If you're looking to add personality and style to your walls, wallpaper is one of the best ways to do it. Whether you're working with bold patterns, subtle textures, or something in between, a well-installed wallpaper can transform a room. While the process might seem daunting, it’s very doable with the right tools and techniques. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you install wallpaper like a pro, along with tips for avoiding common mistakes.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Before diving into the installation, make sure you have everything you need:

Wallpaper (add 10% extra for mistakes or repairs)

Wallpaper adhesive (if not pre-pasted)

Wallpaper smoother or brush

Utility knife or sharp blade

Measuring tape

Level

Seam roller

Sponge and water bucket

Step ladder

Drop cloth (to protect floors)

Step 2: Prep Your Walls

Proper preparation is the key to a flawless finish:

Clean the Walls: Start by cleaning the walls to remove any dust, dirt, or grease. A clean surface ensures the wallpaper will adhere properly.

Smooth the Surface: Check for any cracks, holes, or bumps. Fill in any imperfections with spackling paste and sand the surface smooth once dry.

Prime the Walls: For best results, apply a wallpaper primer. This ensures better adhesion and makes it easier to remove wallpaper later without damaging the walls.

Step 3: Measure and Cut the Wallpaper

Now that your walls are prepped, it’s time to measure and cut the wallpaper:

Measure the Wall Height: Use a measuring tape to determine the height of the wall and add 4-inches (2-inches on top and bottom) to allow room for trimming.

Cut the First Strip: Unroll the wallpaper and cut your first strip, ensuring that the pattern aligns properly. Use a sharp utility knife for clean edges.

Mark a Guide Line: Using a level, mark a vertical line down the wall where you’ll apply your first strip. This will ensure the wallpaper is straight and not slanted.

Step 4: Apply the Adhesive

If your wallpaper is pre-pasted, you’ll just need water. But if you’re using unpasted wallpaper, you’ll need to apply adhesive:

Pre-pasted Paper: For pre-pasted wallpaper, roll the cut strip with the adhesive side facing outward. Soak it in a tray of water for the recommended time (usually seconds to minute). After soaking, "book" the wallpaper by folding it adhesive-side in, allowing the paste to activate.

Unpasted Paper: For unpasted wallpaper, use a roller or brush to apply a thin, even layer of wallpaper paste to the back of the strip. Make sure to cover the edges.

Step 5: Hang the Wallpaper

This is where the magic happens! Start applying the wallpaper from your marked guide line:

Align and Press: Align the top of your wallpaper strip with the ceiling (or starting point) and slowly press the paper onto the wall. Work your way down, pressing firmly to remove air bubbles and creases.

Smooth it Out: Use a wallpaper smoother or brush to press the wallpaper flat against the wall. Start from the center and smooth outward to eliminate bubbles and wrinkles.

Trim Excess: Once the wallpaper is smoothed out, use a sharp utility knife to trim the excess at the ceiling and baseboard.

Step 6: Match Patterns and Apply Additional Strips

For patterned wallpaper, aligning each strip correctly is crucial:

Match the Pattern: Carefully match the edges of each strip so that the pattern flows seamlessly. If it’s slightly misaligned, peel back the wallpaper gently and readjust.

Repeat the Process: Follow the same steps for each strip, ensuring that you measure, cut, paste, and align each one correctly.

Step 7: Smooth the Seams

Once all the strips are up, it's time to perfect the seams:

Use a Seam Roller: Gently roll over the seams with a seam roller to ensure they are firmly adhered to the wall. Avoid pressing too hard, as this could squeeze out adhesive or damage the paper.

Wipe Away Excess Paste: If any paste seeps out at the seams, use a damp sponge to gently wipe it away before it dries.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best preparation, mistakes can happen. Here’s how to avoid the most common ones:

Misaligning Patterns: Take your time when matching patterns, especially if you’re using intricate designs. Start at eye level to get the alignment right, then work upward and downward.

Air Bubbles: To prevent bubbles, always smooth from the center outward. If a bubble appears after the wallpaper has dried, use a syringe to inject a small amount of adhesive under the bubble and smooth it out.

Crooked Strips: Use a level to ensure that your first strip is perfectly straight. A crooked first strip will lead to crooked subsequent strips, making the entire job look uneven.

Cutting Too Short: Always cut your wallpaper strips longer than necessary. You can trim off excess, but you can’t add paper if it’s too short.

