DIY Wallpaper Installation: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Thinking of hanging wallpaper yourself? This guide covers everything — from wall prep to final trim — so your installation looks professional.

Before You Start: What You'll Need

Step 1: Prepare Your Walls

This is the most important step most DIYers skip. Apply a coat of size (diluted PVA or wallpaper primer) and let it dry for 24 hours. This seals the wall, prevents moisture absorption, and lets you reposition paper if needed.

Fill any cracks or holes and sand smooth. If existing paint is glossy, sand lightly to give the adhesive something to grip.

Step 2: Find Your Starting Point

Mark a perfectly vertical line using a plumb bob — start from the corner of the wall, measuring one roll-width from the corner. This ensures your pattern aligns regardless of whether the room's corners are truly square (they rarely are).

Step 3: Cut and Paste

Cut lengths about 5cm longer than your wall height to allow for trimming. Match the pattern repeat on each strip before cutting.

Paste-the-wall technique (recommended for non-woven/fibre wallpapers): Apply paste directly to the wall in one panel width at a time. Hang immediately.

Paste-the-paper technique (for standard vinyl/traditional paper): Paste the back of the strip, fold in half loosely (don't crease), and book for 3–5 minutes before hanging.

Step 4: Hang the First Strip

Align the edge with your vertical guideline. Smooth from the centre outward and downward to eliminate air bubbles. Don't drag the paper — press and smooth.

Step 5: Butt-Join Seams

Hang subsequent strips with edges touching but not overlapping. Use a seam roller gently — avoid pressing too hard on patterned or embossed wallpapers.

Step 6: Trim Excess

Use a wide broad knife as a guide and trim along the skirting board and ceiling with a sharp trimming knife. Swap blades frequently — a dull blade tears.

Step 7: Clean As You Go

Wipe away any paste on the surface immediately with a damp sponge. Paste left to dry is very difficult to remove.

When to Call a Professional

*Our professional installation service covers all of the above — book here.*