A Beginner’s Guide to Hanging Paste-the-Wall Wallpaper

If you're looking to refresh your home décor with minimal fuss and mess, paste-the-wall wallpaper is an excellent choice. Unlike traditional wallpaper, which requires pasting the paper itself, paste-the-wall wallpaper is applied directly to the wall, making the process much simpler. All or papers are paste-the-wall. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you hang paste-the-wall wallpaper like a pro.

What You'll Need:

  • Paste-the-wall wallpaper rolls
  • Wallpaper paste (specifically for paste-the-wall wallpaper)
  • A paint roller or brush
  • A utility knife
  • A smoothing tool or brush
  • A measuring tape
  • A pencil
  • A spirit level or plumb line
  • A step ladder

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Wall

  • Clean and smooth the wall surface: Ensure the wall is clean, dry, and free of any debris or old wallpaper. Fill any holes or cracks and sand smooth.
  • Prime the wall if needed: If the wall is porous or painted with a dark colour, consider applying a primer to ensure the best adhesion and to prevent the old colour from showing through.

2. Measure and Cut

  • Measure the height of your wall: Measure the height of the wall and add a few extra centimetres to allow for trimming at the top and bottom.
  • Cut your wallpaper strips: Cut the wallpaper strips to the measured height, ensuring to match the pattern if your wallpaper has a repeat.

3. Mark the Starting Point

  • Draw a vertical line: Use a spirit level or plumb line to draw a straight vertical line on the wall where you will start hanging the first strip. This line ensures your wallpaper hangs straight.

4. Apply the Paste

  • Apply paste to the wall: Using a paint roller or brush, apply a generous amount of wallpaper paste directly onto the wall. Cover an area slightly wider than the wallpaper strip.

5. Hang the Wallpaper

  • Position the first strip: Starting from the top, align the edge of the wallpaper with the vertical line you marked. Gently press the wallpaper onto the wall, smoothing it out as you go.
  • Smooth out the bubbles: Use a smoothing tool or brush to remove any air bubbles and ensure the wallpaper adheres firmly to the wall.

6. Trim the Excess

  • Trim the edges: Use a utility knife to trim the excess wallpaper at the top and bottom of the wall for a clean finish.

7. Repeat the Process

  • Continue with the next strips: Apply the paste, hang the next strip, and match the pattern. Repeat until the entire wall is covered.

Tips for Success:

  • Match the pattern: Take your time to ensure the pattern matches seamlessly between strips. This will give your wall a professional look.
  • Wipe off excess paste: Keep a damp cloth handy to wipe off any excess paste that may squeeze out at the seams.
  • Work in small sections: Apply paste to small sections of the wall at a time to prevent it from drying out before you can hang the wallpaper.

Conclusion:

Hanging paste-the-wall wallpaper is a straightforward and enjoyable DIY project that can transform your space. With the right tools, a bit of patience, and this step-by-step guide, you'll achieve a stunning result that adds personality and style to your home. View all our Paste-the-wall wallpapers here.

Back to blog