6 Easy Steps: How to Hang Wallpaper

Installing wallpaper is a fantastic way to infuse personality and style into any room, but if you haven’t done it before, you might be wondering how to even begin when you want to hang wallpaper? Whether you’re an interior designer or a homeowner embarking on a DIY project, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process to achieve a flawless finish.

Step 1: Prepare the Walls

Proper wall preparation ensures the longevity and appearance of your wallpaper.

1. Clean the Walls: Remove any dirt, dust, or grease. For bathrooms or kitchens, a mild detergent solution works well.
2. Repair Imperfections: Fill holes or cracks with spackling compound/paste and sand them down for an even surface.
3. Prime the Surface: Apply a primer suitable for wallpaper to ensure better adhesion and ease of future removal.

Step 2: Measure and Cut the Wallpaper

Accurate measurements are crucial for pattern alignment and minimising waste.

1. Measure Wall Height: Add an extra 2-3 inches to allow for trimming at the top and bottom.
2. Cut the First Strip: Use the measurements to cut your first piece, ensuring any patterns align as desired.
3. Cut Additional Strips: For subsequent pieces, consider the pattern repeat to ensure seamless design flow.

Step 3: Apply the Adhesive

The method varies depending on the type of wallpaper you are going to hang and how you prefer to do it, but by far the easiest is the first method I’ve listed below, pasting the wall. If you’re about to install a Willow and Woods wallpaper, it will be unpasted so I’d recommend this pasting the wall technique as it is easier and less messy than applying the paste to the wallpaper. Pasting directly onto the wall prevents you having to deal with sloppy, soggy, glue dripping paper and instead you can just unroll it and apply the paper straight to the wall. However, choose whichever method you are most comfortable with/is right for the wallpaper type.

Methods:

• Method 1: Paste the wall:

  1. Apply Paste: Using a paint roller, paste an area of wall wide enough for your first strip. The more the better as it will make it easier to move and guide the paper. Don’t forget the corners where the ceiling meets the wall. Use a brush to paste these areas that a roller can’t reach.

• Method 2: Pasting Unpasted Wallpaper:

  1. Apply Paste: Lay the strip face down on a clean surface. Using a brush or roller, apply an even layer of paste from the center outward, ensuring the edges are well-covered.
  2. Book the Wallpaper: Fold the adhesive sides together without creasing and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the paste to activate. Let it rest as per the paste manufacturer’s instructions.

• Method 3: Pre-Pasted Wallpaper (not-applicable to Willow and Woods wallpapers):

  1. Activate the Paste: Roll the cut strip loosely with the pattern side in, paste side out. Submerge it in warm water for about 30 seconds to activate the paste. Alternatively, use a wallpaper hand sprayer to mist the back evenly.
  2. Book the Wallpaper: Fold the adhesive sides together without creasing and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the paste to activate.

Step 4: Hang the Wallpaper

Now comes the exciting part—applying the wallpaper to the wall!

1. Start with a Plumb Line or Laser Level Guide: Using a level, draw a vertical line on the wall where the first strip will align. This ensures your wallpaper hangs straight. You may think starting in the corner would be the best, but DO NOT do this. You’ll find that most walls aren’t actually straight and the corners will bow in places. So make sure you start with a straight line from a laser guide or plumb line.
2. Position the First Strip: Unfold the top half of the booked wallpaper and align it with the plumb line, allowing slight overlap at the top for trimming.
3. Smooth the Wallpaper: Starting from the center, use a wallpaper smoother to press out air bubbles and excess paste, working towards the edges.
4. Unfold and Continue: Unfold the bottom half and repeat the smoothing process.
5. Trim Excess: Using a sharp utility knife and a straight edge, trim the excess paper at the top and bottom.

Step 5: Match Patterns and Repeat

For a cohesive look, ensure patterns align seamlessly between strips.

1. Butt Seams Tightly: Place the next strip adjacent to the first, aligning the pattern without overlapping.
2. Smooth and Trim: Repeat the smoothing and trimming process for each strip.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

After all strips are applied:

1. Clean Excess Paste: Gently wipe away any paste on the wallpaper surface with a damp sponge.
2. Allow to Dry: Let the wallpaper dry naturally. Avoid rapid drying by keeping windows closed and maintaining a consistent room temperature.

Additional Tips

• Corners: For inside corners, slightly overlap the wallpaper to ensure coverage. For outside corners, wrap the paper around and overlap slightly onto the next wall.
• Outlets and Switches: Turn off electricity. Apply wallpaper over the outlet or switch, then carefully cut out the opening and smooth the edges.
• Ceilings and Trims: Use a straight edge to press the wallpaper into the junction, then trim excess for a clean line.

By following these steps, you’ll transform your space with beautifully installed wallpaper that reflects your unique style and vision. Hopefully it will bring you joy, and a smile to your face each time you enter the room! Enjoy the transformation and the newfound charm of your space..

If you’d like a visual demonstration, check out this helpful video I found:

How To Hang Wallpaper! It Is So Easy You Will Love It!

Hopefully you have found this article helpful and now feel confident to tackle your wallpapering project. Need some inspiration? Check out the Willow abd Woods wallpaper collection here.