DIY & DECORATING
Your first wallpapered wall starts with good preparation.
A sound surface, the right paste and a straight first drop make a real difference. Use this guide to plan the job, then follow the hanging instructions on your chosen roll.
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- Prepare the wall first
- Match the paste to the wallpaper
- Take your time over the first drop
Before you open a roll
Read the label and inspect every roll for the correct design, colour and batch. Check the surface condition and any special hanging directions before cutting: a product may need paste on the paper, paste on the wall or a specific adhesive. Wallpaper murals and specialist materials need their own instructions.
Move furniture out of the way, protect the floor and arrange safe access to the top of the wall. Set out a tape measure, pencil, level or plumb line, the recommended paste and applicator, smoothing brush or tool, clean sponge and suitable trimming tools. Keep blades safely stored and change them as needed.
A practical order for the job
- Make the surface sound. Remove loose material and old paper as needed. Repair defects, let repairs dry and prepare porous or painted surfaces as the adhesive and wallpaper instructions require. Do not paper over unresolved damp.
- Plan the pattern. Decide where the most visible full drop will sit and how the design will meet doorways, features and corners. Check how the pattern matches before cutting the next length.
- Mark a true vertical. Use a level or plumb line for the first drop. Do not assume a corner or doorframe is straight.
- Use the correct paste method. For paste-the-paper products, follow the stated soaking time. For paste-the-wall products, paste a manageable area so the adhesive does not dry before the paper is hung.
- Hang and smooth gently. Position the first drop against your line and smooth as instructed. Match the next drop carefully without stretching the paper or forcing the edges together.
- Trim and clean as directed. Allow the specified trimming margin, protect nearby finishes and deal with paste residue promptly using the product’s cleaning advice. Let the paper dry under the recommended conditions.
Around sockets and switches
Wallpapering should not involve working on live electrical parts. Avoid getting paste or water into fittings. If a fitting needs removing or moving, or you are unsure how to make the work safe, get help from a qualified electrician.
The bits worth slowing down for
Corners, recesses and a strong repeat take more planning than a plain open wall. Follow the manufacturer’s corner method rather than trying to carry one full width around an uneven corner. Recheck the vertical on the next wall. Save useful offcuts until the job is complete.
For an expensive pattern or a complicated room, a decorator’s experience can be worth having. Describe the wallpaper type, wall condition, room dimensions and any stripping or preparation you want included in the quote.
Common problems you can prevent
| Problem | What to check |
|---|---|
| The first strip drifts | Set a true vertical before the first drop, then check alignment as you work. |
| The pattern runs out | Plan the repeat and match before cutting. Keep each drop the right way up unless the instructions say otherwise. |
| Edges or bubbles appear | Check surface preparation, paste suitability, soaking and smoothing instructions. Avoid inventing a fix that could stain or damage the finish. |
| A second order looks different | Check batch numbers and quantity before starting the room. |
For detailed demonstrations, see the manufacturer’s wallpaper hanging videos. Instructions supplied with your wallpaper take priority over general advice.
Keep your project moving
Ready to choose the paper?
Look for a design and hanging method that suit your room and your confidence with the job.
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Reviewed 2 October 2026. These guides provide general project information. Follow the instructions for the products you choose and ask a suitable tradesperson when the work needs specialist skills.