The most important step happens before installation.
A professional-grade, paste-the-wall installation designed to last for years.
Installation Conditions
Beautiful results depend on the environment and surface preparation.
Most wallpaper failures trace back to wall preparation. Do not skip this section.
Surface preparation checklist
- Fresh paint must cure minimum 4 weeks
- Remove old wallpaper and adhesive residue completely
- Repair holes and wall damage
- Lightly sand walls with 220-grit to remove sheen
- Vacuum and wipe walls after sanding
- Remove switch plates and wall hardware
- Walls must be clean, smooth, dry, and dust-free
Prime the Wall (Critical Step)
Apply a wallpaper primer/sealer before installation.
Examples: Roman Pro-977, Zinsser Shieldz or equivalent.
Why this matters:
- Ensures proper paste adhesion
- Prevents seam failure
- Allows safe future removal
- Controls wall porosity for even drying
Allow primer to dry fully per manufacturer instructions before installing.
Tools & Materials
Required
- Wallpaper smoothing tool
- Sharp utility knife + extra blades
- Level or laser level
- Pencil
- Paste roller or brush
- Bucket + stir stick
- Clean sponge or cloth
- Tape measure
Recommended
- Drop cloth
- Step stool
- Gentle seam roller
- Patch filler + sanding sponge
- Screwdriver for outlet covers
Before you start
First 3 Steps
Step 1: Mix paste according to the paste manufacturer’s instructions.
Do not guess ratios. Proper paste consistency ensures:
- Good slip for positioning
- Strong adhesion
- Clean seams
Allow paste to rest briefly after mixing.
Step 2: Professionals do not automatically start in a corner.
Choose a starting location that:
- Keeps the final seam in a low-visibility area
- Prevents a thin strip at the end of the wall
- Maintains pattern balance across the room
- Measure one panel width minus ½–1 in from your starting reference.
- Draw a vertical plumb line using a level or laser.
- The right edge of Panel #1 will align to this line.
Step 3: Paste-the-wall non-woven wallpaper does not require booking*.
- Apply a thick, even coat to the wall.
- Cover only one panel width at a time.
- Panels can be hung immediately after pasting.
*“Booking” is a traditional wallpaper step where paste is applied to the back of the wallpaper, then the pasted sides are folded together (paste-to-paste) and left to rest for several minutes before hanging.
Steps 4, 5 & 6
Step 4: Hang Panel #1
- Position panel at ceiling leaving 2–3 in trim allowance.
- Align right edge to plumb line.
- Smooth vertically first, then diagonally.
- Work from centre outward to remove air pockets.
- Wipe paste residue immediately.
Step 5: Install Remaining Panels
Seam method: Butt seams
- Paste next section of wall.
- Align pattern carefully before smoothing.
- Panels should meet edge-to-edge — no overlap.
- Avoid pushing paste into seams.
- Do not overwork seams.
Step 6: Inside Corners, Windows & Outlets
Never wrap a full panel around a corner.
- Wrap only 1–2 cm around the corner.
- Cut remainder vertically.
- Start a new plumb line on the next wall.
Windows and doors
- Install full panel over opening, then trim after smoothing.
Outlets and switches
- Install panel over opening, trim carefully, then reinstall covers.
Final Trim - Drying & Curing
Trim:
- Trim ceiling, baseboards and corners using a sharp blade.
- Change blades frequently for clean cuts.
- Remove paste residue with damp sponge.
Important Notes:
- Avoid strong airflow or heat for 24 hours
- Minor bubbles may appear and will settle as drying occurs
- Full cure time: 3–7 days
- Avoid washing walls for 2 weeks
Troubleshooting:
- Bubbles: Smooth outward while paste is wet
- Seams lifting: Apply small amount of paste and smooth
- Pattern drift: Recheck plumb line alignment
- Paste residue: Wipe immediately with damp sponge