How to install wallpaper

Understanding how to install wallpaper can transform an ordinary room into a visually appealing space. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process of how to install wallpaper, from measuring your wall and preparing it for installation to mastering the application in challenging areas and even removing non-woven wallpaper. 

 

Installing Photowall’s wallpapers: An overview

Photowall strives to simplify wallpapering. To achieve this, Photowall equips customers with products designed for hassle-free application. Here are some reasons why wallpaper installation can be simpler with Photowall.

Their non-woven wallpapers are preferred for their cleaner installation. They can be applied to your walls using the paste-the-wall technique. On the other hand, their peel-and-stick wallpapers are quick and easy to install. Both do not require professional skills.

In addition, Photowall delivers your wallpaper in strips, carefully labeled in the order they should be hung, transforming the process into a stress-free experience.

Unlike other wallpapers available online, the non-woven types from Photowall always come with free wallpaper glue. This adhesive is a simple-to-mix powder ready for wallpapering in just five minutes. 

Lastly, they also offer an assembly kit for efficient installation. The comprehensive set includes tools such as a glue brush, seam roller, paper hanging brush, knife, cutting guide, spirit level, pencil, and a tape measure, guaranteeing accuracy in application

 

How to measure your wall for wallpaper

 

Measuring your wall accurately is the critical first step in learning how to install wallpaper. Proper measurement ensures the wallpaper fits perfectly without unnecessary wastage or shortfall. This section will guide you through the various scenarios you might encounter, including standard walls, walls with angles, walls with windows or doors, multiple walls, and walls in a staircase.

 

Standard wall

1. Measure the total width of the wall where the wall is widest and the total height where the wall is highest. 

2. Keep in mind that not all walls are perfectly straight. Therefore, it is important that you add a mounting margin, we recommend 6-10 cm extra.

 

Walls with angles

1. Measure the total width and total height of the wall. Our wallpapers are ordered and printed in a rectangular shape, and you will have to cut away wallpaper for sloping ceilings or similar when installing the wallpaper.  

2. If you want help to see which part of the motif will be cut off, you can use the measuring tool on our website or contact our customer service, and we will help you.   

3. Keep in mind that not all walls are perfectly straight. Therefore, it is important that you add a mounting margin; we recommend an extra 6-10 cm. 

 

 

Walls with windows or door

1. Measure the total width and height of the wall, including the doorway or window. Our wallpapers are ordered and printed in a rectangular shape, and you will then have to cut away the doorway or window wallpaper when installing the wallpaper. 

2. If you want help to see which part of the design will be cut away, you can use the measuring tool on our website or contact our customer service, and we will be happy to help you.   

3. Keep in mind that not all walls are perfectly straight, so it is important that you add a mounting margin, we recommend 6-10 cm extra.

 

Multiple walls

1. Measure the width and height of all walls. You can add up the width measurements from all the walls and order one large wallpaper to cover all the walls.  

2. It is a good idea to contact our customer service when ordering a large wallpaper so that we can help ensure that the resolution of the image is sufficient for the enlargement. 

3. Add a 10-15 cm mounting margin to the total height and width when ordering wallpaper for multiple walls in a room. 

 

Walls in a staircase

1. Just like a wall with an angle, you must start from the highest and lowest point when measuring the height of the wall, the same goes for the width. Our wallpapers are ordered and printed in a rectangular shape, and you will have to cut away wallpaper for the part of the wall that slopes when installing the wallpaper.  

2. If you want help to see which part of the motif will be cut away, you can use the measuring tool on our website or contact our customer service, and we will be happy to help you.   

3. Keep in mind that not all walls are perfectly straight, so it is important that you add a mounting margin, we recommend 6-10 cm extra. 

 

After measuring your walls, and when it's time to order your wallpaper, it's essential to consider  how the last panel might be printed. In most cases, the last panel is only partially printed. This ensures that the total width of the wallpaper is exactly as wide as you order it, with the rest of the last layer being unprinted and, thus, white.

If you need a supplemental guide on how to determine your wallpaper needs, so you can order just the right amount of wallpaper after measuring your walls, you can check here: How much wallpaper do I need

 

How to prepare the wall for wallpaper installation

 

 

The next process after wall measurement is the preparation of walls for wallpaper installation. This stage is important in achieving a smoother process, flawless finish, and professional appearance. Here, we will explain how you can ensure that your wall's surface is even in texture and color before proceeding with wallpapering. You may follow these guidelines:

1. Tear or scrape off any loose paint or wallpaper and fill in any irregularities and sand to make the surface even. If the substrate is moisture-absorbing (e.g. plasterboard, concrete, or chipboard), the substrate must be pre-glued or primed. If you have drywall, see the section in this article that completely explains how to prepare drywall after wallpaper removal for a new décor: How to remove wallpaper from drywall

2. We recommend priming before wallpapering if the wall has strong color changes.  

3. If the existing wall surface is textured, e.g., fiberglass fabric or other woven wallpaper, it must be spackled and painted before applying the new wallpaper to ensure a smooth surface for adherence.

 

Step-by-step guide on how to install wallpaper 

 

Now that your walls are ready for new wallpaper, it’s time to know how to install them. Although wallpapering on standard walls may be simple, there are areas that you might find challenging. Hence, this section offers a comprehensive guide to address some of the more intricate aspects of installing wallpaper, such as working around electrical sockets, windows, doors, and inside and outside corners. 

Here’s a quick reminder before starting: when hanging the first layer of wallpaper, it's important to maintain an equal mounting margin at both the floor and the ceiling.  This means ensuring that there is an equal amount of space between the top edge of the wallpaper and the ceiling and between the bottom edge of the wallpaper and the floor. This mounting margin helps align the wallpaper properly, giving some leeway for trimming or adjustments and ensures a consistent and professional appearance throughout the installation.

