Introduction
Installing peel & stick wallpaper is a simple and transformative way to refresh any room. With the right tools and a bit of preparation, you can achieve professional-looking results without the hassle and mess of traditional wallpapering methods. This guide will walk you through each step, from preparation to installation and care, ensuring a smooth and successful project. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a first-time wallpaper hanger, you'll find these instructions clear and easy to follow.
Preparation
Supplies
- Tools (included in the install kit): Breakaway knife, felt squeegee
- Additional Tools: Tape measure, pencil, level, straight edge, step ladder, seam roller
- Materials: Peel & stick wallpaper rolls, repair compound (if needed)
Additional Supplies for Complicated Installations
- Primer: For walls with old paint or difficult surfaces, apply a wallpaper primer to ensure better adhesion.
- Painter’s Tape: Use to protect adjacent surfaces and to help position the first strip correctly.
Clean
- Walls: Wipe walls with a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt.
- Drying: Let the walls dry completely to ensure good adhesion.
Surface
- Smooth Surface: Ensure walls are smooth and free of dust, grease, or moisture. Sand any rough areas lightly if necessary.
- Repairs: Repair any imperfections, such as holes or cracks, and let the repair compound dry completely.
Measuring
Height and Width
- Measurements: Measure the height and width of the wall to determine the amount of wallpaper needed.
Calculate Rolls
- Pattern Repeat: Consider the pattern repeat when calculating the number of rolls. Add extra length to account for alignment and mistakes.
- Roll Quantity: Calculate the total square footage and divide by the coverage area per roll to determine the number of rolls needed. Round up to ensure enough wallpaper.
Hanging
Mark Guidelines
- Vertical Guidelines: Use a level and pencil to draw vertical guidelines for each strip, starting from the left corner or the center of the wall if working outwards.
Cut Strips
- Allow Extra: Cut wallpaper strips, allowing a few extra inches at the top and bottom for trimming. Use the breakaway knife from the install kit for precise cuts.
Peel and Stick
- Starting: Peel back a few inches of the backing from the top.
- Aligning: Align the strip with the guideline and press onto the wall.
- Smoothing: Smooth the strip with the felt squeegee from the install kit as you peel off more backing, working from the top down to avoid air bubbles and wrinkles.
Seam Alignment and Trimming
- Seams: Align the edges of the wallpaper strips carefully without overlapping. Butt the seams together for a seamless look.
- Pattern Matching: Pay close attention to the pattern and ensure it matches perfectly at the seams. Adjust the strips as necessary to align the patterns.
- Pressing the Seams: Use a seam roller to press the edges firmly, ensuring the wallpaper adheres well to the wall and the seams are smooth.
- Trimming: Use a straight-edge and the breakaway knife from the install kit to trim excess wallpaper at the ceiling, baseboard, and around fixtures.
Tips and Troubleshooting
- Pattern Alignment: Pay extra attention to aligning patterns. Adjust as needed before pressing firmly.
- Air Bubbles: If air bubbles form, use a pin to puncture and release the air, then smooth out the area.
- Corners and Edges: For inside corners, measure and cut the wallpaper to fit the angle snugly, allowing for slight overlap. For outside corners, wrap the wallpaper around the corner for a seamless look.
- Electrical Outlets and Switches: Turn off the power. Remove the outlet covers, and then wallpaper over the area. Cut out the wallpaper around the outlets and switches before replacing the covers.
Maintenance
Cleaning
- Wipe: When cleaning the wallpaper, wipe with a damp cloth. Avoid harsh cleaners which can damage the material.
Removing
- Peel: When removing, gently peel from a top corner and pull down at a 45-degree angle to avoid wall damage. If the wallpaper resists, use a hairdryer or heat gun to warm the adhesive for easier removal.