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Wallpaper Hanging Guide: Preparation, Tools & Application

Achieve a flawless, professional wallpaper finish by following this step-by-step wallpaper hanging guide. Whether you’re installing paste the wall wallpaper or paste the paper wallpaper, using the correct preparation, method, and tools is essential.

Always check your wallpaper type before starting, as preparation and application methods differ.

At Decor Clever, we supply a full range of wallpaper hanging accessories, from high-quality adhesives to specialist brushes, designed to make installation easier and more reliable.

2" Paint Brush Pack

Before You Start

Safety & Environment
  • Surfaces painted before 1960 may contain lead pigments. Take appropriate safety precautions.
  • To reduce fire risk, do not hang wallpaper over polystyrene wall coverings.
  • Keep the room warm and well ventilated during installation and drying.
  • Turn off electricity at the main fuse box when working near sockets, switches, or light fittings.

Surface Preparation

Preparation Guidance

Good preparation ensures strong adhesion and a long-lasting finish.

  • Remove any loose or existing wallpaper or linings.
  • Surfaces must be clean, smooth, dry, and dust-free.
  • Treat and resolve damp or mould issues at the source before wallpapering.
  • Seal new plaster or highly absorbent surfaces using wallpaper size or a fungicidally protected adhesive.
  • Lightly roughen gloss-painted walls using fine glass paper.
  • Use lining paper on uneven walls or where colour contrast may show through.
  • Allow freshly painted surfaces to dry for at least 3 days before hanging wallpaper.

Recommended Tools & Accessories

Choosing The Right Tools

Using the right tools makes wallpapering quicker, cleaner, and more accurate.

At Decor Clever, we stock accessories specifically chosen for wallpaper hanging, including:

  • Ready-mixed wallpaper adhesives – ideal for heavy, textured, and premium wallpapers
  • Wallpaper brushes – designed to smooth wallpaper without flattening surface texture
  • Paste brushes & rollers – for even adhesive application
  • Trimming tools & blades – for clean, precise edges
    Sponges – for safe removal of excess adhesive

Step 1: Check Your Wallpaper Type

Before starting, always confirm whether your wallpaper is paste the wall or paste the paper. The application method will differ.

Paste the Paper Wallpaper

  • Adhesive is applied to the back of the wallpaper

  • Paper must be folded and allowed to soak before hanging

Paste the Wall Wallpaper

  • Adhesive is applied directly to the wall

  • Wallpaper is hung dry, with no soaking time

Using the wrong method may cause poor adhesion, stretching, shrinkage, or damage.

Hanging Guidance

Choose the correct guidance needed below as per the type of wallpaper being used.

PTP Wallpaper Hanging Guidance

  1. Measure 50cm (20”) from a corner and mark a vertical guideline using a plumb line.

    • Avoid starting near windows or doors where possible.

    • Ensure the roll width will cover the space to the corner, particularly in older properties.

  2. Cut wallpaper lengths, allowing extra for pattern matching and trimming.

  3. Apply adhesive evenly to the entire reverse of the wallpaper using a Decor Clever paste brush or roller.

  4. Fold pasted sides inward and allow to soak for approximately 15 minutes.

    • Do not allow paste to dry; apply more if required.

  5. Position the wallpaper against the guideline. Smooth gently from the centre outwards using a soft wallpaper brush.

  6. Lightly crease and trim excess at the ceiling, skirting boards, and around features using a sharp trimming blade.

  7. Remove excess adhesive immediately with a clean, damp sponge.

  8. Hang subsequent drops in the correct direction, forming tight butt joints and matching patterns carefully.

  9. Once fully dry (usually 24–48 hours), the wallpaper can be painted if required.

PTW Wallpaper Hanging Guidance

  1. Mark a vertical guideline 50cm (20”) from the corner using a plumb line.

  2. Cut wallpaper lengths in advance, allowing for pattern repeat and trimming.

  3. Apply adhesive evenly to the wall only, covering one drop width at a time.

  4. Hang the wallpaper dry, aligning carefully with the guideline.

  5. Smooth gently from the centre outwards using a wallpaper brush, applying only light pressure.

  6. Trim excess at the top and bottom using a sharp blade.

  7. Wipe away any adhesive residue immediately with a damp sponge.

  8. Continue hanging subsequent lengths, ensuring tight butt joints and accurate pattern alignment.

Ceiling Only Wallpaper Hanging Guide

Always follow the same paste type rules for ceilings — confirm whether your wallpaper is paste the wall or paste the paper before starting.

  1. If the ceiling is uneven, consider hanging strips across the shorter width for easier handling.

  2. Mark a guideline 50cm (20”) from the edge of the ceiling.

  3. For paste the paper wallpapers:

    • Apply adhesive to the back using a paste brush

    • Fold and soak for 15 minutes

  4. For paste the wall wallpapers:

    • Apply adhesive directly to the ceiling

    • Hang wallpaper dry

  5. Position the wallpaper along the guideline and smooth gently from the centre outwards using a wallpaper brush.

  6. Crease and trim neatly at edges.

  7. Remove excess adhesive immediately with a damp sponge.

  8. Ensure all lengths are firmly adhered and patterns align correctly.

  9. Allow 24–48 hours drying time before painting.

Final Advice for Best Results

  • Always follow any specific manufacturer instructions provided with your wallpaper.

  • Avoid draughts during drying.

  • Use quality wallpaper tools and adhesives, such as those available from Decor Clever, to achieve the best possible finish.

Wallpaper Hanging Tip

Avoid hard rollers or plastic spatulas on textured wallpapers, as these can permanently flatten the surface. A soft wallpaper brush, available from Decor Clever, is always recommended.

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