Inspiration

How to wallpaper: 1838 Guide to Hanging Wallpaper

How to hang wallpaper

Now that you’ve finished Preparing for Wallpaper you can begin to transform your room. Just gather a few tools and you’re ready to start.

Watch our 2 minute How to hang wallpaper video showing the easy steps to install 1838 wallpaper.

Here are the simple steps shown in our video for wallpapering with paste the wall wallpaper:

  1. Ensure wall is smooth and clean
  2. If not, add wall filler and smooth with sandpaper
  3. Always work from left to right
  4. Measure a plumb line a little less than the roll width
  5. Apply paste directly to the wall with the roller, pasting a little way over the plumb line
  6. Paste into the corners and edges with a brush
  7. Line up the right side of the first drop with the plumb line and hang
  8. Smooth out towards the edges with smoother
  9. Trim the bottom, top and side with a knife
  10. Paste the next wall section to just over a roll width
  11. Match up the pattern for the 2nd drop and slide it into place
  12. If you get any paste on the front of the paper, wipe off gently with a clean, damp cloth
  13. Repeat for the rest of the wall space
  14. Sit back and admire!

 Tools needed to hang wallpaper

  • Scissors
  • Knife
  • Plumb line
  • Wallpaper paste
  • Smoother
  • For spreading the paste – a brush, roller & tray

And that’s it!

Where to start wallpapering

Ensure your rolls of wallpaper all have the same batch reference. The batch reference is a letter and is shown on the roll label underneath the repeat information eg. Batch: B

There can be very slight variations of colour between wallpaper batches, so it’s best to check your rolls all carry the same reference. This is also something we check before dispatching your order.

We always recommend starting at the left-hand corner of your wall and wallpapering from left to right.

The only exception would be if you are creating a feature wall on a focal point like a fireplace. In this case you want to ensure the design is centralised, so start level with the middle of the fireplace and work your way outwards from both sides.

How to hang wallpaper straight using a plumb line

A plumb line or plumb bob is simply a piece of string with a weight at the end, but it ensures your first drop of wallpaper is hung completely straight. To draw a plumb line:

  1. Hold your wallpaper roll against the wall and mark a few centimetres less than the roll width.
  2. Using this mark, hold your plumb line level with it and mark a couple of other points down the string for the plumb line.
  3. You can now use these marks as a guide to line up the right edge of your first drop. The left side will need the excess few centimetres trimming off along the corner.

Hanging wallpaper tips

Our expert tips for stress-free wallpapering and a superb, finished look

  • Take the time to prepare your walls so they’re smooth and clean
  • Use a plumb line to ensure your wallpapering is straight, especially as your walls may not be
  • Always cut with a sharp knife or scissors for a clean, smooth edge
  • Have a damp cloth at the ready to wipe up any excess paste quickly and don’t allow paste to dry on the front of the wallpaper
  • Using “paste the wall” wallpaper really is twice as quick as standard paper
  • Always chose a high quality wallpaper like 1838. Not only can you see and feel the difference compared with standard wallpapers, it will also be easier to hang
  • Get your family or friends involved and enjoy your decorating!

We hope the video and tips have helped you get your wallpapering project started. Happy Decorating!

If you haven’t already selected your new wallpaper design, Shop All Wallpaper to browse the complete collection. You can filter by Colour, Style or Room to edit down the options and samples are available of every pattern to start planning your new interior scheme.

If you need any further advice on installing our wallpapers, give us a call on 01254 397 631, or drop us an email to info@1838wallcoverings.com and one of the team will be happy to help.

Alternatively, if you simply don’t have any free time to wallpaper yourself, you could contact a decorator who’s a member of the Painting and Decorating Association. PDA members are experienced professionals who commit to the Association’s Code of Practice and are fully insured for your peace of mind. Enter your postcode in the Find a Painter & Decorator box at the bottom of their home page Painting and Decorating Association

 

This information has been supplied in good faith, but without guarantee. Room conditions are beyond our control. It is the responsibility of the buyer to ensure the environment is suitable for wallpaper and that it is installed safely and correctly.