Wallpaper can significantly improve the appearance of any room, but achieving a flawless finish depends on careful application. Our expert guide to proper wallpaper installation will help you avoid common mistakes. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a first-time wallpaper installer, these 25 professional tips will assist you in achieving high-quality results and avoiding the typical challenges associated with wall murals application. With detailed preparation steps and meticulous techniques, you’ll be equipped to ensure a strong foundation for a flawless finish.
Preparation Steps: Ensuring a Strong Foundation
Not Preparing the Wall Properly
- Mistake 1: Failing to clean and smooth the wall before application. Wallpaper may not adhere correctly to dirty or uneven surfaces.
- Tip 1: Ensure the wall is clean, dry, and smooth. Repair any holes or blemishes with spackling paste and sand down any rough areas. A primer can also help create a more adhesive surface.
Forgetting to Acclimate Wallpaper
- Mistake 2: Not allowing wall coverings to acclimate to room temperature before installation can lead to expansion or contraction after application.
- Tip 2:Unroll the wall coverings for home and let it sit in the room where it will be applied for at least 48 hours prior to installation. This helps the paper adjust to the room’s environmental conditions, minimizing issues post-application.
Using the Wrong Adhesive
- Mistake 3: Using an adhesive that isn’t suitable for the type of wallpaper or wall conditions.
- Tip 3: Choose the adhesive based on the type of wall paper and the room’s conditions (e.g., high moisture areas might require a mold-resistant adhesive). Consult with the wallpaper manufacturer if you need more clarification.
Ignoring Room Conditions
- Mistake 4: Not considering the environmental conditions of the room, like humidity and temperature, which can affect wallpaper adhesion and appearance.
- Tip 4: Ensure that the room is at a stable temperature and not too humid. Wallpaper adhesive might not set correctly in too cold or damp conditions. Use a dehumidifier if necessary, and avoid wallpapering in extreme weather conditions.
Using Dull Blades
- Mistake 5: Using a dull blade to cut wallpaper can lead to torn and ragged edges.
- Tip 5: Always use a sharp utility knife or wallpaper scissors. Replace blades frequently to maintain sharpness, especially when cutting through multiple layers or thicker wallpapers.
Measurement and Cutting Steps: Precision is Key
Incorrect Measurements and Cuts
- Mistake 6: Cutting pieces too short or without accounting for windows and doors.
- Tip 6: Meticulously measure the height and width of your walls, and always allow extra wallpaper for trimming. When measuring for cuts around windows and doors, ensure ample excess is left to wrap around the small recesses.
Mismatching Patterns
- Mistake 7: Incorrectly aligning the pattern, leading to a disjointed and unprofessional look.
- Tip 7: Before cutting and applying, compare the pattern at the seams to ensure they match. Allow extra wallpaper for pattern repeats and complex patterns.
Neglecting to Plan for Waste
- Mistake 8: Not accounting for pattern repeats leads to unexpected wallpaper shortages.
- Tip 8: Calculate the wallpaper you need before cutting and applying, considering the repeat pattern. Buy extra rolls to ensure you don’t run out, especially if the wallpaper has a complex pattern that requires more precise matching.
Application Steps: Achieving a Seamless Look
Improper Alignment at the Start
- Mistake 9: Starting the first strip off plumb (not vertically straight) makes all subsequent strips uneven.
- Tip 9: Use a plumb line or a level to mark a straight vertical line from the ceiling to the floor at your starting point. This will act as a guide to ensure your wallpaper strips are aligned correctly.
Not Using a Guideline for the First Panel
- Mistake 10: Starting without a guideline leads to crooked installation from the first panel.
- Tip 10: Always draw a straight, vertical line parallel to your starting point using a plumb bob or a laser level. This line serves as a guide to ensure the first panel is perfectly vertical, setting the tone for the rest of the application.
Inadequate Booking Time
- Mistake 11: Not allowing the adhesive to activate fully, resulting in bubbles and poor adhesion.
- Tip 11: After applying the adhesive, fold the wallpaper onto itself and let it sit for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer (usually about 5-10 minutes). This process, known as ‘booking,’ allows the adhesive to fully activate.
Inconsistent Adhesive Application
- Mistake 12: Applying too much or too little adhesive, leading to poor adhesion or drips.
- Tip 12: Apply a consistent coat of adhesive using a roller or brush, ensuring even coverage. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the amount of adhesive to use, and consider using a pasting machine for consistent results.
