How to Hang Wallpaper for Beginners

Today, I’m participating in a Wallpaper Makeover Blog hop, hosted by Stephanie at Casa Watkins Living, and am here to talk to you about hanging wallpaper, especially if you are a beginner. First, why use wallpaper? Simple. It’s durable, washable, long lasting, comes in an unlimited amount of colors and styles and can bring instant depth to any room, large or small. In our case, wallpaper is being used to add a dramatic element to a very large room that would just not be possible with paint alone.

This post has been graciously sponsored by Wallpaper Boulevard. All opinions, views, and other ramblings are entirely my own.

You might remember this gorgeous wallpaper that I was gushing about at the beginning of this room make-over from Wallpaper Boulevard. I love the tiny bit of sparkle and the all-over geometric pattern. The paper indeed provided just what was needed in the large room!

I’m no expert on wallpaper hanging. As a matter of fact, this project took me quite a while, and I think I might have been wearing nearly the same amount of glue as the walls were! The first few pieces were the most difficult to apply, but after that, I quickly got into a groove. Here are the five lessons I learned that I hope you’ll find useful if you are taking on a wallpapering project of your own.

1.  Prepare your walls by repairing any holes or cracks. Use a Spackle and a putty knife and sand smooth before applying any paper. Those little bumps and lumps will not only show through the paper; they will make it near to impossible to smooth the paper without tearing it. Don’t ask me how I know this.

2. Determine if your paper is prepasted or unpasted. Check the paper manufacturer if you are not sure.  Gather your supplies. I used the following supplies for my unpasted wallpaper.

• level
• tape measure
• Wallpaper glue
• paint roller, tray and paint brush
• utility knife
• Sponge and Plastic smoother – I used a putty knife
• A bucket of clean water

3.  Determine where to hang your paper and prepare your first piece. I was only hanging on two walls, so I was able to start in the corner by measuring the width of the paper minus half an inch. I used the level to draw a line from the ceiling down to the crown molding line. If you were wallpapering an entire wall, you would also start in a corner but would draw your line from the ceiling down to the floor.  If you are doing an entire room that you will want to do this every time you start a new wall to make sure that your wallpaper remains straight as you move around the room.  Then, measure the length of your wall +6 inches and use that as your measurement to cut your first piece of wallpaper. Matching any patterns cut a second piece of paper matching after the first. Put the second piece aside and lay the first piece you’ve cut out on a flat surface, face down. You’ll want always to have two pieces on the go – one to be pasted one, one you’ve matched, waiting.

4. Prepare or “book” your wallpaper to be hung by activating the glue. My paper was on paste it, and that’s what I will be talking about here.  Using a paint roller apply and even coat of wallpaper paste to the back of the first piece to be hung. Fold the bottom into the center and the top into the center without creasing the paper. Allow the paper to rest in this position until the glue becomes fully activated. The amount of time required for this will be noted on your directions for your wallpaper.

5. Unfold the top half of the strip and apply the paper to the wall letting some of the wallpaper overlap the ceiling and they are joining while using your line as your guide.  Using a wallpaper smoothing tool gently smooth the paper into place removing any air bubbles and being careful not to tear the paper. Unfold the bottom half and smooth into place. Then smooth the entire strip from top to bottom and the center out, working diagonally. Use a sponge or o’clock and clean water to remove any excess glue, then trim, using a long putty knife as a guide and a utility knife, trim any excess paper. I find it easiest to cut above the putty knife to keep the paper from pulling and tearing.

.. and repeat until done!

Now, wash the glue out of your hair and enjoy the new look of your room!

I LOVE the look of my new paper from Wallpaper Boulevard. If you’re in the market for a paper of any style, be sure to check out their selection. Their prices are fantastic, and the customer service can’t be beaten! Thanks so much for dropping by and be sure to check back here on Thursday for a Game Room update!

For even more wallpaper inspiration and tips, check out these links!