Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Apply Wallpaper Perfectly

Applying wallpaper flawlessly can elevate the look of any room. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step approach to achieve professional-looking results with your wallpaper installation guide.

Prepare Your Wall Surface

Proper preparation is crucial for a smooth application. Begin by ensuring your walls are clean, dry, and free of any imperfections. Fill any holes or cracks with spackle and sand them smooth. For glossy or painted surfaces, lightly sand them to create better adhesion. Wipe down the walls with a damp sponge to remove any dust or debris. This foundational step is key to a successful how to install wallpaper.

Gather Your Tools and Materials

Having everything within reach will streamline the process. You will need your chosen wallpaper, a measuring tape, a pencil, a utility knife with sharp blades, a smoothing tool, a seam roller, a plumb bob or level, and a clean, damp sponge. For traditional wallpaper, you will also need wallpaper paste and a pasting brush or roller. If you are working with peel and stick wallpaper, these adhesive tools are not required.

Measure and Cut the First Wallpaper Strip

Accurately measure the height of your wall. Add a few extra inches to the top and bottom for trimming. Unroll your wallpaper and, using your measurements, carefully cut the first strip. If your wallpaper has a pattern, ensure you account for the repeat when cutting subsequent strips.

Apply Adhesive (If Applicable)

For non-pasted wallpaper, apply wallpaper paste evenly to the back of the cut strip, ensuring all areas are covered, especially the edges. Fold the pasted strip, paste-side in, allowing the paste to soak according to the manufacturer's instructions. This process is called "booking." Peel and stick wallapper eliminates this step.

Align and Apply the First Strip

Using your plumb bob or level, draw a vertical guideline on the wall near a corner. This line will ensure your first strip is straight. Carefully unfold the top portion of your pasted wallpaper strip or peel back a small section of the backing of your peel and stick wallpaper. Align the edge of the strip with your guideline, leaving the excess at the top. Gently press the wallpaper onto the wall, smoothing out any air bubbles with your smoothing tool. Work from the center outwards.

Apply Subsequent Strips

For traditional wallpaper, butt the edge of the next pasted strip tightly against the first, ensuring the pattern matches seamlessly. Use the seam roller to flatten the seam. For peel and stick wallpaper, carefully align the next strip, overlapping slightly if recommended by the manufacturer, or butting edges for a seamless look. Again, smooth out any air bubbles. DIY Wallpaper Installation: Simple Steps for a Stunning Wall provides further guidance on aligning patterns.

Trim Excess Wallpaper

Once a strip is applied, use your utility knife to carefully trim the excess wallpaper at the top and bottom, using a straight edge as a guide. Ensure your blade is sharp for a clean cut. Wipe away any paste residue with a damp sponge immediately.

Finishing Touches

Continue applying wallpaper strips, working your way across the wall. Pay close attention to corners and around obstacles like windows and doors, carefully cutting and fitting the wallpaper as needed. How to Install Wallpaper: A Step-by-Step Beginner’s Guide offers visual aids that can be helpful for these tricky areas. Once all strips are applied and trimmed, do a final check for any missed air bubbles or loose edges and smooth them out. Allow the wallpaper to dry completely.