Our guide to hanging wallpaper

Want to wallpaper, but not sure where to start? Here’s our three step guide.

Before you begin

There’s just a few things you need to check before you start to ensure your walls are ready for wallpapering. Here’s our handy checklist:

• Ensure any previous wallpaper is removed.
• If your walls are freshly plastered make sure they have been sealed with a wall sealer.
• If you have cracks in the wall make sure they are filled in.
• Check you have enough wallpaper.

Step 1: Measure and cut the wallpaper to size

Start by measuring the height of the wall using a digital laser measure, such as the Zamo, then measure out the correct length of the wallpaper and add an extra 100mm to the measurement to allow for variations in height. You can trim the top and bottom later if required. When you are measuring the wallpaper, lie it pattern side down on the pasting table.

Next, using wallpaper sissors cut the wallpaper to the correct length. Then unroll the next section of wallpaper to form the next panel and place it to match the first panel and cut to size, this will be quicker than measuirng out the wallpaper again. Remember to make sure the pattern matches. Continue until you have enough panels to cover the wall. Then number the panels at the top on the unpattern side with a pencil so you know the order to hang the wallpaper.

Step 2: Add adhesive to the wallpaper

Mix the wallpaper adhesive according to the packaging instructions. Then lay the first panel on the pasting table patten side down. Add the adhesive to centre of the wallpaper and brush outwards to the edges. When the paper on the table has been covered in the paste, fold it over on itself, taking care not to crease it, and start a concertina. Move the concertina to one end of the table. Then apply adhesive to the rest of the wallpaper, folding the paper as you go. Once completed, set the wallpaper aside to allow the adhesive to soak in for as long as the manufacturer recommends. Then repeat this process with the remaining panels for the wall.

Step 3: Hanging the wallpaper

We advise starting in the top corner of the wall. Position the first panel making sure the corner of the wallpaper matches the corner of the wall. You can let a little bit of wallpaper go onto the ceiling as you can trim this later and it may help with lining up. Then slowly release the wallpaper down along the wall. Make sure to use a paper hanging brush to smooth the paper to get rid of any air bubbles. Be careful to not let the paper suddenly drop as this may tear or stretch the paper.

Once the first panel of wallpaper is up, carefully trim away any excess paper and use a damp cloth to wipe away any excess adhesive. Then repeat this process with the remaining panels, making sure to line up the new panel with the previous one. To ensure you are hanging the wallpaper straight and level, use a cross line laser. We recommend the Quigo. Once two or three panels are in place use a roller to gently press down the joins and leave the wallpaper to dry.