Are you ready to update your home decor with a fresh coat of wallpaper? Hanging wallpaper can seem like a daunting task, but fear not - with the right materials and a little bit of know-how, anyone can do it. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps for hanging 3 different types of wallpaper: paste the paper, paste the wall, and self-adhesive. And the best part? We sell all 3 types of wallpaper at Ruth Designs, so you can find the perfect vintage, unique, or quirky wallpaper style to suit your home.
Materials You'll Need:
- Wallpaper of your choice
- Wallpaper paste or water bottle with sprayer (if using paste the paper or spray the wall)
- Scissors
- Wallpaper smoother or brush
- Tape measure
- Spirit level
- Craft knife or wallpaper trimming tool
- Pencil
- Wallpaper brush or roller (if using paste the paper or paste the wall)
- Step ladder (if needed)
Hanging Paste the Paper Wallpaper:
- Measure your walls to determine how much wallpaper you'll need. Remember to add a little extra for trimming and matching the pattern.
- Cut the wallpaper into strips, making sure to match the pattern if applicable.
- Apply wallpaper paste to the back of the paper using a brush or roller.
- Fold the paper in half, pasted sides together, and let it rest for a few minutes to activate the adhesive.
- Position the paper at the top of the wall, leaving a little extra at the top and bottom for trimming.
- Smooth the paper onto the wall, starting from the centre and working outwards to remove any air bubbles or wrinkles.
- Use a wallpaper smoother or brush to smooth the paper down and remove any excess paste.
- Trim the excess paper at the top and bottom using a craft knife or wallpaper trimming tool.
- Repeat with the next strip of wallpaper, making sure to match the pattern and overlap the edges slightly.
Hanging 'Spray the Wall' Wallpaper:
- Measure your walls to determine how much wallpaper you'll need.
- Cut the wallpaper into strips, making sure to match the pattern if applicable.
- Spray the wall with water, which activates the adhesive on the wallpaper, covering an area slightly wider than the width of the wallpaper strip.
- Immediately position the paper at the top of the wall, leaving a little extra at the top and bottom for trimming.
- Smooth the paper onto the wall, starting from the centre and working outwards to remove any air bubbles or wrinkles.
- Use a wallpaper smoother or brush to smooth the paper down and remove any excess adhesive.
- Trim the excess paper at the top and bottom using a craft knife or wallpaper trimming tool.
- Repeat with the next strip of wallpaper, making sure to match the pattern and overlap the edges slightly.
Hanging Premium Self-Adhesive 'Peel & Stick' Wallpaper:
- Measure your walls to determine how much wallpaper you'll need.
- Cut the wallpaper into strips, making sure to match the pattern if applicable.
- Peel the backing off the self-adhesive peel and stick paper and position it at the top of the wall, leaving a little extra at the top and bottom for trimming.
- Smooth the paper onto the wall, starting from the centre and working outwards to remove any air bubbles or wrinkles.
- Use a wallpaper smoother or brush to smooth the paper down and remove any excess paste.
- Trim the excess paper at the top and bottom using a craft knife or wallpaper trimming tool.
- Repeat with the next strip of wallpaper, making sure to match the pattern and overlap the edges slightly.
Tips for Hanging Wallpaper:
- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific wallpaper type.
- Use a spirit level to ensure your wallpaper is hanging straight. If you're hanging patterned wallpaper, make sure to match the pattern at the seams for a seamless look.
- Be patient and take your time - rushing can lead to mistakes and uneven wallpaper.
- If you're using paste the paper or paste the wall wallpaper, make sure to let the wallpaper rest for a few minutes after applying paste to allow the adhesive to activate.
At Ruth Designs, we offer a range of vintage, unique, and quirky wallpaper styles that are perfect for any home. Whether you're looking for a bold statement wall or a subtle accent, we've got you covered. Our wallpapers are available in all 3 types: paste the paper (standard wallpaper 120 gsm), spray the wall (premium wallpaper 173gsm), and self-adhesive (350gsm), so you can choose the best option for your needs.
Some of our most popular wallpaper styles include:
- Songbird Garden Repeat Pattern Wallpaper: A charming wallpaper featuring a striking mainly red and pinks repeat pattern of delicate songbirds, flowers, and foliage.
- Rose Garden Repeat Pattern Wallpaper: A beautiful wallpaper featuring a repeat pattern of blooming roses in soft shades of pink, blue, white and green.
- Astronomer Repeat Pattern Wallpaper: A quirky wallpaper featuring a repeat pattern of an astronomer with his books and telescope, looking at the planets, stars, and constellations, perfect for any budding astronomer.