How to Hang Wallpaper: A Step-by-Step Guide for a Stylish Home

Wallpaper has been a popular choice for home interiors for centuries, offering a variety of colors, textures, and patterns that can enhance any space. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or transforming your entire home, hanging wallpaper can be a rewarding DIY project. However, proper preparation and precision are essential to avoid common pitfalls like misaligned strips, tears, or bubbles. This comprehensive guide will help you successfully hang wallpaper in your home.

Table of Contents

1. Safety First
2. Determine How Much Wallpaper You Need
3. Prepare the Walls
4. Gather Your Tools and Materials
5. Step-by-Step Instructions for Hanging Wallpaper
6. Troubleshooting Common Wallpaper Issues
7. Conclusion

Safety First

While hanging wallpaper is generally a safe DIY activity, taking some precautions can protect you during the process. Here are some essential safety tips:

• Protective Eyewear: Always wear safety goggles to shield your eyes from wallpaper paste and other debris.
• Drop Cloth: Lay down a drop cloth to catch drips or spills, protecting your floor and furniture.
• Electrical Safety: When working around electrical outlets or switches, apply painter’s tape to these areas and turn off the power to avoid accidents during trimming.

Determine How Much Wallpaper You Need

The amount of wallpaper required will depend on your room’s dimensions and the pattern of the wallpaper. To calculate the wallpaper needed:

1. Measure Your Walls: Measure the height and width of each wall.
2. Calculate Square Footage: Multiply the width by the height for each wall to find the total square footage.
3. Consider Patterns: If your wallpaper has a distinct pattern, factor in how it will align when hung.
4. Purchase Extra: It’s wise to buy extra wallpaper to account for miscalculations or damaged strips. Always err on the side of caution to ensure you have enough material.

Prepare the Walls

Proper wall preparation is crucial for successful wallpaper application. Here’s how to get your walls ready:

1. Inspect for Damage: Check for holes, bumps, or imperfections on the walls that may hinder adhesion.
2. Repair and Clean: Fill any holes and sand down bumps. Clean the wall surface with a damp cloth to eliminate dust and debris.
3. Remove Fixtures: Remove outlet and light switch covers using a screwdriver. Tape over the outlets with painter’s tape for added protection.
4. Apply Primer: Use a wallpaper primer with a brush or roller to enhance adhesion, allowing it to dry thoroughly before hanging the wallpaper.

Gather Your Tools and Materials

Before you start, ensure you have all the necessary tools and materials on hand:

Tools:

• Drop cloth
• Scissors
• Level
• Ladder
• Paint roller
• Plastic smoothing tool
• Utility knife

Materials:

• Wallpaper primer
• Painter’s tape
• Wallpaper
• Wallpaper paste
• Pencil

Step-by-Step Instructions for Hanging Wallpaper

Follow these steps for a successful wallpaper installation:

1. Mark the Plumb Line

Start by establishing a vertical plumb line down the wall using a level and a straight edge. This will serve as your reference point for hanging the first panel of wallpaper. Consider adding additional plumb lines to ensure each subsequent strip hangs straight.

2. Plan Your Layout

Before applying any wallpaper, plan your layout. Butt a roll of wallpaper into the corner and mark where it meets the wall. Slide the roll to create a 1-inch overlap at the end and make another mark. Repeat this process for each wall, noting where cuts may be needed near windows or doors.

3. Apply Wallpaper Paste

Once your strips are cut to size, apply the wallpaper paste. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct type of paste. On a flat surface, lay down the first panel and use a roller to spread the paste evenly. Fold the wallpaper over itself to allow it to absorb the paste for a few minutes—this technique is known as “booking.”

4. Hang the Wallpaper

After the booking time, align the top of the wallpaper with the plumb line and gently press it against the wall, working your way down. Use a smoothing tool to eliminate bubbles and excess paste. Avoid stretching the wallpaper to prevent tears.

5. Smooth Out Bubbles

Continue hanging each strip, overlapping edges by about an inch. Use the smoothing tool to remove any air bubbles as you go.

6. Trim the Edges

Once all the wallpaper is hung, use a level or straight edge to trim the excess wallpaper at the top and bottom of the walls. Repeat this process for window and door trim for a clean finish.

7. Trim Around Electrical Outlets

Ensure the power is off when trimming around electrical outlets or switches. Lightly mark the areas to be trimmed with a pencil, then carefully cut around them with a utility knife.

8. Wipe Down the Wallpaper

After hanging, use a damp sponge or cloth to wipe away any excess wallpaper paste. Ensure the sponge is only damp—excess moisture can damage the wallpaper. After the wallpaper has dried, perform a final wipe to remove any remaining residue.

Troubleshooting Common Wallpaper Issues

Even the most experienced DIYers can encounter issues while hanging wallpaper. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

• Small Tears or Bubbles: Cut around the damaged area with a utility knife, apply paste to the back, and press it back into place using a smoothing tool.
• Misaligned Patterns: Carefully lift the edges and realign them. Use a smoothing tool to press the edges down securely.
• Large Air Bubbles: Make a small cut in the bubble to allow air to escape, then smooth the area with your tool.
• Excess Paste: Wipe it away with a damp sponge before it dries.

Conclusion

Hanging wallpaper is a rewarding home improvement project that can transform your living space into a stylish haven. With careful preparation, the right tools, and a bit of patience, you can achieve professional-looking results. Remember to take your time, follow the steps carefully, and don’t hesitate to consult additional resources if you encounter challenges along the way. Happy decorating!