 

Wallpapering around electrical sockets 

 

1. When wallpapering around electrical sockets and switches, start by turning off the power.

2. When dealing with the plastic cover around the socket, you have two options: remove or leave it in place. We recommend removing it for the best results. If you choose to remove the plastic cover, start wallpapering as usual by installing the sheets from left to right in numerical order. Apply glue around the socket and lay the wallpaper over it when you get to it. Feel the edge of the socket and use the wallpaper knife to cut cleanly.

3. If you decide to leave the plastic cover in place, be careful not to cut away too much. You can feel where the edges of the socket are and carefully mark it with a pencil on the front of the wallpaper. Cut or make a cross, then press the wallpaper around the socket's edges. Cut cleanly with a wallpaper knife.

4. In both scenarios, the process requires attention to detail to ensure seamless wallpaper integration around the sockets and switches. Whether removing or leaving the cover, careful trimming and precise cutting will produce a professional finish.

 

Wallpapering around windows and doors

1. Start wallpapering as usual by installing the panels from left to right in numerical order.

2. When you get to a door or window, glue all the way to the strip.

3. Hang the wallpaper from the ceiling down towards the door or window, making sure to pattern match the previous wet.

4. When you reach the door frame or window ledge, feel where the top corner is with your hand.

5. Cut a 45-degree from the corner to the board's edge.

6. Press the wallpaper against the door frame or window ledge.

7. Cut cleanly with a sharp knife.

 

Wallpapering inside corners 

1. Start wallpapering as usual by assembling the panels from left to right numerically.

2. When you get to an inside corner, glue carefully in the corner.

3. Continue gluing on the next wall a little more than a wet width.

4. Align the new wallpaper pattern with the previous strip pattern, ensuring they match seamlessly.

5. Gently press the wave into the corner.

6. Continue to install the wave on the next wall.

7. Press the board firmly into the corner, ensuring it does not slide apart from the previous board.

 

Wallpapering outside corners 

1. When wallpapering an outside corner, simply fold the sheet around the corner.

2. Remember that the fold should go over the corner by at least 2 cm.

3. Before ordering the wallpaper, check how the waves end up; you may need to order a slightly wider wallpaper.

4. Make the necessary adjustments to ensure the wet splice is in the correct relation to the corner.

 

How to find a wall color that matches the wallpaper

 

The easiest and absolute best way to find a wall color that matches the wallpaper is to take a piece of the wallpaper, or a wallpaper sample, to your local paint store to find a color that you think matches the wallpaper. If you opt for Photowall, here’s an easy way to order wallpaper samples, so you can examine the design and colors in your home's light before you make your purchase:

1. Navigate to the page of the wallpaper design you are interested in.

2. Click on the "Order wallpaper sample" button. This will add the sample to your shopping cart.

3. Proceed to checkout. 

For a comprehensive guide on how to order wallpaper samples, check here: How to request a wallpaper sample

Alternatively, you can wallpaper all the walls in the room instead of choosing a wall color that matches the wallpaper for a cohesive, stylish look. If so, you need to find a wall covering that suits all the other features in your room, including the furniture, architectural details, and theme— and here’s the perfect guide for that:  How to choose wallpaper

 

How to remove non-woven and peel-and-stick wallpaper

 

Non-woven wall mural or wallpaper is not only easy to put up, but it's also easy to take down. All you need to get started is a bucket of lukewarm water, a cloth or sponge, and a wallpaper knife. It's also a good idea to have a metal trowel. You may want to add washing-up liquid or fabric softener to the water. 

Start by finding a joint and carefully removing the wallpaper from the wall, you should then be able to pull off large pieces of the top layer of the wallpaper. If the wallpaper is hard on the wall, gently scratch it with a knife and wet it with a cloth. Wait a few minutes and then continue to pull or scrape the wallpaper off the wall. The moisture will reactivate the glue and make the wallpaper easier to remove. Once the wall is clean of wallpaper, simply wipe off the last of the glue with a damp cloth. 

For a complete guide on how to remove wallpaper, including all wallpaper types, check this: How to remove wallpaper

 

Common mistakes when installing wallpaper

 

Installing wallpaper is a delicate process that requires precision and attention to detail. Even the smallest mistakes can lead to an unsatisfactory result. Besides learning how to install wallpaper, understanding the common mistakes made during this interior decorating project can help you ensure a smooth and aesthetically pleasing finish.

•  Applying too much or too little glue: Adhesive application requires a careful balance. Applying too much glue can lead to messy installation, with excess adhesive seeping out from behind the wallpaper, while too little glue may cause the wallpaper to peel or bubble over time. In case it has already happened to you, here's a guide on how to fix wallpaper seams and other common issues: How to fix wallpaper seams

•  Failing to add a mounting margin: Walls are not always perfectly straight or flat, and it's important to account for these irregularities when measuring. Failing to add this extra margin can lead to shortages during installation, disrupting the process and potentially causing inconsistent pattern alignment.

•  Hesitating to reach out to customer service: When in doubt, don't hesitate to reach out to Photowall's customer service. They can also assist you in visualizing which parts of the design will be trimmed for windows, doors, or angled spaces.

In conclusion, this comprehensive guide on how to install wallpaper serves as a valuable resource for both beginners and seasoned DIY enthusiasts. Whether measuring, preparing the wall, navigating challenging areas, or removing non-woven wallpaper, these insights help create an elegant, cohesive look that enhances your home.