Rushing the Process: Patience is key. Take your time to measure, apply adhesive, and smooth out each strip properly. Rushing leads to mistakes.

Step 8: Final Touches

Once your wallpaper is installed, give it time to dry. Ensure that the room is well-ventilated but avoid direct drafts, which can cause the paper to shrink or peel.

Once dry, stand back and admire your work! You’ve successfully transformed your space with a beautiful, professionally finished wallpaper.

Conclusion

Installing wallpaper is a fun and rewarding DIY project that can dramatically change the look of a room. With careful preparation, attention to detail, and patience, you can achieve a flawless, professional-quality finish. So go ahead and add that pop of pattern or texture to your walls—you’ve got this!

Unpasted Paper: For unpasted wallpaper, use a roller or brush to apply a thin, even layer of wallpaper paste to the back of the strip. Make sure to cover the edges.

Step 5: Hang the Wallpaper

This is where the magic happens! Start applying the wallpaper from your marked guide line:

Align and Press: Align the top of your wallpaper strip with the ceiling (or starting point) and slowly press the paper onto the wall. Work your way down, pressing firmly to remove air bubbles and creases.

Smooth it Out: Use a wallpaper smoother or brush to press the wallpaper flat against the wall. Start from the center and smooth outward to eliminate bubbles and wrinkles.

Trim Excess: Once the wallpaper is smoothed out, use a sharp utility knife to trim the excess at the ceiling and baseboard.

Step 6: Match Patterns and Apply Additional Strips

For patterned wallpaper, aligning each strip correctly is crucial:

Match the Pattern: Carefully match the edges of each strip so that the pattern flows seamlessly. If it’s slightly misaligned, peel back the wallpaper gently and readjust.

Repeat the Process: Follow the same steps for each strip, ensuring that you measure, cut, paste, and align each one correctly.

Step 7: Smooth the Seams

Once all the strips are up, it's time to perfect the seams:

Use a Seam Roller: Gently roll over the seams with a seam roller to ensure they are firmly adhered to the wall. Avoid pressing too hard, as this could squeeze out adhesive or damage the paper.

Wipe Away Excess Paste: If any paste seeps out at the seams, use a damp sponge to gently wipe it away before it dries.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best preparation, mistakes can happen. Here’s how to avoid the most common ones:

Misaligning Patterns: Take your time when matching patterns, especially if you’re using intricate designs. Start at eye level to get the alignment right, then work upward and downward.

Air Bubbles: To prevent bubbles, always smooth from the center outward. If a bubble appears after the wallpaper has dried, use a syringe to inject a small amount of adhesive under the bubble and smooth it out.

Crooked Strips: Use a level to ensure that your first strip is perfectly straight. A crooked first strip will lead to crooked subsequent strips, making the entire job look uneven.

Cutting Too Short: Always cut your wallpaper strips longer than necessary. You can trim off excess, but you can’t add paper if it’s too short.

Rushing the Process: Patience is key. Take your time to measure, apply adhesive, and smooth out each strip properly. Rushing leads to mistakes.

Step 8: Final Touches

Once your wallpaper is installed, give it time to dry. Ensure that the room is well-ventilated but avoid direct drafts, which can cause the paper to shrink or peel.

Once dry, stand back and admire your work! You’ve successfully transformed your space with a beautiful, professionally finished wallpaper.

Conclusion

Installing wallpaper is a fun and rewarding DIY project that can dramatically change the look of a room. With careful preparation, attention to detail, and patience, you can achieve a flawless, professional-quality finish. So go ahead and add that pop of pattern or texture to your walls—you’ve got this!

If you're looking to add personality and style to your walls, wallpaper is one of the best ways to do it. Whether you're working with bold patterns, subtle textures, or something in between, a well-installed wallpaper can transform a room. While the process might seem daunting, it’s very doable with the right tools and techniques. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you install wallpaper like a pro, along with tips for avoiding common mistakes.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Before diving into the installation, make sure you have everything you need:

Wallpaper (add 10% extra for mistakes or repairs)

Wallpaper adhesive (if not pre-pasted)

Wallpaper smoother or brush

Utility knife or sharp blade

Measuring tape

Level

Seam roller

Sponge and water bucket

Step ladder

Drop cloth (to protect floors)

Step 2: Prep Your Walls

Proper preparation is the key to a flawless finish:

Clean the Walls: Start by cleaning the walls to remove any dust, dirt, or grease. A clean surface ensures the wallpaper will adhere properly.

