How to Hang Wallpaper

Watch our video or follow our step by step instructions for installing unpasted wallpaper including "paste the wall" and "paste the paper" methods. Download the PDF instructions.

Step 1 Tools Needed to Hang Wallpaper

Unpasted Tools

• Paste
• Paste Brush or roller
• 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 Inspect Wallpaper

• Check all batch & pattern numbers match
• Check all rolls are undamaged & free from misprints
• Check all colors match roll to roll & edge to edge
• Check you have sufficient rolls to complete the job, allowing for design repeat

Step 3 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.
• Prime walls with wallpaper primer. You can find this wallpaper primer at your local wallpaper/paint store.
• *For freshly painted walls, wait 30 to 60 days before hanging your wallpaper or mural.
• For heavily textured or damaged walls, install a heavy duty wallpaper liner.

Step 4 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 5 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 6 Apply Paste

Check the instructions that came with your wallpaper. Unless otherwise noted, we recommend hanging unpasted wallpaper by the "paste-the-wall" method.

UNPASTED - Paste The Wall Method

• If needed, mix the paste according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Apply paste directly to wall with brush or roller.
• Evenly distribute across area slightly larger than 1 strip at a time.

UNPASTED - Paste The Backing Method

• If needed, mix the paste according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Lay the strip of wallpaper or mural face down on a clean work surface.
• Brush paste on to the top half of the strip. Gently fold that section back to meet the middle.
• Brush paste on the remaining half of the strip. Fold the bottom end in to meet the middle.
• Allow the paper to rest in this "booked" position for 10 minutes.

Step 7 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 8 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 to lift your knife when making long cuts.
• Wash excess paste off ceiling and baseboards with a wet sponge and clean water.

Step 9 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.