How to Wallpaper Walls: A Complete DIY Guide for Beginners 2026

Wallpapering walls is not a very complicated job, but it requires careful preparation as there are delicate phases that, if not handled properly, can lead to difficulties. Before you begin, you need to remove any peeling sections and strip off any old wallpaper. Fill holes and cracks with wall filler. Once the repairs are dry, sand them down with medium-fine abrasive paper (grit 220-240) and clean thoroughly with a cloth.

Remove sockets and switches from the wall (after turning off the power), insulate the wires, and tuck them inside the junction boxes. Also, remove roller blind covers, removable shelves, and any other detachable items that could get in the way during installation or force you to cut holes in the wallpaper strips. For a quick and precise job, it's best to cut all the strips before applying them. Then, proceed to apply the paste to the back of each one. It is important to avoid downtime during this phase as there are several steps to complete.

Use a special wallpaper paste powder that must be dissolved thoroughly in warm water. When applying to the wall, leave an excess of a few centimeters at the ceiling and floor, which you will trim off at the end. Lay subsequent strips flush against the previous one, or if the walls are uneven, overlap them by about 1 cm. Continue until the walls are completely covered. Having someone help hold the strips during the work is very useful. Finally, install the baseboards and possibly some decorative molding along the ceiling.

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Essential Steps for a Flawless Finish

Removing Old Wallpaper

If there is existing wallpaper, it must be completely removed. Use a scoring tool to perforate the paper, then apply a wallpaper remover solution or warm water with a sponge or sprayer. Let it soak in for 10-15 minutes, then gently scrape it off with a wide putty knife. For stubborn sections, a steamer can be very effective. Ensure the wall is clean and dry before proceeding.

Preparing the Wall Surface

A smooth wall is the key to a professional result. Fill any holes, cracks, or imperfections with spackle or joint compound. Once dry, sand the patched areas until they are flush with the surrounding wall. Wipe away all dust with a damp cloth. For porous or newly plastered walls, apply a primer or sizing solution to ensure the wallpaper adheres properly and can be removed later without damaging the wall. Don't forget to check your lighting fixtures to ensure they are out of the way and protected during your project.

Mixing the Adhesive

Use a high-quality wallpaper paste powder. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Typically, you'll sprinkle the powder into a bucket of lukewarm water while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Let the mixture sit for the recommended time (usually 5-15 minutes) to thicken. The paste should have a smooth, creamy consistency. If it's too thick, add a little more water; if too thin, add a bit more powder. Using the right paste prevents bubbles and ensures the paper stays put.

Calculating How Many Strips You Need

To calculate the number of strips needed, measure the width of your wallpaper roll and the perimeter of the room (the total length of all walls). Divide the room's perimeter by the roll's width to get the number of strips per roll. Then, measure the height of your walls and add 8-10 cm for trimming. Divide the roll's length by this adjusted height to find out how many strips you can get from one roll. Finally, divide the total number of strips needed by the number of strips per roll to determine how many rolls to buy. Always buy an extra roll to account for pattern matching and mistakes.

Step-by-Step Wallpapering Guide

Cutting the Wallpaper Strips

For a fast and precise job, cut all your strips before applying paste. If the wallpaper has no pattern that needs matching, simply cut each strip to the height of the room plus 8 cm. If it has a pattern, unroll the first strip and cut it to the correct length (wall height + 8 cm). Then, unroll the next strip alongside it, matching the pattern carefully before cutting. Stack the cut strips in order, face down on a clean surface or a pasting table.

Applying the Paste

Lay the first cut strip face down on your pasting table. Apply a generous, even coat of paste from the center outwards to the edges, using a wallpaper brush or roller. Fold the pasted strip over on itself (paste to paste) without creasing it. This is called 'booking' and allows the paste to soak into the paper, making it more pliable. Let it rest for the time recommended by the manufacturer (usually 5-10 minutes).

Hanging the First Strip

Start in a corner or next to a door frame, using a plumb line to mark a perfectly vertical line on the wall. Unfold the top half of your pasted strip and position it against the wall, aligning the edge with your plumb line. Leave an overlap of a few centimeters at the ceiling. Smooth the paper from the center outwards and downwards using a wallpaper smoother or a soft brush, pushing out any air bubbles. Then, unfold the bottom half and smooth it down in the same way.

Trimming and Continuing

Use a sharp utility knife and a wide putty knife to trim the excess paper at the ceiling and baseboard. Change blades often for clean cuts. For the next strip, align it edge-to-edge with the first one. If your walls are uneven, you can overlap the strips by about 1 cm. Continue this process around the room, matching patterns as you go. For tricky areas like windows and doors, hang the strip over the opening, then make diagonal cuts to the corners and smooth the paper around the frame before trimming.

After finishing your walls, consider refreshing your space with new curtains or a stylish rug to complement your new wallpaper.

Installing Baseboards and Trim

Once all the wallpaper is hung and dry, you can install or reattach the baseboards. This gives a clean, finished look to the room. Use a nail gun or finishing nails to secure the baseboards. Fill the nail holes with wood filler, sand smooth, and paint or stain the baseboards to match your decor. You can also add decorative molding or border strips along the ceiling for an elegant touch.

Complete the look of your newly wallpapered room with elegant wall decor or a beautiful mirror.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I wallpaper over old wallpaper?

It is generally not recommended. Old wallpaper can have uneven textures, patterns that show through, or poor adhesion that causes the new paper to bubble or peel. It's best to remove the old wallpaper completely for a smooth, long-lasting finish.

How do I fix air bubbles in wallpaper?

Small bubbles can often be smoothed out with a wallpaper smoother during installation. For larger bubbles that appear after the paste has dried, use a sharp utility knife to make a small slit in the bubble. Apply a small amount of paste with a syringe or brush, then smooth the paper down flat.

What tools do I need to wallpaper a room?

Essential tools include a pasting table, wallpaper smoother or brush, utility knife with extra blades, plumb line or level, tape measure, sponge, bucket for paste, and a putty knife for trimming. You may also need a steamer for removing old wallpaper.

How do I match patterns on wallpaper?

When cutting your strips, unroll the next strip next to the previous one and slide it up or down until the pattern aligns perfectly. Cut the strip at the correct length, allowing extra for trimming. Mark each strip on the back with its order and an arrow pointing up to keep track.

How long does wallpaper paste take to dry?

Drying time varies depending on the paste type, room temperature, humidity, and wallpaper material. Typically, it takes 24 to 48 hours for the paste to fully cure. Avoid opening windows or using fans directly on the wallpaper during this time, as rapid drying can cause the seams to separate.

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