Smooth the Surface: Check for any cracks, holes, or bumps. Fill in any imperfections with spackling paste and sand the surface smooth once dry.

Prime the Walls: For best results, apply a wallpaper primer. This ensures better adhesion and makes it easier to remove wallpaper later without damaging the walls.

Step 3: Measure and Cut the Wallpaper

Now that your walls are prepped, it’s time to measure and cut the wallpaper:

Measure the Wall Height: Use a measuring tape to determine the height of the wall and add 4-inches (2-inches on top and bottom) to allow room for trimming.

Cut the First Strip: Unroll the wallpaper and cut your first strip, ensuring that the pattern aligns properly. Use a sharp utility knife for clean edges.

Mark a Guide Line: Using a level, mark a vertical line down the wall where you’ll apply your first strip. This will ensure the wallpaper is straight and not slanted.

Step 4: Apply the Adhesive

If your wallpaper is pre-pasted, you’ll just need water. But if you’re using unpasted wallpaper, you’ll need to apply adhesive:

Pre-pasted Paper: For pre-pasted wallpaper, roll the cut strip with the adhesive side facing outward. Soak it in a tray of water for the recommended time (usually seconds to minute). After soaking, "book" the wallpaper by folding it adhesive-side in, allowing the paste to activate.

Unpasted Paper: For unpasted wallpaper, use a roller or brush to apply a thin, even layer of wallpaper paste to the back of the strip. Make sure to cover the edges.

Step 5: Hang the Wallpaper

This is where the magic happens! Start applying the wallpaper from your marked guide line:

Align and Press: Align the top of your wallpaper strip with the ceiling (or starting point) and slowly press the paper onto the wall. Work your way down, pressing firmly to remove air bubbles and creases.

Smooth it Out: Use a wallpaper smoother or brush to press the wallpaper flat against the wall. Start from the center and smooth outward to eliminate bubbles and wrinkles.

Trim Excess: Once the wallpaper is smoothed out, use a sharp utility knife to trim the excess at the ceiling and baseboard.

Step 6: Match Patterns and Apply Additional Strips

For patterned wallpaper, aligning each strip correctly is crucial:

Match the Pattern: Carefully match the edges of each strip so that the pattern flows seamlessly. If it’s slightly misaligned, peel back the wallpaper gently and readjust.

Repeat the Process: Follow the same steps for each strip, ensuring that you measure, cut, paste, and align each one correctly.

Step 7: Smooth the Seams

Once all the strips are up, it's time to perfect the seams:

Use a Seam Roller: Gently roll over the seams with a seam roller to ensure they are firmly adhered to the wall. Avoid pressing too hard, as this could squeeze out adhesive or damage the paper.

Wipe Away Excess Paste: If any paste seeps out at the seams, use a damp sponge to gently wipe it away before it dries.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best preparation, mistakes can happen. Here’s how to avoid the most common ones:

Misaligning Patterns: Take your time when matching patterns, especially if you’re using intricate designs. Start at eye level to get the alignment right, then work upward and downward.

Air Bubbles: To prevent bubbles, always smooth from the center outward. If a bubble appears after the wallpaper has dried, use a syringe to inject a small amount of adhesive under the bubble and smooth it out.

Crooked Strips: Use a level to ensure that your first strip is perfectly straight. A crooked first strip will lead to crooked subsequent strips, making the entire job look uneven.

Cutting Too Short: Always cut your wallpaper strips longer than necessary. You can trim off excess, but you can’t add paper if it’s too short.

Rushing the Process: Patience is key. Take your time to measure, apply adhesive, and smooth out each strip properly. Rushing leads to mistakes.

Step 8: Final Touches

Once your wallpaper is installed, give it time to dry. Ensure that the room is well-ventilated but avoid direct drafts, which can cause the paper to shrink or peel.

Once dry, stand back and admire your work! You’ve successfully transformed your space with a beautiful, professionally finished wallpaper.

Conclusion

Installing wallpaper is a fun and rewarding DIY project that can dramatically change the look of a room. With careful preparation, attention to detail, and patience, you can achieve a flawless, professional-quality finish. So go ahead and add that pop of pattern or texture to your walls—you’ve got this!