Hanging fresh wallpaper can be a quick, cost-effective way of transforming any room. What’s better, it’s the kind of household task that many of us can tackle ourselves with some fairly basic skills. 

If you are gearing up to tackle a DIY wallpapering project, there are a few common pitfalls that you’ll want to avoid. Below, we’ll cover some of those big mistakes people often make when hanging wallpaper and offer advice on how to avoid them. 

Picking the right wallpaper

First of all, you’ll want to make sure you’re picking a wallpaper that is suitable for the room you’re hanging it in. For example, in naturally humid areas like bathrooms and kitchens, it’s worth considering moisture-resistant vinyl papers, as they’re more durable.

From a design standpoint, using light colours in confined spaces is a tried-and-tested way to make a room feel more open, while in larger areas, you may opt for a statement look by utilising abstract prints or stripes. 

Preparing your work area

Ensure your workspace is as clear as possible before you begin, covering carpets and valuables with dust sheets to prevent damage.

If your walls are cracked, use a filler to repair them, allow the mixture to dry, then sand it down to create a smooth surface. Likewise, if there are any uneven blemishes, you’re best sanding them down — this will help the wallpaper adhere properly. 

After that, take the time to wash your surface with water and multipurpose soap, as this will remove any lingering dirt or old paste. 

Sizing your walls and ceilings

This is an often overlooked step, but properly sizing your surfaces before wallpapering will make a massive difference in the finished product. This essentially forms a seal over the surface, creating a uniform layer and allowing the paper to form a stronger bond with the wall or ceiling. It can also make removing the paper in the future an easier process. 

Mixing adhesive

Knowing how to mix wallpaper paste properly will make all the difference in achieving a neat finish. Follow the instructions of whatever paste you’re using carefully; too thin, and the wallpaper might not stick, too lumpy, and the bumps will show beneath the wallpaper. 

Applying the paper

There are generally two different types of wallpaper to choose from: paste-to-wall or traditional paste-to-paper. If you’re using paste-to-wall, the initial process is simple: just use a roller to apply a layer of paste to the wall before hanging dry paper. 

If you’re using traditional paper, you’ll need to cut your first drop to size and lay it flat on a pasting table. From there, apply paste to the back side of the paper, and ‘book’ it by folding into a concertina shape. Allow the paper to rest once folded, according to the roll’s instructions. This will help soften the strip, making it easier to hang. 

When cutting your paper to size, leave an extra 3-4cm at the top; you can trim this down once hung to get that neat finish. Work from the top down, lightly brushing the paper as you go to remove air bubbles. Once the paper is in place, brush from the centre to the edges of the roll, removing any remaining air bubbles. Once you’re happy with how the roll is hung, use a sharp knife or wallpaper scissors to trim excess paper. 

Aligning patterns 

Hanging patterned wallpaper can be a little daunting, but with proper preparation and measuring, it shouldn’t be a problem. 

Use a plumb line to hang your first strip completely straight. This will make lining up the next pieces more straightforward. Once your first piece is up, roll out your next piece and slide it alongside to find your matching point. Once found, stick your second piece and use a seam roller to gently press between the two for a clean join. 

Always check the label of the wallpaper you are hanging. Straight match wallpaper can be hung side-by-side in a straight line, while drop match wallpaper needs to be offset from the previous piece, so it’s always best to check. 

If you want to develop your skills so that you feel confident in tackling wallpapering around the home, then a short 5-day wallpapering course could be a good investment. While there is an up-front cost, the long-term savings in both time and money can make it well worth it, equipping you with valuable lifelong skills.