How to install wallpaper: A Step-by-Step Guide

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

When installing smooth wallpaper, be mindful of potential creasing, especially when compared to traditional vinyl wallcovering options. For a hassle-free experience, consider enlisting a professional paper hanger, especially when dealing with easy up and easy down wallcoverings or murals. Find a qualified installer at https://www.wallcoveringinstallers.org.

STARTING OFF RIGHT

Prior to commencing installation, carefully inspect the goods to confirm that the pattern, color, quantity, and quality align with your order. If any defects are noticeable, refrain from installation and reach out to us immediately. Organize the rolls in numerical order based on the roll number found at the bottom of each panel. Ordering rolls with matching batch numbers is crucial for consistent color and pattern alignment between panels. Maintain a room temperature of around 65°F (18°C) for 48 hours before and during installation. Allow our paper to acclimate to the installation point’s temperature for 48 hours as well.

SELECT IDEAL Adhesive:

Always opt for an adhesive explicitly recommended for non-woven wallpaper. Given that our smooth wallpaper is highly permeable, it necessitates a heavy-duty adhesive and primer that includes mold and mildew inhibitors. Manufacturers like Roman Decorating and Zinsser offer permeable adhesives and primers fortified with advanced mold and mildew protection. Stay updated with the latest offerings from these manufacturers. For NSF-342 sustainability compliance, consider using Roman Eco brand primers and adhesives.

RECOMMENDED TOOLS

▪ Rollers and tray

▪ Measuring tape

▪ Bucket (Filled with water to clean sponge)

▪ Paintbrush (For the areas that the roller misses, e.g. along the ceiling and skirting boards)

▪ Spirit level or plumb line (To make sure the wallpaper is straight)

▪ Drywall taping knife (To make a straight, clean cut along the top and bottom)

▪ Straight-edge (For double cutting wallpaper)

▪ Wallpaper sponge (Soft cloth or sponge, preferably a cellulose sponge)

▪ Pencil

▪ Knife / Razor blades

▪ Wallpapering smoother or brush

Step-by-Step Wallpaper Installation Guide

Learn how to expertly install our smooth wallpaper using the following instructions, complete with wallpaper installation tips. This guide pertains to double-roll purchased wallpaper.

1. Surface preparation

For optimal results, ensure all hanging surfaces are clean, smooth, dry, undamaged, and free from mold, mildew, grease, or stains. Eliminate any loose, flaking paint or previous wallcoverings. Address any moisture issues before proceeding and confirm all surfaces are fully dry. Adequate surface preparation is fundamental to achieving excellent results.

2. Primer application

Thoroughly clean the surface, removing dirt and grease that could hinder paper installation. Apply an appropriate primer to the surface. To align with NSF-342 sustainability standards, consider using Roman Eco brand primers.

3. Starting point selection

If wallpapering all walls of a room, initiate the process in a corner, near curtains, or behind a door to minimize pattern mismatches. Ideally, the focal point of the room should have the fewest seams.

4. Measurement & plumb line

Measure and mark 24 inches from your desired starting point. This mark will be used to create a plumb line. Ensure wallpaper panels align with this line for a straight pattern.

5. Aligning plumb line

Accounting for wall imperfections, create a vertical line 24 inches from the starting point. This line will serve as a guide for aligning the width of the first wallpaper strip. Hang parallel to this line, not directly on it. Create additional plumb lines at corners.

6. Applying adhesive

Apply Heavy Duty adhesive to a paint tray and roll it onto the first wallpaper panel. For sustainability compliance, consider using Roman Eco brand adhesives.

7. Folding and booking

“Book” the pasted side by folding the top and bottom halves to meet in the middle. Avoid creasing the paper. Allow the booked strip to sit for around 10 minutes.

8. Adhesive in corners & edges

Utilize a paintbrush to evenly apply adhesive to corners and edges.

9. Hanging first panel

Measure the wall height, accounting for pattern match and adding 4 inches. Cut the wallpaper accordingly, allowing a 2-inch overlap onto the ceiling and base. Hang from left to right for a smooth pattern repeat. Unfold the top half of the panel and use the plumb line mark to ensure straight alignment.

10. Smoothing the panel

Gently smooth out bubbles using a broad smoothing brush. Begin from the panel’s middle and work outward. After the top is smooth, unfold the bottom half and continue smoothing.

11. Wiping excess paste

Use a natural sponge to wipe off excess paste from the wall. Rinse the sponge frequently.

12. Ceiling trim

After hanging each panel, use a straightedge and razor to trim the wallpaper edge along the ceiling.

13. Baseboard trim

Following panel hanging, trim the wallpaper along the baseboard using a straightedge and razor.

14. Corner trim

Trim the wallpaper edge along corners using a straightedge and razor, maintaining neat edges.

15. Hanging the second panel

Once the first panel is secure, proceed to hang subsequent panels, using the first panel as reference. If adjustments are needed, peel back the wallpaper to reposition. Smooth each panel as previously described. Overlap the second strip by 2 inches over the first strip.

16. Pattern matching

Slide the second wallpaper panel into position to ensure seamless pattern alignment between panels.

17. Outlet cutouts

Trim excess material around objects like windows or doors. Push the panel flush against the wall and the join/intersection between the wall and the object.