How to Hang Peel and Stick Wallpaper

Before you begin transforming your space, determine how much wallpaper you need. Start by measuring the room's height and depth with a tape measure. Then use this wallpaper calculator to find out how many rolls you’ll need for your project. Next, gather the following tools:

• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Level
• Sanding block
• Sponge or cloth
• Wallpaper
• Hobby knife
• Smoothing tool

Tip: If your walls are newly painted, wait three days before applying peel-and-stick wallpaper.

• Turn off the power at the main source.
• Remove all faceplates and socket covers.
• Remove pictures, mirrors, towel bars.
• Gently remove any mounts, hangers and nails.
• Remove your light fixtures or wallpaper around them. Create a two-piece cardboard template of the area around the fixture and cut the wallpaper to fit.
• Use a gentle cleanser and sponge or cloth and to remove dirt from walls.

Tip: If you’re applying peel and stick wallpaper in a kitchen, consider using a mild degreaser or dish soap to clean the walls. Allow to dry thoroughly.

A hanging guide will make sure your first strip is straight and even. To make a guide:

• Measure the width of your wall with a tape measure.
• Starting from the left side of your wall, mark the wall lightly on the right with a pencil.
• Put your level on this mark and draw a straight vertical line.
• Use this guide to hang your first strip.
• Measure the height of the wall along this line.

Tip: Since floors and ceilings are rarely level and square to walls, add a couple of inches to this length to allow for trimming.

• Roll your wallpaper out until it is as long as the height of the wall. Always add an extra 2-3 inches to match patterns or to adjust for an uneven ceiling or floor.
• Using a straight edge, cut your strip of wallpaper evenly with a razor blade or scissors.
• Repeat until you have enough strips to cover the walls.

Hang one strip of wallpaper at a time. To hang:

• Peel back about 12 inches of the backing on one strip.
• Make sure the pattern is facing you.
• Align the edge with the hanging guide that was drawn in step 3. Leave the paper a bit long at the ceiling.
• Slowly peel and stick the paper as you make your way down the wall.

Once you hang your wallpaper strip:

• Use a plastic smoother to get rid of the air bubbles.
• Press the plastic smoother firmly. Don't press it too hard and tear the wallpaper. Repeat with each strip.

Tip: When adding wallpaper along a window, line the wallpaper up along the top and side of the window. Cut along the edge with a utility knife and smooth the wallpaper down.

Wallpaper with repeating patterns or textures look best when the pattern is aligned and matched.

• Place the second strip next to the first. Starting at the top, line this strip up with the first strip and adjust. This is where the extra inches you cut will come in handy.
• Once you’re satisfied that the pattern is matching, peel back about 12 inches of the backing.
• Peel and stick the paper down the wall.
• Trim overlap.
• Repeat until the wall is covered.

Tip: Some manufacturers provide instructions for matching intricate patterns.

Many people install peel-and-stick wallpaper in their bedrooms or living rooms. You can also use it in other areas of your home, too. For example, when using peel and stick paper in your bathroom or kitchen, opt for a product that’s moisture resistant. This will prevent damage if it’s accidentally splashed on.

If you don’t want a whole wall of wallpaper:

• Use peel-and-stick wallpaper borders that run along the edges of your walls as a fun accent.
• For a pop of texture, consider using peel-and-stick wallpaper panels. These three-dimensional panels are designed to resemble materials like brick or stone.

Installing peel-and-stick wallpaper is a quick and easy DIY project. Below are a few tips for getting a professional result:

• Installing peel and stick wallpaper is much quicker and easier with two people. As you work, one person can hold up the strip and smooth it onto the wall while the other peels the backing off.
• Ceilings aren't perfectly straight. Use a level to create a vertical guideline and align the wallpaper against it.
• Use any wallpaper trimmings to fill in any gaps or corners.
• Be careful not to pull the peel and stick wallpaper too firmly. It can stretch and prevent any pattern from lining up perfectly.