Easy as Pie: How to Hang Wallpaper Like a Pro

I know you’ve all been as keen as me to get the wallpaper hung at the cottage. Well lucky for us, hanging “paste the wall” wallpaper is not as complicated as you might think. Say goodbye to the hassle of pre-pasting those strips or dipping lengths into baths filled with water to activate the glue. (I’ve actually done that) In this post, you’ll find out how to transform your space without the fuss and mess. Let’s dive into my step-by-step guide on how to effortlessly hang wallpaper like a pro.

What you Need to Hang Wallpaper

Tools and Materials Needed:

1. Wallpaper
2. Wallpaper adhesive suitable for paste the wall application (read the manufacturer’s recommendations) I used Albany wallpaper paste
3. Measuring tape
4. Wallpaper smoother or squeegee
5. Utility knife or wallpaper cutting tool
6. Wallpaper brush
7. Level
8. Step ladder

Step 1: Prep Your Canvas

It goes without saying that you should ensure the wall is clean, smooth, and free from any imperfections before your begin. If you spot any blemishes, patch them and do a light sand for a flawless finish. Remember, patience is key. Give the wall enough time to dry before proceeding. (Because you know I’m impatient. I’d totally put the glue on while the filler is wet, so why wouldn’t you?)

Step 2: Measure Twice, Cut Once

Measure the height of your wall. Add a 10cm overhang at the top/ bottom for trimming purposes and matching the pattern. The wallpaper specifications should tell you how often the pattern repeats. Trust me; it’s better to have a little extra than to fall short. Once you’ve got your measurements down, cut the wallpaper strips to perfection. At this stage, it’s also important to find a straight edge to hang your first run of paper from. For the guest room below, I found the corner was straight and used that. But don’t count on the corner being straight. you should mark a straight vertical line using a plumb line, laser level, or spirit level.

Step 3: Adhesive Application Magic

Time to get sticky! Get your hands on some top-notch wallpaper adhesive, making sure it’s suitable for a ‘paste the wall’ application (can’t have any mishaps!). I used Albany which was great. It didn’t dry quickly so I could reposition the paper as needed. My only beef would be not having any direction as to how thick the paste should be after mixing. I followed the instructions and it looked watery. Other pastes I’ve used were gluggy and thick but this one is not.

Roll up those sleeves, grab a brush, and apply the adhesive directly to the wall where your first strip will grace the space. I did a wide enough strip to hang two strips of paper with a bit of extra glue on the sides.

Step 4: Unleash the Wallpaper

Drumroll, please! It’s showtime for this stunning wallpaper. Gently place the top of the first strip at the wall’s peak and admire the magic. Oh, don’t forget about the patterns. If your wallpaper is flaunting some intricate designs, make sure they line up correctly with their neighbors. You will need to cut extra to allow for this. Smooth out the strip from top to bottom, eradicating any air bubbles along the way. The beauty of the paste the wall method is in the fact the paper is not wet. This makes it way easier to handle than any other kind of wallpaper. There were not even any bubbles.

Keep the wallpaper momentum going by repeating the process for each subsequent strip. Watch as your masterpiece unfolds, and those patterns come together like long-lost friends at a reunion. (The ones you liked, not those mean girls) Straight and smooth are the magic words, so keep that mantra in mind as you glide along.

To trim into doors, windows and switches cut a diagonal line into the corner of the shape, press back and trim to size.

Step 6: Trim to Perfection

Once the wallpaper strips have cozied up on your wall, it’s time to give them a sleek haircut. Whip out your wallpaper-cutting tool and trim off the excess paper at the top and bottom. Straight lines are a sight to behold, so channel your inner perfectionist for this step. I used the wallpaper trimming guide I got from Bunnings and cut along it to achieve a straight line.

Step 7: The Grand Finale

The moment you’ve been waiting for – the grand finale! Grab a well-deserved breather, and then go over your fabulous wallpaper with a wallpaper brush. Smooth down the edges and seams, ensuring everything is securely stuck to the wall.

Give yourself a pat on the back and bask in the glory of your newly adorned walls. With ‘paste the wall’ wallpaper, it’s easy as pie to achieve a picture-perfect look without the mess and fuss. So, go forth, my decorating maestros, and let your creativity run wild.

Happy decorating! 🎉