How to Hang Prepasted Wallpaper

Step by step instructions for installing prepasted wallpaper.

Step 1

Tools Needed to Hang Wallpaper

Prepasted Tools

• Water Tray
• Knife or snap off blade
• Level
• Sponge & bucket of clean water
• Smoothing brush or plastic smoother
• Tape Measure
• 6-in inch Putty knife or straight edge
• A pencil
• Step stool
• Drop Cloth

You can also purchase our complete wallpaper hanging kit!

Step 2

Prepare Walls

• Turn off power and remove all faceplates and socket covers.
• Remove any existing wallpaper.
• Patch, spackle, and sand any holes or imperfections in your walls.
• *For freshly painted walls, wait 30 to 60 days before hanging your wallpaper or mural.
• Prime walls, waiting 30 to 60 days before hanging your wallpaper or mural.
• For heavily textured or damaged walls, install a heavy duty wallpaper liner.

Step 3

Create a Plumb Line

• If hanging on all 4 walls, start in the most inconspicuous corner (back corner, behind a door, or behind a large piece of furniture).
• Measure from the corner of the wall the width of the paper minus 1/2 inch and mark with a pencil.
• Place a level at the mark and draw a straight, vertical line (plumb line).
• Create another plumb line every time you reach a corner or start a new wall.

Step 4

Measure & Cut Wallpaper

• Measure the height of your wall and add 4 inches for overhang. You need an extra 2 inches at the top and bottom for trimming.
• Use a sharp knife or blade to cut your wallpaper, running the blade along a hard edge as a guide.
• Before cutting additional strips, ensure that you account for your wallpaper’s "match". Depending on the "match", you may need to account for the wallpaper's repeat when cutting your next strip.

Step 5

Wet & Book the Strip

PREPASTED - Wet & Book

• Fill a water tray 2/3 full with water at room temperature.
• Roll the cut strip from bottom to top, paste side out (you should not see the pattern).
• Submerge rolled strip into the water tray.
• Soak for the amount of time recommended in the manufacturer’s hanging instructions, usually 30 seconds*.
• Slowly lift and unroll the paper onto a work table, making sure the paste is completely wet.
• Gently fold both ends, paste side in, towards the center of the strip, without creasing the folds. This is known as "booking"*. You should see the pattern.
• Let the strip rest for the amount of time recommended in the manufacturer’s hanging instructions, usually about 2-5 minutes.

** PLEASE NOTE: For Fine Décor prepasted wallpaper, refer to packaging for exact soak times (usually between 5-10 seconds). Fine Décor prepasted wallpaper does not require booking.*

Step 6

Hang First Strip

• Start at your plumb line and ensure the pattern is right side up.
• Apply the top half of the strip to the wall, slightly overlapping the ceiling and adjoining wall.
• Slide the wallpaper into position, lining up with the plumb line.
• Gently press the strip to the wall with a smoothing brush. Be careful not to stretch the wallpaper while positioning.
• Smooth the bottom half into place.
• Smooth the entire strip, working from the center outward, forcing out any air pockets.
• Wash off excess paste with a damp sponge and clean water.

Step 7

Trim Excess & Wash Off Paste

• Trim excess paper along ceiling and baseboard with a sharp razor knife and 6-in putty knife as a guide.
• Do not lift your knife when making long cuts.
• Wash excess paste off ceiling and baseboards with a wet sponge and clean water.

Step 8

Hang Additional Strips

• Repeat the steps to apply additional strips, matching the pattern of the previous strip.
• Touch the edges tightly together, but don’t overlap the strips.
• Make a new plumb line on each new wall.