Bubbles and Wrinkles
- Mistake 13: Trapped air bubbles and wrinkles after application.
- Tip 13: Use a wallpaper smoother or a dry roller to gently press the wallpaper against the wall from the center outward. This method helps avoid trapping air. If bubbles do appear, puncture them with a small pin and smooth out the air.
Improper Seaming
- Mistake 14: Overlapping seams or having gaps between wallpaper strips.
- Tip 14: Butt the seams tightly together without forcing them to overlap. Use a seam roller to gently press the seams together once the wallpaper is positioned correctly.
Failure to Wipe Down as You Go
- Mistake 15: Leaving glue residue on the front of the wallpaper can be difficult to remove once it dries and marries the finish.
- Tip 15: As you apply each strip of wallpaper, gently wipe it down with a clean, damp sponge to remove any excess adhesive. This keeps the surface clean and prevents staining.
Inadequate Overlap for Corners
- Mistake 16: Do not overlap wallpaper at the corners or cut it too short, leading to peeling or gaps as the wallpaper settles.
- Tip 16: When reaching a corner, allow at least an inch of wallpaper to wrap around to the next wall before cutting. This provides a firm base for the next strip and ensures corners are fully covered and secure.
Finishing Steps: Perfecting the Details
Neglecting the Ceiling and Baseboard
- Mistake 17: Failing to properly align the wallpaper with the ceiling and baseboards, resulting in noticeable uneven lines at the top and bottom.
- Tip 17: Start each new strip with a slight overlap at the ceiling, ensuring a straight line, and then trim the excess with a sharp blade. This helps to maintain an even and consistent edge around the entire room.
Not Planning the Finish
- Mistake 18: Ending the installation for wallpaper on walls in an awkward or highly visible spot.
- Tips 18: Plan your starting and ending points before you begin. Ideally, end at a corner or behind a door where the final seam will be less noticeable.
Lack of Final Inspection
- Mistake 19: Not inspecting the wallpaper after application for missed spots or defects.
- Tip 19: After applying each wallpaper section, step back and inspect it from different angles for any imperfections. If you find any issues, address them immediately while the adhesive is still pliable.
Lack of Patience During Drying
- Mistake 20: Disturbing the wallpaper before it’s fully dry can lead to peeling or seam separation.
- Tip 20: Allow the wallpaper to dry completely undisturbed. Avoid using the room or moving furniture close to the walls until the wallpaper is fully set, which might take up to 24-48 hours, depending on the conditions.
Improper Storage of Wallpaper
- Mistake 21: Storing leftover wallpaper improperly can cause it to fade or become damaged.
- Tip 21: Store any excess wallpaper rolls in a dry, dark place, rolled up with the decorative side out to avoid creasing. This preserves the color and quality for future repairs or additions.
Forgetting to Check Batch Numbers
- Mistake 22: Using wallpaper rolls from different production batches can result in slight color variations.
- Tip 22: Always check the batch numbers when purchasing wallpaper to ensure all rolls are from the same batch. This reduces the risk of noticeable color differences between strips.
Skimping on Tools
- Mistake 23: Using inappropriate or makeshift tools can compromise the wallpaper application’s quality.
- Tip 23: Invest in a few essential, high-quality tools like a reliable wallpaper brush, a seam roller, a smoothing tool, and a straight edge. These tools can significantly improve the ease of application and final appearance.
Rushing the Process
- Mistake 24: Rushing through the wallpaper application leads to mistakes like misaligned patterns and unsmoothed edges.
- Tip 24: Take your time with each step, from measuring and cutting to pasting and applying. Rushing can lead to errors that are hard to correct once the wallpaper is set.
Improper Handling of Wallpapers
- Mistake 25: Mishandling wallpapers during the hanging process, leading to creases or tears.
- Tip 25: Handle wallpapers gently and avoid creasing it during application. Roll out the lengths on a clean, flat surface and avoid bending the paper sharply.
Master Seamless Wallpaper Application with 25 Pro Tips
To achieve a seamless wallpaper application, preparing thoroughly, working with precision, and exercising patience is essential. Following these 25 professional tips can avoid common errors and guarantee a beautiful, long-lasting finish. Whether revamping a single room or redecorating your entire home, adopting the right approach to wallpapering can transform your space with minimal frustration.
Ready to start your next wallpaper project? Make sure you have the right tools and patience, and transform your walls into works of art today!
