All you need to know about wallpaper installation: A step by step guide

Read carefully the following instructions detail how to install your new non-woven wallpaper mural quickly and easily. Follow the simple steps below to hang your wall mural perfectly. 

Before you begin

  • Check the wallpaper before installation for any faults or errors. Lay all panels out on the floor and arrange in correct order. Please do the examination of rolls before booking the decorator.

    Check that all panels match and that you are happy with the design, colors, and quality.

    Examination before hanging is the buyer’s responsibility. Once applied to your wall your right of return may be voided.


    No claim can be accepted after wallcoverings have been cut and hung for defects that are apparent at the time of hanging.

    No liability can be accepted for costs incurred installing or removing item.

  • Tools

    A good quality ready-mixed wallpaper paste from any DIY store, a paint brush or roller, a sharp box-cutter knife, and a dry sponge for smoothing, a spirit level, plastic wallpaper smoother - and most essential - a friend or partner to help!

    Right adhesive

    Always use an adhesive specially recommended for non-woven wallpaper.

General preparations

  • Prepare your wall

    Ensuring the wall is clean, dry, smooth, dirt and dust free.

    The surface should be free from old backing paper and contaminants such as dirt, dust, grease, mildew, ink stains; any of these can prevent adhesion taking place.


    - Switch off the electricity mains and remove any socket / switch covers.

    - Remove any old wallpaper and loose paint.

    - Sand down any rough areas until smooth.

    - Clean the walls with warm water and mild soap, allow the walls to dry for a minimum of 24 hours.

    - The walls should be a light uniform colour with no highly contrasting areas as dark colours may show through.

    - Highly absorbent surfaces should be sealed with a primer/sealer.

    - Silk paint should be roughened with sandpaper. For best results, cross-line the walls using a good quality lining paper.

    - New plaster and paint should be allowed to dry out completely before installing as adhesive may not bond correctly ( 4-6 weeks).

  • Tips

    Plug sockets & light switches
    We recommend to unscrew the base plates from plug sockets and light switches before starting. When applying the strip cut a small "x" shape in the wallpaper directly over the switch/socket. Pull the socket/switch through the "x" shape in the wallpaper. Smooth the wallpaper onto the wall behind the switch/socket base plate.

    When dry, trim away any excess and re-attach the baseplate for a seamless finish.

    Sloping ceilings

    Without applying paste to the wall, hold up the first strip so the bottom is inline with the floor or skirting board. Fold back lightly to match the slope of the ceiling, making a light crease. Place strip on the floor and trim away the excess with a knife or scissors, leaving at least a 10 cm margin above the crease.

1. Lay out your mural

  • Unroll the wallpaper and separate the drops. Identify each panel and arrange in hanging order on the floor.

    Lay out panels to check image and pattern match before installation.


    Please note: If you have ordered multiple wallpapers they may be rolled together.

2. Paste the wall

  • Use a plumb line or spirit level to ensure you have a straight line to begin hanging your mural. Mark the vertical lines on the wall.

    Paste the wall with the adhesive - not the whole surface, just the area that will cover the first strip.

    A smooth, even coat is essential for reducing the possibility of bu

3. Hang the first panel

  • Attach the top of the strip to the wall and paste it along the marks made previously. Align the top and bottom of the first length before “smoothing down” the wallpaper, the glue hasn't dried yet, so the panel can be still adjust it to sit in it‘s place perfectly.

    This is much easier with a second pair of hands to help! Take care to avoid ripping or creasing paper. Do not fold paper strips before applying.

    The non-woven material can be re-positioned multiple times; however, once the adhesive collects too much dust, dirt, or fibers, it can become less effective and may not stick as well to your surface.

    Using a soft brush or a squeegee carefully smooth the wallpaper – proceeding from the middle to the edges – this way will be removed any air bubbles and
    irregularities. Excess paste must be removed immediately.

    Important: Do not pull or stretch
    the material during installation. Work from the top and allow the wallpaper to fall naturally, taking particular care to avoid scuffing or scratching the printed surface.

4. Match the wallpaper

  • When hanging multiple drops, hang the panels edge-to-edge as (there is no overlap), in a butt join.

    Visually match the design on the wall and gently press the panels together so that the seams are not visible. Smooth out any bubbles with the wallpaper tool or a soft cloth.

    Try to avoid getting paste on the surface of the mural. Any excess paste that does get on the print,
    gently wipe away with a clean damp cloth as soon as possible, taking care to not place excessive pressure on paper.

5. Repeat until finish all the mural drops

  • Continue the previous steps for each drop until all panels are installed. Trim away any excess wallpaper using a straight edge and sharp blade.

    Use a seam roller to ensure the product is well bonded at the join, and carefully remove any adhesive seepage immediately with cold water and a sponge.

    If required, more paste can be applied beneath join to ensure adhesion.

    Check all the edges and borders of the pasted strips. For the last adjustments and details use a small brush with adhesive, a clean cloth and rubber roller.

    Drying

    For the wallpapers to dry evenly and prevent the air blowing through, allow for drying at room temperature ensuring there is a good ventilation. If there is a heat source such as a radiator on the same wall as the mural, turn it off for the first 24 hours of drying. Otherwise the drying would be uneven and the strips could stick out on the edges.

Congratulations! You did it yourself! Step back and enjoy!