How to Install Your Wallpaper

Tools You Will Need

Before you start, gather everything you need so you won't have to stop mid-installation. Having the right tools makes the difference between a frustrating experience and a smooth, enjoyable one.

• Measuring tape — a steel tape is most accurate for wall dimensions
• Level or plumb line — essential for getting your first panel perfectly vertical
• Sharp utility knife — with extra blades; a dull blade tears wallpaper
• Wallpaper smoother — a plastic smoother or squeegee for pressing out air bubbles
• Clean sponge — for wiping away excess paste immediately
• Wallpaper paste — required only for paste-the-wall type wallpapers
• Pencil — for marking guidelines on the wall

Wall Preparation

Proper wall preparation is the single most important step. Skipping this stage is the number one reason wallpaper fails to adhere properly or develops bubbles over time. Take your time here and the installation itself will be much easier.

Your wall must be clean, dry, and smooth. Remove any old wallpaper, nails, hooks, or wall fixtures. Wipe the surface with a damp cloth to remove dust and cobwebs, then let it dry completely.

If the wall has been freshly painted with flat emulsion paint, wait at least 30 days before applying wallpaper. The paint needs to cure fully; otherwise, the wallpaper adhesive can pull the paint right off the wall.

Fill any cracks with wall filler and let it dry. Sand down any bumps or rough patches until the surface is uniformly smooth. If your wall has patches of different colours or textures, or if the plaster is very porous, apply a coat of wallpaper primer or sizing. This creates an even surface and improves adhesion dramatically.

Peel-and-Stick Installation Method

Peel-and-stick wallpaper is the easiest type to install and is perfect for renters or anyone who wants a commitment-free option. No paste, no mess, and fully repositionable during installation.

1. Step 1 — Peel the backing about 6 inches (15 cm). Do not remove the entire backing at once. Peel just the top portion and fold the rest of the backing down so it stays out of your way.
2. Step 2 — Align the top edge of the panel to the ceiling line or your marked guideline. Use your level to ensure the panel is perfectly vertical. Press the exposed adhesive section onto the wall firmly. If it's not straight, peel it off gently and reposition — that's the beauty of peel-and-stick.
3. Step 3 — Smooth the panel downward, gradually pulling the backing away as you go. Use your smoother tool to press from the centre outward, pushing air bubbles toward the edges. Work slowly and methodically. When hanging adjacent panels, overlap them by approximately 2 mm, then use your sharp knife to trim through both layers for a perfect butt joint.

Paste-the-Wall Installation Method

Paste-the-wall is the traditional professional method and works with non-woven, premium paper, and canvas wallpapers. The paste goes on the wall, not on the paper — this makes handling much easier and reduces the risk of tearing.

1. Step 1 — Mix your wallpaper paste according to the manufacturer's instructions. Use the exact water-to-paste ratio specified. Let the paste rest for the recommended time (usually 5–10 minutes) before use. The consistency should be smooth and lump-free.
2. Step 2 — Roll the paste directly onto the wall, not onto the paper. Use a medium-nap paint roller and cover an area slightly wider than one panel width. Apply an even coat — too little paste causes poor adhesion, too much causes oozing at the seams.
3. Step 3 — Hang the first panel perfectly plumb. Use your level or plumb line to draw a vertical guideline on the wall. Align the edge of your first panel to this line. This is critical — if the first panel is even slightly off, every subsequent panel will compound the error.
4. Step 4 — Smooth out all air bubbles. Starting from the top centre, use your smoother to press the wallpaper firmly against the wall. Work outward toward the edges and downward. Take your time with this step; trapped air bubbles are the most common complaint after installation.
5. Step 5 — Trim the excess at the top and bottom with your sharp knife. Press the wallpaper into the crease where the wall meets the ceiling (or cornice) and the skirting board. Run your knife along a straight edge for a clean cut. Replace your blade frequently — a sharp blade makes clean cuts, a dull one tears.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Finish

These tips come from our installation team who have hung thousands of square feet of wallpaper across Gujarat and beyond. Small details make a big difference in the final result.

• Start from a focal point. Identify the wall or area that draws the eye first when entering the room. Begin your installation there so the pattern alignment is perfect where it matters most.
• Work away from the main light source. Seams are less visible when you hang panels moving away from windows or primary light sources. This creates a shadow pattern that conceals joints.
• Use a laser level. A small self-levelling laser level costs under ₹500 and saves enormous time. It projects a perfectly vertical line on the wall, eliminating guesswork.
• Keep a damp sponge handy for paste cleanup. Wipe any paste that squeezes out at the seams immediately. Dried paste leaves a shiny residue that is very difficult to remove later.
• Maintain consistent room temperature. Avoid installing wallpaper in extremely hot or cold conditions. Ideal temperature is between 18°C and 28°C with moderate humidity.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful installation, small issues can arise. Here is how to fix the most common problems quickly and effectively.

• Air bubbles: Small bubbles often disappear as the paste dries (give it 24–48 hours). For stubborn bubbles, prick the centre with a fine pin or needle, then smooth the air out toward the pinhole with your smoother. The tiny hole will be invisible once flat.
• Seam lifting: If an edge starts to peel away from the wall, apply a small amount of wallpaper paste or seam adhesive under the lifted area using a small brush. Press firmly and wipe away any excess immediately with your damp sponge.
• Pattern mismatch: If your pattern doesn't align between panels, check that you are hanging the panels in the correct order. Our panels are numbered — always follow the numbering sequence. If the mismatch is more than 2–3 mm, contact our support team before continuing.