Wallpaper school

Wallpaper school – how to hang wallpaper

Many people think hanging wallpaper is tricky, when in fact it’s both simple and a lot of fun. Plus you’ll feel pleased and proud of your finished walls afterwards! Below we have created a simple, eight-step guide that explains how to hang our EasyUp wallpapers.

Step 1 – measure out the first strip of wallpaper

As with any craft, preparation is important. Fill and sand where necessary, to save yourself from niggling imperfections in the long run.

Start in the most eye-catching corner of the room. From there, wallpaper in one direction, followed by the other. This way, any small misses in things like pattern alignment will be less visible. It is very important to hang the first strip straight. For this reason, always use a spirit level and draw a perfectly straight plumb line roughly 53cm into the wall, which is the standard width of our wallpapers.

"Ensure that your line is visible and can be used as a plumb line when hanging your first strip of wallpaper."

Step 2 – apply paste next to skirting boards and cornices

When using our EasyUp wallpapers, you apply adhesive directly to the wall and then hang your wallpaper.

Start by applying the adhesive along the ceiling and floor or skirting boards using a brush. You don’t need to worry about getting adhesive on the skirting boards, as it can easily be wiped off with a damp cloth once the strip of wallpaper is in place.

Step 3 – apply paste to the wall using a roller

Apply adhesive to the wall using a roller. Try to get an even covering across the wall, and remember to go all the way up to the edges.

If you imagine you are applying adhesive for roughly 1.5 strips at a time, you will save yourself from having to make measurements, as well as any mess with adhesives once the strip is on the wall. However, should you notice there is any adhesive missing, you can lift the wallpaper and apply more where needed. You can often adjust your wallpaper for quite a while after the strip has been hung.

"To ensure you have enough adhesive, you should be able to draw an S with your finger down the entire wall you have applied the adhesive to. If you can clearly see that you have run your finger the entire way down the wall, then you have the perfect amount of adhesive."

Step 4 – hang the first strip of wallpaper

Place the wallpaper roll in a holder or trough, or else a clean floor is fine.

Pull the first wallpaper strip up towards the ceiling and lightly affix it at the top. Now check that it is straight, using either a spirit level or the plumb line that you have drawn. Then firmly press down the top of the strip, and cut it along the top edge.

Step 5 – smooth out the wallpaper

Smooth out the rest of the strip using the wallpapering tool, moving from the middle upwards, then from the middle downwards, and finally around the edges. Wipe any residual adhesive from the wallpapering tool after each strip, to prevent it from getting on the wallpaper.

"The wallpapering tool helps you to smooth out the wallpaper and eliminate any air bubbles."

Step 6 – trim the wallpaper to fit at the bottom

Press down the edges and cut the paper at the bottom edge using a wallpaper knife. For a neat edge, use only a sharp razor blade, and change the blades often. Don’t forget that each razor blade has four edges!

Step 7 – align the pattern

Repeat the procedure from step 4. If your wallpaper has a pattern that needs aligning, make sure to align the next strip of wallpaper carefully against the first. You will find information on how to do this on the label on the roll.

"Remember to keep your tools to hand, as this will make the process easier."

Step 8 – clean off any residual paste

Clean off any residual adhesive from the wallpaper using a damp sponge. Our wallpapers aren’t sensitive to water, so don’t be afraid to use generous amounts of water here – it won’t damage the wallpaper. Always clean between each strip.

"Our wallpapers are washable, which means that you can wash off adhesive with a damp sponge as you go."