How To Install Traditional Wallpaper

When it comes to wallpapering and adding some pop of color to interior design, our traditional wallpaper is a popular choice between professionals. It, however, is DIY friendly as well. But for a perfect result and seamless installation process, there are a couple of guidelines to follow and preparations to make. Here will be a step by step guide to installing our traditional wallpaper.

traditional wallpaper installation checklist

1. Calculate The Amount Of Wallpaper You Will Need

First of all you will need to measure the wall to calculate the right amount of wallpaper needed. Make sure to measure both width and height of the wall and then add about 10 percent on top for some excess wallpaper on top and bottom and sides as walls are rarely straight and this will ensure that the whole wall will be covered evenly.

2. Prepare The Wall Surface

Afterwards you will need to prepare the wall surface correctly for the best result. Make sure to remove any old/prior wall covering, the surface also needs to be clean, dry and smooth, with any loose paint removed. We also always recommend to use primer before wallpaper installment as it will ensure the best result and will make the removal process easier once it will be time for some new changes. Above we can see an example of a smooth and clean wall that is ready for our Vintage Amber Peonies Wallpaper installment as seen in the photo.

3. Prepare The Wallpaper

We recommend leaving the wallpaper to stretch overnight by rolling it out. This will also give you a chase to double check the positioning. Furthermore wallpaper should be stored in temperature and conditions that are similar to the final installation as drastic temperature changes can affect the wallpapers performance.

4. Gather The Needed Instruments For Installation

traditional wallpaper installation tools

Another important step is to gather all the necessary tools prior to installation. For traditional wallpaper installation you will need the wallpaper of your choice, wallpaper glue or paste, sponge or dry cloth, level tool, craft knife, brush or roller for glue, flexible, soft smoothing tool with round corners, seam roller.

5. Find A Level Spot

For an even and perfect wallpaper design and seamless installation process, avoiding any unnecessary surprises, you will need to find a level spot on your wall and mark the position of the first wallpaper panel which will work as a guide for the rest. This is because walls are not always 100% straight and starting to wallpaper from one of the wall corners can result in uneven design as walls can start to bend up and down later on resulting in tilted design or uncovered parts of the wall.

6. Paste The Wall Surface

Paste the wall surface using a brush or a roller only where the first two wallpaper panels will go, because the glue can dry out during the installment process. Therefore, if pasting the whole wall at once, chances are that you will need to reapply the glue and the amount of it can start to create uneven lumps, having the risk of being visible after installing wallpaper and giving an uneven finish.

7. Slide The First Panel In Position

think noir wallpaper with peonies

Starting from the top, slide the first panel in the position where you have marked the level spot. We strongly advise to leave half an inch on top and bottom for trimming as previously mentioned walls are not always straight and can start to bend up or down. This way you will ensure that there can be no parts left unwallpapered further on, if the wall does start to bend upwards. Use the smoothing tool with soft and round edges to gently smooth the wallpaper from top to bottom to remove any formed air bubbles. In the photo above we can see a gorgeous laundry room project by Nikki with our Vintage Amber Peonies Wallpaper making the space feel more welcoming with an added blooming and charming atmosphere.

8. Continue With The Remaining Panels

Slide the next wallpaper panel next to the hanged wallpaper (our wallpapers are made to be installed without an overlap). Make sure to match the pattern correctly by butting the seams tightly next to each other. If there is any extra adhesive coming from the seams, remove it quickly with damp cloth. If you are looking to go the extra mile for the perfect result, to ensure a good adherence to the wall, we suggest rolling the seams with a seam roller.

9. Cut The Excess Wallpaper

vintage amber peony wallpaper design

Gently cut the excess wallpaper from top and bottom and sides if there is any, using a sharp utility knife and ruler to not accidentally damage the wallpaper. Carefully cut out electrical sockets if there are any with the same utility knife. After completing the wallpaper installment, try to avoid any temperature changes for about 24 hours to allow the wallpaper to adhere properly and enjoy the beautifully done work. We love how beautiful the laundry room project by Nikki turned out with our Vintage Amber Peonies Wallpaper. If you would like to browse more floral wallpaper design options, visit our Floral wallpaper collection.

Installing traditional wallpaper can take some time and requires proper preparations. We hope this blog post with a detailed guide to installation procedures will guide you towards the perfect result you have imagined.

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