Hanging wallpaper: preparation to finishing

01Prepare the walls

1. 1.Turn off power to the room at the breaker, then remove switch plates and outlet covers.
2. 2.Fill holes and cracks, let the filler dry, and sand smooth. Bumps show through paper.
3. 3.Wash off grease and dust with mild soapy water and let the wall dry fully.
4. 4.Apply a primer made for wallpaper. It helps the paper slide into place and makes future removal much easier.
5. 5.Read the manufacturer's instructions. Paste-the-wall, paste-the-paper, pre-pasted and peel-and-stick papers are each handled differently, and the label overrides any general guide.

SafetyNever work around open electrical boxes with the power on. Wet paste and live outlets do not mix.

02Mark a true vertical line

1. 1.Start in the least noticeable corner, or centered on a focal point such as a fireplace.
2. 2.Measure out from the corner one roll width minus about ½ in (1 cm), so the first drop wraps slightly into the corner.
3. 3.Draw a plumb line top to bottom with a laser level or plumb bob. Do not trust the corner, ceiling or door frame to be straight.

03Cut, paste and hang

1. 1.Unroll and check the pattern before cutting. Decide where the pattern should sit at the ceiling line — usually a complete motif.
2. 2.Cut the first drop to the cut length (wall height + about 4 in / 10 cm, rounded to the repeat).
3. 3.Cut the next drop by matching it against the first, then cut it to length. Number drops lightly on the back in pencil.
4. 4.Paste according to the instructions. Paste-the-paper types usually need booking: fold pasted sides together loosely and rest for the time on the label so the paper relaxes.
5. 5.Hang the first drop against your plumb line with about 2 in (5 cm) extra at top and bottom.
6. 6.Smooth from the center outward to push out air. Do not stretch the paper.
7. 7.Butt the next drop tightly against the first — edges touching, not overlapping — and slide it until the pattern matches.
8. 8.Roll seams lightly after a few minutes. Press too hard on embossed paper and you flatten it.

TipChange blades often. A dull blade tears wet paper; many installers snap off a fresh segment every cut or two.

04Corners, openings and trimming

1. 1.Inside corners: wrap about ½ in (1 cm) around the corner, then start the next wall with a new plumb line. Overlap the next drop into the corner so small gaps don't show.
2. 2.Outside corners: wrap around at least 1 in (2.5 cm) where the corner is straight; check plumb again on the new wall.
3. 3.Windows and doors: hang the drop over the opening, make a diagonal cut toward each corner of the frame, smooth into place, then trim.
4. 4.Outlets: with the power still off, hang over the box, cut an X, trim to the box edge, and refit the cover once dry.
5. 5.Trim excess at ceiling and baseboard with a knife held against a wide taping knife.
6. 6.Wipe paste off the face and off trim immediately with a damp, clean sponge. Rinse the sponge often.

05Common mistakes and how to avoid them