Introduction
Transforming your space – learn to hang peel and stick wallpaper. It is an exciting and accessible way to refresh any room. With the right preparation, tools, and techniques, you can achieve a professional finish. This is true even if you’re a first-time installer. This guide combines expert advice to walk you through the entire process. We cover everything from preparation to installation, ensuring a smooth and successful project.
Choosing the Right Wallpaper
Selecting high-quality, heavier wallpaper is crucial for a successful installation. Lightweight, paper-thin wallpaper can be difficult to work with, prone to tearing. It can also be challenging to align. Our vinyl peel and stick wallpaper offers the best option for DIY installation—it’s durable, easy to handle, and can be repositioned as needed.
Preparation to Hang Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Before diving into the installation, proper preparation is key to ensuring your wallpaper adheres correctly and looks flawless.
Supplies:
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- Tools (included in the install kit): Breakaway knife, felt squeegee
- Additional Tools: Tape measure, pencil, level, straight edge, step ladder, seam roller
- Materials: Peel & stick wallpaper rolls, repair compound (if needed)
- For Complicated Installations: Primer for challenging surfaces, painter’s tape to protect adjacent areas
Surface Preparation:
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- Clean the Walls: Wipe down your walls with a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt. Let the walls dry completely to ensure proper adhesion.
- Ensure Smooth Surfaces: Make sure the walls are smooth, flat, and free of dust or grease. Sand any rough areas and repair holes or cracks.
Measuring the Wall:
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- Measure the width and height of your wall to determine the amount of wallpaper needed.
- Consider the pattern repeat when calculating the number of rolls. Always add extra length to account for alignment and mistakes.
- Round up measurements to ensure enough material is available.
Hang Your Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Mark Guidelines:
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- Use a level and pencil to draw vertical guidelines for each strip. Start from the left corner or the center of the wall. This ensures straight application, especially if your ceilings aren’t perfectly level.
Cutting Strips:
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- Cut wallpaper strips slightly longer than needed. This allows extra inches at the top and bottom for trimming. Use a breakaway knife for precision.
Peel and Stick:
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- Begin by peeling back a few inches of the backing from the top. Align the strip with the guideline and press onto the wall. Then smooth with a felt squeegee as you go to avoid air bubbles.
Seam Alignment and Trimming:
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- Carefully align the edges of each strip without overlapping. Match patterns at the seams and use a seam roller to press the edges firmly.
- Trim excess wallpaper at the ceiling, baseboard, and around fixtures. Use a straight edge and breakaway knife.
Handling Common Challenges
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- Air Bubbles: If air bubbles form, puncture them with a pin and smooth out the area.
- Corners and Edges: For inside corners, cut the wallpaper to fit snugly, allowing for slight overlap. For outside corners, wrap the wallpaper around the edge for a seamless look.
- Obstacles: Turn off the power and remove outlet covers. Wallpaper over the area. Then cut out around outlets and switches before replacing the covers.
The Importance of Extra Panels
To ensure a seamless finish, it’s advisable to buy one extra panel of wallpaper. This accounts for any errors in measurement or installation. It, also, ensures consistency in the ink run, avoiding potential color mismatches.
Great Rewards Doing It Right
Installing peel and stick wallpaper can be a rewarding DIY project when done right. By following these steps and taking your time, you can achieve a beautifully wallpapered space that enhances your home’s style and sophistication. Always remember to measure carefully, work methodically, and have an extra panel on hand for the best results.
Additional Help to Hang Peel and Stick Wallpaper
I found the below video to be a great resource for my readers. Sarah at Grace In My Space is not endorsing this blog or any of my products. I do recommend her channel as a great resource for interior design, home styling, recipes and budget friendly projects.
Video by @GraceInMySpace*
See Our Peel and Stick Wallpaper
View our portfolio to see our designs.