Pre-Pasted Wall Paper Installation
- Prepare the wall
- The wall surface should be clean, dry, structurally sound and free of mildew, grease, or other stains, and free of irregularities in order to achieve the best hanging performance and complete removal when redecorating.
- To apply on drywall. For best results, apply to a wall surface that has been painted with one coat of builder’s primer and one coat of latex paint (note: this is typical of new construction; a wall surface that has been painted with
- a single coat of primer or a coat of satin or gloss paint is acceptable). The wall surface should be clean, smooth, and free of debris or contaminants.
- To apply over paint. Painted walls should be primed, smooth, and free from debris. Check the wall surface to determine the condition of the paint adhesion. If the paint
- is old, damaged, or flaking, priming is highly recommended.
- To apply to a wall previously covered with wall paper. Any old wall paper remaining should be removed as well as the old adhesive (remove by sanding or using adhesive remover). Primer should be applied to the wall surface that is clean, smooth, and free of the old adhesive.
- To apply over paneling. Any grooves should be filled to achieve a smooth surface, then covered with an adhesion-promoting primer.
- To apply to a wall currently covered with wall paper. Not recommended.
Apply the wall paper
Follow these step-by-step instructions
- Size, prime and clean all walls to remove dust and debris and assure proper adhesion. Allow primer to dry for 24 hours.
- Backroll each wall paper panel to remove the curl.
- Stack panels in order upside down with the first panel on top.
- Spray the top panel evenly with water.
- “Book” the panel by laying it glue-side up, than folding the two sides to meet in the middle. Let the panel set for five minutes. Then spray and book additional panels. (Avoid creasing the paper when booking.)
- Hang the panel at corner or plumb line.
- Unbook top section and secure to wall. Once top section is secure, unbook bottom section and press against wall.
- Remove air and bubbles with squeegee.
- Wipe with damp sponge downward and outward to remove any excess adhesive.
- Repeat process with the other panels making sure there is proper overlap to match pattern.
- When wall is completely covered, use razor knife to trim excess.
- Wipe entire wall with damp sponge to remove excess water and adhesive.
Peel and Stick WallPaper
Determine How Much Wallpaper You Need
Before you begin transforming your space, you’ll need to measure the room’s height and depth to determine just how many rolls you need. You can use a tape measure and do the math, or take advantage of our wallpaper calculator to determine the number of rolls you need for your project.
At this step, you may also want to order peel-and-stick wallpaper samples to confirm the product is exactly what you’re looking for before you buy.2
Prepare Your Surface
Remove all faceplates and socket covers. (Be safe and turn off power first.) Use a sponge or cloth and a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and dust from walls. Allow to dry.
Tip: If your walls are newly painted, wait three days before applying peel-and-stick wallpaper.3
Make a Guide for Your First Step
Measure the width of your wall. Starting from the left side of your wall, use a tape measure to mark the wall lightly on the right with a pencil. Put your level on this mark and draw a straight, level, vertical line. This is the guide for your first strip.4
Cut Strips and Start Hanging from the Top
Measure and cut strips of wallpaper with your razor blade to fit the height of the wall. Peel back about 12 inches of the backing on a strip, line up the top of the paper at the ceiling, then slowly peel and stick the paper down the wall.5
Smooth Paper and Cut Along Edges
Use a plastic smoother to get rid of the air bubbles and create an even look. Repeat all along the wall, making sure not to press the plastic smoother too hard into the wallpaper so you don’t cause tearing.
When adding paper along windows, line the wallpaper up along the top and side of the window. Cut along the edge, using a utility knife, then smooth the wallpaper down. 6
Enjoy the View
Once you’ve smoothed out the wallpaper, you can start adding outlet covers back to walls and bring furniture back into the room. Enjoy your newly updated space.7
Other Ways to Install Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
These steps are the easiest way to install peel-and-stick wallpaper, but there are alternative methods you can try as well. For instance, some people prefer to lay the first strip of wallpaper in the center of the wall and work outward from there. This can help create symmetry within the room. However, you’ll still want to draw an initial guideline using a level, as this will ensure the wallpaper goes on straight.
Another interesting twist on peel-and-stick wallpaper is to hang the strips horizontally. You’ll want to follow the same basic steps, but you’ll need someone to hold up the other end of each strip as you work. Otherwise, the wallpaper may get twisted or peel itself off the wall as you’re working.8
Try Using Wallpaper in Different Rooms
Many people install peel-and-stick wallpaper in their bedrooms or living spaces, but it can be used in other areas of your home, too. If you’re planning to use wallpaper to decorate your bathroom or kitchen, you’ll want to opt for a product that’s moisture-resistant, which will prevent damage if it’s accidentally splashed.
If you don’t necessarily want a whole wall of wallpaper, there are also peel-and-stick wallpaper borders that run along the edges of your walls as a fun accent. Or, for a pop of texture, consider using peel-and-stick wallpaper panels, which are three-dimensional and designed to resemble materials like brick or stone.9
General Wallpaper Installation Tips
You’ll quickly get the hang of installing peel-and-stick wallpaper, but here are a few other ways to ensure your project goes off without a hitch:
- Enlist a Friend: It’s possible to install peel-and-stick wallpaper by yourself, but the task is much quicker and easier with two people. As you work, one person is able to hold up the strip and smooth it onto the wall while the other peels the backing off and ensures the lines are straight.
- Don’t Follow the Ceiling: It’s tempting to line up the top of your wallpaper along the ceiling, but ceilings aren’t always perfectly straight. Instead, use a level to create a vertical guideline, and align the wallpaper against it.
- Save the Scraps: As you work, you’ll likely end up with lots of scraps that you trimmed off the bottom and top of each strip, and you should keep these until you’re finished the project—they’re ideal for filling in tight spaces.
- Don’t Pull the Wallpaper: Peel-and-stick wallpaper will stretch if you pull on it too hard, which can prevent the pattern from lining up perfectly. For this reason, you’ll want to be careful not to apply too much pressure to the strips as you work.
