Learn How to Wallpaper – Easy Step-by-Step Guide

In this guide, we will go through the following steps:

1. Before You Start Wallpapering
2. What Tools Do You Need for Wallpapering?
3. How to Wallpaper Your First Wall
4. Tips and Tricks for Wallpapering Corners, Molding, Ceilings, and Radiators
5. Important Things to Know About Our Repetitive Pattern Wallpapers

1. Before you start wallpapering

Before it’s time to wallpaper, some planning is necessary. What does your wall look like? What type of surface will the wallpaper be applied to? What other preparations need to be made?

Below are the most common wall surfaces and the preparations required for each.

Wallpapering Over Painted Walls

To prepare a painted wall for wallpapering, start by thoroughly cleaning it with a paint cleaner to remove any dirt and grease. Then, fill any holes or uneven areas with spackle and sand the surface smooth. It’s crucial to apply a primer afterward to create an optimal surface for the wallpaper adhesive to bond to.

Wallpapering Over Existing Wallpaper

If you’re applying wallpaper over an existing one, first check that the old wallpaper is firmly attached and not peeling. Clean the surface to remove dust and dirt. If the wallpaper has a texture, sand it down to create a smooth surface and use a primer if needed to ensure the new wallpaper adheres properly.

Wallpapering Over Drywall

For drywall, make sure the surface is dry and free of dust. Fill and sand all joints and screw holes until smooth. Then, apply a primer to improve adhesion and prevent the adhesive from being absorbed too quickly, which could compromise the final result.

Protecting Floors and Molding

Start by laying down protective paper or plastic sheeting on the floor. This prevents damage from wallpaper paste spills and other materials that may drop during the process. Ensure the covering is secure and fully protects the floor, especially along the edges near the walls where excess paste can

2. What tools are needed for wallpapering?

Wallpaper Adhesive

Choosing the right wallpaper adhesive is crucial for a successful application. The type of adhesive should match the wallpaper material.

For Non-Woven wallpapers, the adhesive should be applied directly to the wall. This method makes adjustments easier and ensures a firm grip due to the adhesive's fast-drying properties.

For paper-based wallpapers, a pre-mixed adhesive is often recommended. Apply it evenly to the back of the wallpaper strip and let it soak in for a few minutes before hanging. This allows for smooth adhesion and minimizes the risk of bubbles.

Always follow the instructions on the adhesive packaging and apply a generous amount to ensure proper bonding.

Essential Wallpapering Tools

Wallpaper Knife (Utility Knife or Scissors)

Used to cut wallpaper strips to the correct length and trim excess wallpaper along edges and corners. Many wallpaper knives have replaceable blades to maintain sharp cuts.

Wallpaper Brush

A wide brush with soft bristles used to smooth the wallpaper and remove air bubbles after application. This helps achieve a flat surface without wrinkles or bubbles.

Smoothing Tool (Wallpaper Spatula)

A broad, flat plastic or metal tool used to press the wallpaper evenly against the wall, especially around edges, corners, and near doors or windows. It also helps remove excess adhesive.

Seam Roller

A small roller designed to press down the seams between wallpaper strips, ensuring they are tightly joined with minimal visibility.

Adhesive Brush (or Roller)

Used to apply wallpaper adhesive to the wallpaper or directly onto the wall, depending on the wallpaper type. A wide brush or roller helps spread the adhesive evenly.

Wallpaper Table

A foldable table where wallpaper can be rolled out and cut to the correct length. It also serves as a workspace for applying adhesive to paper-based wallpapers.

Spirit Level

Ensures that the first wallpaper strip is applied perfectly vertical. This step is crucial to prevent misalignment in subsequent strips.

Damp Sponge (or Cloth)

Used to wipe away excess adhesive from the wallpaper and wall after application. A damp sponge also helps smooth out minor bubbles.

Measuring Tape or Ruler

Used to measure wall height, wallpaper strip length, and ensure correct pattern alignment.

