How to Wallpaper a Room for the First Time

Wallpapering a room involves measuring and cutting wallpaper, applying adhesive paste, and smoothing the paper onto clean, prepped walls while maintaining proper alignment and removing air bubbles.

1. Prime Your Canvas Clean. Remove all furniture or cover with plastic sheeting. Strip old wallpaper completely and fill any holes or cracks with spackle. Sand rough spots smooth and wipe walls clean with a damp cloth. Prime the walls with wallpaper primer to ensure proper adhesion and easier removal later.
2. Map Your Starting Point. Measure the room's perimeter and ceiling height. Add 4 inches to each strip length for trimming. Start hanging from the least visible corner or behind a door. Mark a plumb vertical line using a level and pencil as your guide for the first strip.
3. Cut Everything First. Unroll wallpaper on a clean, flat surface with the pattern face down. Measure and cut strips with 2 inches extra at top and bottom. Number each strip on the back to maintain pattern sequence. Cut all strips before beginning installation.
4. Coat and Book the Strip. Mix wallpaper paste according to package directions. Using a paste brush or roller, apply paste evenly to the back of your first strip, working from center outward. Pay special attention to edges. Fold the pasted strip loosely in half and let it rest for the recommended booking time.
5. Anchor Your First Strip. Unfold the top half of your first strip and position it along your plumb line. Leave 2 inches overlap at the ceiling. Smooth from center outward using a wallpaper brush or smoothing tool. Unfold the bottom half and continue smoothing, eliminating air bubbles as you work.
6. Match and Repeat. Apply paste to the next strip and position it edge-to-edge with the first strip, matching the pattern carefully. Overlap slightly then slide into perfect alignment. Smooth each strip thoroughly, working out air bubbles toward the edges.
7. Cut Clean Edges. Use a sharp utility knife and straightedge to trim excess paper at ceiling and baseboards. Score lightly first, then cut through completely. Change knife blades frequently for clean cuts. Wipe away any paste residue immediately with a damp sponge.
8. Master the Tricky Spots. At inside corners, wrap wallpaper around the corner by half an inch, then start the next wall with a fresh strip. For outside corners, wrap completely around and trim excess. Cut around outlets and switches with a sharp knife, leaving small tabs to tuck behind cover plates.