How to Wallpaper: The Best Preparation and Hanging Tips

Wallpaper can completely transform a room, but the best results come from careful preparation. Whether you are tackling one feature wall or decorating an entire home, taking time to prepare properly will help your wallpaper look smoother, last longer and give your room a professional finish.

Prepare the walls first

Good preparation is the foundation of successful wallpapering. Start by removing old wallpaper, loose paint, dust, dirt and any flaky areas. Fill cracks, holes and dents, then sand the surface smooth once the filler has dried. The wall should be clean, dry and as even as possible before you begin.

If the wall is freshly plastered or especially porous, apply a suitable sealer or wallpaper primer. This helps control how quickly the paste dries and makes future removal easier. Dark or strongly coloured walls may also need a primer or lining paper to prevent the original colour showing through.

Measure carefully and plan your layout

Measure the height and width of each wall, allowing extra wallpaper for pattern matching, trimming and unexpected imperfections. Check the pattern repeat and use it to plan where each drop will sit. It is often best to begin near a natural focal point, such as a chimney breast or main window, rather than relying on a corner that may not be perfectly straight.

Use the right tools and materials

Before you start, make sure you have everything to hand:

• Wallpaper paste suitable for your chosen wallpaper

• A sharp trimming knife and spare blades

• A pasting table, paste brush or roller

• A wallpaper brush or smoothing tool

• A plumb line or spirit level

• A clean sponge, bucket and measuring tape

  
  

Hang the wallpaper with care

Follow the manufacturer's instructions, as paste-the-wall and paste-the-paper products are applied differently. Work from the top down, align the first drop accurately and smooth the paper gently from the centre outwards to remove air bubbles. Avoid stretching the wallpaper, and wipe away paste immediately with a clean, damp sponge.

Keep checking the pattern as you work. Matching the design at each join is more important than rushing, and a sharp blade will give you cleaner edges around skirting boards, ceilings, sockets and corners.

Wallpaper by Graham & Brown, Superfresco Easy, Wren Stone

Choose wallpaper with confidence

At A & B Trade Paints, we sell wallpaper online and in store, making it easy to browse styles and order for your project. Our store also has hundreds of designer wallpaper books available to view in person, so you can compare colours, textures and pattern scales before making your choice. If you are unsure which paper, paste or preparation product is right for your walls, our team will be happy to help.

Final tips for a professional finish

1. Do not skip wall preparation, even if the surface looks fairly smooth.

2. Use a level or plumb line to make sure your first drop is straight.

3. Keep your hands and tools clean to avoid marking the paper.

4. Allow the wallpaper to dry naturally and avoid excessive heat.

5. Order enough wallpaper from the same batch to keep colours consistent.

   
   

With the right preparation, materials and a little patience, wallpapering is a project you can achieve with confidence. Visit A & B Trade Paints online or in store to explore our wallpaper collection and designer books.