3. How to put up the first strip?

Planning the First Wallpaper Strip

Start and Finish

Depending on whether you're wallpapering an entire room or just select walls, your starting point will vary. If covering an entire room, the wallpaper pattern may not align perfectly when you reach the last strip. Choose a starting position where any mismatch will be the least noticeable—above a door or in a less visible corner. You can assess this based on your room's layout.

Apply each strip edge-to-edge, maintaining the full width even around corners or obstacles.

Ensuring a Straight Vertical Line

The first strip must be perfectly vertical, as this determines the alignment of all subsequent strips. Use a spirit level or plumb line to draw a straight vertical guideline on the wall before applying the wallpaper.

Marking the Starting Point

Measure the width of the wallpaper roll and mark where the first strip should begin. Use a pencil rather than ink, as ink could show through the wallpaper.

Applying an Even Layer of Adhesive

Since all Linlava wallpapers are Non-Woven, apply adhesive directly to the wall using a wallpaper paste brush or roller. Ensure an even layer to prevent bubbles and guarantee proper adhesion.

Hanging the First Strip

Align the first strip precisely with the guideline and lightly attach the top. Adjust it until it is perfectly straight before smoothing it down.

Time to Start Wallpapering

1. Cut the Strip Slightly Longer
   Cut the wallpaper strip roughly to the correct length, leaving a few extra centimeters at the top and bottom for adjustments. This prevents the pattern from shifting out of alignment if too much is trimmed off.
2. Apply Adhesive to the Wall
   Spread the adhesive evenly over the area where the first strip will be placed. Use a wallpaper paste brush for thorough coverage.
3. Position the Strip on the Wall
   Place the wallpaper against the wall, starting from the top and working downward. Adjust it so that it sits straight, aligning edge-to-edge with the previous strip.
4. Smooth It Out
   Use a wallpaper spatula or wallpaper brush to smooth the strip, working from the center outward. This removes air bubbles and ensures even adhesion.
5. Trim the Excess Wallpaper
   With a sharp wallpaper knife, carefully trim the excess wallpaper along the ceiling and floor for a clean finish.

4. Tips and Tricks for Wallpapering Corners, Molding, Ceilings, and Radiators

Wallpapering Corners

Corners are rarely perfectly straight. Always use a plumb line to ensure the wallpaper hangs straight rather than relying on the corner itself.

• Prioritize pattern alignment—even if this means the wallpaper doesn’t reach exactly into the corner.
• Smooth out the corner as much as possible to avoid creases.
• Avoid cutting into the wallpaper strip, as this breaks the pattern and makes it harder to achieve a seamless result. Whenever possible, maintain the full width of the strip.

Wallpapering Along Molding and Cornices

Press the wallpaper firmly against the molding or cornice and use a sharp wallpaper knife to carefully trim the excess. Work slowly to avoid damaging the wallpaper or molding.

If needed, use a small brush to apply extra adhesive where the wallpaper meets the molding to ensure a tight bond along the edges.

Wallpapering Sloped Ceilings

• First, wallpaper the walls up to the point where the ceiling starts to slope.
• Measure and cut wallpaper strips to fit the sloped section.
• Be extra precise with pattern alignment, especially if the ceiling is uneven.
• Apply the wallpaper from the top of the slope downward, ensuring it hangs straight and no bubbles form.

If you're using a Linlava wallpaper with a large pattern repeat that exceeds the strip width (50 cm), note that height adjustments between strips are not possible. This means each strip must start at the same height to maintain the intended pattern flow.

Wallpapering Around Radiators

When wallpapering around radiators and pipes, avoid cutting into the strips, as this would disrupt the pattern. Instead:

• Use full-width strips and carefully fit them around pipes and behind the radiator.
• Ensure the pattern remains intact throughout the process.
• Use a small brush to apply extra adhesive behind the radiator, ensuring the wallpaper adheres properly without distorting the pattern.