Installing wallpaper can be a rewarding DIY project that transforms the look and feel of a room. While it may seem daunting initially, with the proper preparation and techniques, you can achieve a professional-looking finish that elevates your home decor. We’ll share valuable tips and tricks to help you master the art of DIY wallpaper installation.
So before you hire an installer read these tips below and save yourself a ton of money as well as have the satisfaction of a job well done that you can show off to all of your friends. Find thousands of customizable wallpaper designs to fit your home at LoveVsDesign.
Before You Begin
1. Gather Your Tools and Materials:
Before starting, ensure you have all the necessary tools and materials ready. This includes a spray bottle or paint roller and a pan of water to well the back of the wallpaper to activate the adhesive, a wallpaper smoothing tool, a utility knife, a level, a measuring tape, a sponge, and a bucket of clean water.
2. Prepare Your Walls:
Walls should be clean, smooth, and free of any imperfections. Fill in cracks or holes with a spackling compound and sand the walls for a smooth surface. Remove any old wallpaper or adhesive residue if you are replacing an existing wallpaper installation.
Installation Tips
1. Measure and Cut Precisely:
Measure the height of your walls and cut the wallpaper accordingly, adding a few inches to the size of the wall to allow for trimming at the top and bottom. Be meticulous in your measurements to avoid running short.
2. Start with a Plumb Line:
Use a level to create a plumb line (a perfectly vertical reference line) on the wall where you plan to start hanging the wallpaper. This ensures that your wallpaper will be applied straight and level. This may be the single most important step in the entire process as if your first panel is not straight it will become almost impossible to line up your pattern as you go. So take your time and ensure your first panel is plum as your wall will likely not be perfectly square.
3. Book Your Wallpaper:
After wetting the adhesive on the back of the wallpaper according to the manufacturer’s instructions, “book” it by folding the pasted sides together, with the adhesive sides facing each other. This allows the wallpaper to relax and the adhesive to activate before hanging.
4. Use a Wallpaper Smoothing Tool:
A wallpaper smoothing tool, a seam roller, is essential for achieving a smooth, bubble-free finish. Start from the center and work outwards, pushing out any air bubbles as you go.
5. Slide Into Place And Trim Excess:
When hanging adjacent wallpaper strips, ensure you have wet the back of the wallpaper sufficiently to slide it up or down to align the pattern with the previous wallpaper strip. Once the wallpaper is in place and you have it how you want, use a sharp utility knife to trim the excess along the ceiling and baseboard.
6. Check for Pattern Continuity:
If your wallpaper has a pattern, take extra care to match the design as you hang each strip. This creates a seamless and professional look.
7. Clean Excess Adhesive Immediately:
If adhesive squeezes out from under the wallpaper, wipe it away promptly with a damp sponge. Dried adhesive can be difficult to remove and may mar the wallpaper’s appearance.
Finishing Touches
1. Seal Edges and Seams:
Use a clear wallpaper seam sealer along the edges and seams to ensure a long-lasting finish. This prevents the wallpaper from peeling over time.
2. Trim Carefully Around Obstacles:
When wallpapering around outlets, switches, or other obstacles, please turn off the power, remove the cover plates, and carefully trim the wallpaper around them. Ensure everything is aligned correctly before replacing the cover plates.
3. Final Inspection:
After thoroughly drying the wallpaper, inspect the entire surface for any imperfections, bubbles, or loose edges. Make any necessary touch-ups with adhesive or a seam roller.
DIY wallpaper installation can be a fulfilling project that adds character and personality to your living spaces. By following these tips and tricks, you can achieve a professional finish that makes your wallpaper look like an expert applied it. Remember that patience is necessary, as attention to detail is critical to success, so take your time and enjoy transforming your walls into works of art.
