the wall, using a level or a ruler as a guide.
- Peel off the excess wallpaper and discard it.
- Use a sponge to wipe off any adhesive residue from the wall or the wallpaper.
Step 4: Deal with corners, windows, doors, and outlets
Hanging wallpaper on corners, windows, doors, and outlets can be tricky, but not impossible. You just need to follow some simple tips and techniques to make sure your wallpaper looks neat and professional. Here are some tips on how to deal with these areas:
How to overlap wallpaper at inside corners
Inside corners are where two walls meet at an angle that is less than 90 degrees. To hang wallpaper on the inside corners, follow these steps:
- Hang your first strip of wallpaper as usual, but do not trim it at the corner.
- Let the excess wallpaper wrap around the corner by about an inch.
- Cut a small slit in the excess wallpaper at the top and bottom of the corner to relieve tension.
- Smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles with a smoothing tool.
- Hang your second strip of wallpaper on the adjacent wall, overlapping it with the first strip by about half an inch.
- Cut through both layers of wallpaper along a vertical line in the middle of the overlap, using a level or a ruler as a guide.
- Peel off both layers of excess wallpaper and discard them.
- Smooth out any seams with a seam roller.
How to wrap wallpaper around outside corners
Outside corners are where two walls meet at an angle that is more than 90 degrees. To hang wallpaper on outside corners, follow these steps:
- Hang your first strip of wallpaper as usual, but do not trim it at the corner.
- Let the excess wallpaper wrap around the corner by about an inch.
- Cut a small slit in the excess wallpaper at the top and bottom of the corner to relieve tension.
- Smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles with a smoothing tool.
- Hang your second strip of wallpaper on the adjacent wall, butting it against the first strip at the corner.
- Smooth out any seams with a seam roller.
How to cut wallpaper around windows and doors
Windows and doors are where you need to cut wallpaper to fit around the frames and moldings. To cut wallpaper around windows and doors, follow these steps:
- Hang your strip of wallpaper as usual, but do not trim it at the window or door.
- Let the excess wallpaper cover the window or door frame.
- Use a utility knife to make diagonal cuts from the corners of the window or door frame to the edge of the wallpaper.
- Peel off the excess wallpaper and discard it.
- Use a smoothing tool to press the wallpaper into the creases of the frame and moldings.
- Use a utility knife to trim any remaining excess wallpaper along the edges of the frame and moldings.
How to remove and replace outlet covers
Outlets are where you need to remove and replace the covers to avoid covering them with wallpaper. To remove and replace outlet covers, follow these steps:
- Turn off the power to the outlet at the circuit breaker or fuse box.
- Use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the outlet cover in place.
- Carefully pull off the outlet cover and set it aside.
- Hang your strip of wallpaper as usual, but do not trim it at the outlet.
- Let the excess wallpaper cover the outlet.
- Use a utility knife to make an X-shaped cut over the outlet, using the edges of the outlet as a guide.
- Peel off the excess wallpaper and discard it.
- Use a screwdriver to replace the screws that hold the outlet cover in place.
- Turn on the power to the outlet at the circuit breaker or fuse box.
Step 5: Clean up and enjoy your new wall.
The final step in applying wallpaper is to clean up your work area and enjoy your new wall. To clean up and enjoy your new wall, follow these steps:
How to Remove Excess Adhesive from the Wallpaper Surface
After hanging all your strips of wallpaper, you may notice some adhesive residue on the surface of the wallpaper. This can make your wallpaper look dull or sticky. To remove excess adhesive from the wallpaper surface, follow these steps:
- Fill a bucket with warm water and add some mild detergent or vinegar.
- Dip a sponge into the bucket and wring it out.
- Gently wipe off any adhesive residue from the wallpaper surface, starting from the top and working your way down.
- Rinse the sponge frequently and change the water as needed.
- Do not rub or scrub too hard, or you may damage or stain the wallpaper.
How to dispose of leftover wallpaper and tools
After cleaning up your wallpaper surface, you may have some leftover wallpaper and tools that you need to dispose of properly. To dispose of leftover wallpaper and tools, follow these steps:
- Roll up any leftover wallpaper and store it in a dry and cool place for future use or repairs.
- If you do not want to keep any leftover wallpaper, recycle it or donate it to a local charity or school.
- Wash any tools that you use with soap and water and dry them thoroughly before storing them away.
- If you use any disposable tools, such as blades or gloves, throw them away in a trash bag.
Enjoy your new wall.
Congratulations! You have successfully applied wallpaper to your wall and transformed your room. Now you can enjoy your new wall and admire your work.
