How to Install Wallpaper

Use spackling compound to fill any dents, cracks or holes.

When dry, sand all patched areas and wipe clean with a wet sponge. For more help, see How Do I Use Sandpaper?

Seal with primer and allow to dry.

Hang the paper horizontally with strips approximately 1/8-in apart.

Use a smoothing brush to remove any bubbles or creases.

Use a damp sponge to remove any excess paste.

Allow the paper to dry completely.

Cut the first strip using a sharp utility knife and straight edge. Subsequent strips may need to be longer to match the pattern. Save remnants for smaller areas that may need piecing together.

For unpasted paper, spread the strip, pattern side down, on a flat working area. Using a brush or paint roller, apply paste starting at the top and working from the inside out to the edges.

For prepasted paper, roll the strip with the pattern side in. In a half-full tray of lukewarm water, completely submerge the paper. Allow paper to soak for two to three minutes.

To remove the paper from the tray, pull the edge out slowly to allow excess water to drain off. Change the water in the tray after every six strips of paper.

Book the paper, folding the ends of the strip toward the middle. Allow the pasted sides to rest against each other for three to five minutes. Make sure you don't crease the folds.

Unfold the top section, align with the ceiling and allow a 2-inch overlap at the top. Move the edge of the paper against the first vertical plumb line and press into place. You will have 1/2-inch overlap on the opposite side of the plumb line.

With a smoothing brush, remove air bubbles, going from the top to the bottom and then from the center to the outside.

Unfold the bottom half and brush it into place. If you get a bubble that won’t come out, stick it with a straight pin and work the air out with the smoothing brush.

Trim any excess overlapping paper by pressing the broad knife blade into the seam between the object and the wall. Cut the excess with the utility knife using the broad knife as a straight edge. Make sure your blade is sharp to avoid tearing the paper.

Wipe off any excess paste with a damp sponge and clear water after each strip is hung. Place the next strip of paper plumb to the previous strip and then smooth.

About 15 minutes after the paper has been up, firmly press the seams with a seam roller. Wipe off any excess paste. Do not roll seams on flocked, foil, fabric or embossed paper. Gently tap these seams with a smoothing brush.

Trim strips that overlap each other in corners using a vertical straight edge and cutting through both pieces of paper at the overlap. Gently peel both strips off and seal strips with a seam roller.

For a window, use a ceiling-to-floor-length strip and brush it into place, pressing the paper as close to the seam of the window as possible. Where the wallpaper overlaps the window, cut the wallpaper diagonally at the top/bottom corners of the window frames.

Using the broad knife as a straight edge, press paper into the crease and cut with a utility knife.

For electrical outlets, paper over the opening and cut an X over the opening to expose fixtures.

Trim the paper around the inside edges of the outlet using the broad knife and utility knife. Replace the plate.

Remove bathroom accessories such as towel bars and electrical covers.

Wallpaper directly over any brackets that cannot be removed. Cut an X with your utility knife through the paper covering the bracket. Press the paper securely around the bracket and trim the excess using a straightedge and utility knife.

To paper around fixture collars, slide the collar back. Apply paper as close to the pipe as possible and slit the paper from the bottom of the pipe to the floor. Smooth the paper around the pipe and trim as close as possible. Slide the collar back on.

Measure the length of one wall and cut a strip of border to fit. Allow a few inches for trimming.

Prepare the strip according to the type of paper you have, prepasted or not. See "Wallpapering New Walls" above.

Start in a corner following the line you marked. Allow about 1/2-in overhang. Smooth with a wallpaper brush.

Cut the next strip to match the pattern on the previous strip, allowing for a little overlap. Double cut the overlap with a straightedge and utility knife. Remove excess paper.

Use a seam roller to assure proper adhesion.