Looking to put up wallpaper in your home? With prepasted wallpaper, you can update your walls without stress. This guide will show you how to do it step by step.
Many people worry that hanging wallpaper is hard. But with the right tools and steps, you can get great results. Think of this as your friendly guide to wall makeovers.
Before you start, know that good prep makes all the difference. You’ll need basic items like a water tub, towels, and sharp blades. Each step builds on the last, making the job simpler than you might think.
Ready to transform your walls? Let’s walk through the process together. We’ll cover everything from getting started to adding those perfect finishing touches.
How to Hang Prepasted Wallpaper: The Complete Guide
Your walls can look better with proper wallpaper installation. Follow these steps to get the job done right.
Materials You Will Need
| Material | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Water Tub | To soak the wallpaper strips |
| Large Beach Towels | For laying down wallpaper and wiping off excess paste |
| Box Cutter Blades | To trim excess wallpaper and cut around edges |
| Putty Knife | To smooth wallpaper and trim along ceiling/baseboards |
| Level | To ensure the wallpaper strips are hung straight |
| Pencil | To mark a guide line for the first wallpaper strip |
| Step Stool or Ladder | For reaching higher walls during installation |
| Extra Towels | For wiping off excess paste from walls and smoothing paper |
| Wallpaper Strips | The main material to hang, pre-pasted and ready for soaking |
| Measuring Tape | For precise measurements and ensuring even spacing |
| Water Bucket | For soaking and activating the wallpaper paste |
1. Set Up Your Work Area
Fill your tub with enough water to cover a wallpaper roll. Place a beach towel in front of the tub. Keep other towels ready for cleanup. Make sure you have good lighting and space to move around.
2. Mark Your Starting Point
Measure 23 inches from your corner. Make a light pencil mark. Draw a soft vertical line with your level. This line guides your first strip of wallpaper.
3. Check Pattern Alignment
Look at all your wallpaper strips. Line up the patterns to find the top of each piece. If patterns don’t match, turn the strip over. Keep track of which end goes up for each strip.
4. Prepare the Paper
Roll the wallpaper with the pattern facing inside. Only the white backing should show. Put it in water for 20 seconds, until it feels slick. Pull it out slowly, letting extra water drip off.
5. Book the Paper
Fold the wet paper with paste sides together. Make sure edges line up well. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes. This step helps the paste work better and makes sure all areas get wet.
6. Hang Your First Strip
Place the top of your strip along the pencil line. Leave a small extra bit at the ceiling. This helps if your ceiling isn’t perfectly straight. Unfold the bottom half once the top is set.
7. Remove Air Bubbles
Use a wet cloth to smooth the paper. Start in the middle and push bubbles toward the edges. Don’t press too hard. If you see wrinkles forming, ease up on pressure.
8. Trim the Edges
Put your putty knife where the wall meets the ceiling. Use a new, sharp blade to cut along the edge. The paper should come off in one smooth piece. Change blades when cutting gets hard.
9. Work Around Outlets
Turn off power to outlets before cutting. Make small, careful cuts around electrical boxes. Take your time with this step to avoid tears or mistakes.
10. Clean As You Go
Wipe off paste from walls, ceiling, and trim right away. Use clean, damp towels. Don’t let paste dry on surfaces.
Video Tutorial
Watch the full YouTube video below on how to hang prepasted wallpaper by Copper Corners Art.
Tips for Special Situations
Installing Wallpaper in Bathrooms and Humid Areas
Bathrooms and kitchens need extra care when wallpapering. Here’s what you need to know:
First, put primer on your walls. Mold-resistant primer forms a shield between moisture and your wall. Without it, water might seep through and cause issues.
Keep air moving while the paper dries. Open windows or run a fan. Good airflow stops moisture from getting trapped behind the paper. This step helps your wallpaper last longer.
Applying Over Textured Walls
Textured walls make wallpaper look bumpy. Small bumps show through and might make the paper peel off faster.
Lining paper offers a fix. Think of it as a smooth base layer. Put it on your textured wall first. Let it dry fully. Then apply your wallpaper on top. The result? A flat, clean look.
Removing Prepasted Wallpaper in the Future
Want to change your wallpaper later? Here’s how:
Start at a corner or seam. Pull the paper back slowly at an angle. If it sticks, spray warm water on it. Let the water soak in for a few minutes.
For stubborn spots:
- Mix warm water with white vinegar
- Apply with a sponge
- Wait 10-15 minutes
- Try peeling again
- Repeat if needed
Avoid using sharp tools to scrape. They might harm your walls. Patient peeling works better.
Remember to:
- Test in a small area first
- Work in sections
- Keep towels handy
- Clean walls after removal
Prepasted Wallpaper vs. Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper: What’s Best for You?
| Feature | Prepasted Wallpaper | Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper |
|---|---|---|
| Installation Time | 20-30 minutes per strip | 15-20 minutes per strip |
| Tools Needed | Water tray, smoothing tools, cutting tools, towels | Cutting tools, smoothing tools |
| Skill Level | Moderate – needs practice | Beginner-friendly |
| Wall Preparation | Requires clean, smooth walls with primer | Minimal – clean walls needed |
| Durability | 5-10 years with proper care | 2-5 years on average |
| Adhesion Quality | Strong, permanent bond | Moderate, may need readjustment |
| Removal Process | Requires water and scraping | Peels off with minimal residue |
| Reusability | Not reusable | Some brands can be reused |
| Cost Range | $30-100 per roll | $40-120 per roll |
| Best For | Homeowners, permanent decor | Renters, temporary spaces |
| Pattern Options | Wide range of designs | Limited selection |
| Surface Finish | Professional look | Can show air bubbles |
| Humidity Resistance | Good when properly installed | Fair to moderate |
| Wall Impact | May leave residue on removal | Minimal wall impact |
| Pattern Matching | Precise pattern alignment | Can be trickier to align |
Conclusion
Now you know the steps to hang wallpaper like a skilled decorator. The key lies in careful planning and having the right tools ready before you begin.
Good wall preparation sets the foundation for your project. Sharp blades and clean water make a real difference in how your wallpaper looks. Small details, like booking the paper and removing air bubbles, help create smooth, lasting results.
Remember to take your time with each strip. There’s no need to rush. Your careful work will pay off with walls that look fresh and well-finished. With proper care and maintenance, your wallpaper can stay beautiful for years.
Your home’s walls tell a story. Make it a good one with properly installed wallpaper that brings your vision to life.
Millie Anderson, a graduate of Textile Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has carved her name in fabric and material finishes for over 16 years. Her career took flight in a renowned textile manufacturing company, where she mastered combining textures and patterns. Millie joined our team in 2018, becoming a cornerstone for readers interested in the latest trends in textiles. Since then, she has been the lead editor for our home decor fabrics section, blending her deep knowledge of materials with a flair for contemporary design. Beyond her professional achievements, Millie is an enthusiastic quilter and often participates in community arts and crafts workshops, further nurturing her passion for fabrics and design.
