How to Hang Wallpaper: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

You don’t have to be a professional to hang wallpaper successfully. With the right tools and a bit of patience, anyone can transform a room. The key to a flawless finish lies in proper wall preparation. Ensuring your walls are smooth, clean, and primed will make the application process easier and more effective, resulting in a stunning final look. Whether it’s around windows, doors, or tricky corners, taking the time to prep your walls is the most important step for a beautiful wallpaper installation.

Removing Old Wallpaper

1. Prepare the Area:

   • Move furniture and cover the floor with drop cloths.
   • Remove any wall fixtures and outlet covers.

2. Score the Wallpaper:

   • Use a wallpaper scorer to create small holes in the wallpaper, allowing the removal solution to penetrate.

3. Apply Wallpaper Removal Solution:

   • Mix a wallpaper removal solution or use a steamer.
   • Apply the solution with a sponge or spray bottle, focusing on a small section at a time.

4. Scrape Off Wallpaper:

   • Use a putty knife to scrape off the softened wallpaper.
   • Be gentle to avoid damaging the wall underneath.

5. Clean the Walls:

   • Wash the walls with warm water and mild soap to remove any adhesive residue.
   • Allow the walls to dry completely before proceeding.

Preparing the Walls

1. Check the Wall Surface:

   • Ensure walls are smooth, clean, dry, and free of cracks or holes.
   • Remove any existing wallpaper and flaking paint.

2. Smooth the Surface:

   • Fill holes and sand down uneven areas.
   • Clean the walls to remove dust and grease.

3. Prime the Walls:

   • Apply a primer if the wall color contrasts sharply with the new wallpaper.

4. Mark Your Starting Point:

   • Use a level or plumb line to draw a vertical starting line on the wall.

Hanging the Wallpaper

1. Prepare the Wall:

   • Ensure the wall is smooth, clean, dry, and sound. Remove any flaking paint and old wallpaper. Fill in uneven surfaces and apply a primer if the wall color contrasts with the new wallpaper.

2. Mix the Paste:

   • Always use paste specifically designed for non-woven wallpaper.
   • Use a bucket and whisk to mix the paste.
   • Sprinkle the paste into 4 liters of cold water, mix briskly for 30 seconds.
   • Stir again after 3 minutes, and finally after 15 minutes, ensuring it's well-mixed.

3. Gather Tools:

   • Rollers and tray, bucket, paintbrush, spirit level or plumb line, steel ruler, wallpaper sponge, pencil, craft knife, wallpapering tool or brush.

4. Hang the Wallpaper:

   • Ensure you have all the wallpaper rolls and that they are not defective.
   • Start from the left corner and work to the right. Draw a vertical line one wallpaper width from the left near the ceiling to ensure straight alignment.
   • Roll paste onto the wall, covering an area 1.5 lengths wide at a time.
   • Hang the wallpaper roll from the floor to the ceiling, aligning it with the pencil line.

5. Finish Up:

   • Smooth each length with a wallpapering tool or brush from the middle outwards.
   • Remove excess paste immediately with a wet sponge.
   • Trim excess wallpaper at the ceiling and floor with a sharp blade.
   • Keep the room ventilated and at normal temperature for 24 hours to allow the paste to dry.

Handling Tricky Areas

1. Around Windows and Doors:

   • Measure and cut wallpaper to fit around frames, leaving an extra 2-3 inches for adjustments.
   • Align and smooth the wallpaper, trimming excess with a utility knife.

2. Around Electrical Outlets:

   • Turn off power and remove cover plates.
   • Hang wallpaper over the outlet, cut an "X" over it, and trim the flaps to the box edges.
   • Replace cover plates.

3. Around Corners:

   • Measure and cut wallpaper, adding an extra inch to wrap around corners.
   • Smooth wallpaper around the corner and overlap with the next piece for a seamless look.
   • Use a seam roller to press edges for a tight bond.

Conclusion

Hanging wallpaper is a rewarding DIY project that can transform any room. By focusing on proper wall preparation and carefully handling tricky areas, you can achieve professional-looking results. With patience and attention to detail, you’ll be able to enjoy your beautifully wallpapered space for years to come.