Wallpaper can transform a room, adding texture, colour, and personality to any space. But to achieve a flawless finish, it’s essential to follow the right steps. Here’s our expert guide to hanging wallpaper, ensuring your walls look stunning and professional.

How to Hang Wallpaper for a Professional Finish

Step 1: Inspect Each Roll Before You Start

Before cutting or hanging wallpaper, inspect every roll to avoid any surprises during installation.

1. Check for Consistency: Ensure all rolls have the same batch reference, so colours and patterns match seamlessly.
2. Look for Damage or Shade Variations: Carefully examine each roll for shade variations or imperfections.
3. Confirm You Have Enough Rolls: Count your rolls to make sure you have enough for the entire project—running out halfway could disrupt the look.
4. Orientation: Don’t assume that the wallpaper will automatically come off the roll the correct way up. Always refer to product images on the website to confirm the orientation.

Taking a few minutes to do these checks can save you time, money, and frustration later on.

Step 2: Prepare the Walls

Proper wall preparation is essential for a smooth application and long-lasting result. Here’s how to get your walls ready:

1. Clean, Dry, and Smooth: Start with a blank slate—walls should be free of any old wallpaper, loose paint, dust, or dirt.
2. Smooth Any Rough Surfaces: Use sandpaper to roughen up any painted surfaces for better adhesion.
3. Prime the Walls:
   1. For absorbent surfaces, apply an oil-based primer and allow it to dry fully.
   2. If your walls have a high pH level, particularly with new plaster, use an alkaline-resistant primer to protect metallic wallpaper effects from damage.
4. Cross Line with Lining Paper: To achieve the best possible finish, cross-line your walls with a quality lining paper. This will improve adhesion and help the wallpaper lay smoothly. Be sure to let the lining paper dry completely before moving on.

Preparing the walls may seem like an extra step, but it’s crucial for durability and a polished look.

Step 3: Applying the Wallpaper

With your walls ready, it’s time to hang the wallpaper. Our wallcoverings are “paste-the-wall” products, making the application process simpler:

1. Use the Right Adhesive: Select a premium ready mixed paste, pH-neutral and solvent-free for the best results. The paste also needs to be”light grade” as heavy grade pastes can be too aggressive for your wallpapers. All purpose and heavy-duty paste are not suitable.
2. Applying the Paste:
   1. Apply paste evenly to the wall one strip width at a time. Work on an area slightly wider than the roll to ensure full coverage.
3. Hang the Wallpaper:
   1. Butt the joints carefully, and use a decorator’s brush to smooth each length from the centre to the edges. This helps to remove air bubbles without forcing adhesive out from the edges.
   2. Be cautious with adhesive—it can damage the wallpaper surface, so avoid getting any on the front. Keep your hands clean and dry, and if any paste does get on the wallpaper, gently sponge it off with a damp cloth while it’s still moist.
4. Trim and Inspect: Use a sharp knife or scissors to trim the top and bottom edges of the wallpaper for a neat finish. Every two to three strips, inspect your work to ensure there are no shade variations, misalignments, or other issues.

Proper handling and attention to detail during hanging will ensure your wallpaper looks professionally installed.

Final Tips for Wallpaper Installation

A few extra tips to keep in mind:

• Fire Safety: Ensure the wallpaper is firmly adhered to reduce fire hazards.
• Inspect Frequently: Check each section as you go to spot and correct any issues right away.
• Professional Knowledge: Installing wallpaper often requires a bit of decorating know-how, so if in doubt, consult a professional installer.

This guide is designed to help you achieve beautiful, lasting results. With these steps, you’re well on your way to transforming your space with wallpaper. Happy decorating!

By following this guide, you’ll not only make the installation process smoother but also help ensure the final look is flawless and long-lasting.