HOW TO INSTALL PEEL AND STICK WALLPAPER: a step-by-step guide

Thinking about refreshing your space with some beautifulwallpaper?

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced decorator, you can successfully install peel and stick wallpaper — even if you’ve never applied wallpaper before. With a little self-confidence, you’ll find the process comes naturally.

Materials You’ll Need

• Cleaning cloth
• Masking tape
• Utility knife
• Wallpaper Squeegee
• Level
• Step stool or ladder  

PRO TIPS BEFORE YOU START

CLEAN THE WALL

Ensure the wall is in good condition, free from humidity, cracking paint, and moisture. Begin by wiping it down with a dry cloth to remove dust and dirt, then clean the surface with rubbing alcohol before applying wallpaper."

FRESH PAINT

Wallpaper should be installed over painted surfaces, not on raw, unpainted walls. If the wall has been freshly painted, allow at least 4 weeks for the paint to fully cure before applying wallpaper.

IDEAL PAINT FINISHES

Our wallpaper adheres most effectively to walls with a smooth finish, specifically those painted with matte, eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss paints. For best results, avoid highly textured or glossy surfaces, as they may affect the wallpaper's ability to stick properly.

AVOID HIGH TEXTURES

Our peel-and-stick wallpaper is not recommended for highly textured surfaces such as concrete, stucco, or orange peel. For walls with light texture, our pre-pasted wallpaper is a better choice. We suggest ordering a sample to test on your wall before committing to a full purchase.

DARK WALLS

If your wall is painted a dark color and you're applying a lighter wallpaper, it's a good idea to prime the wall first. This helps to create a neutral base, preventing the dark paint from showing through the wallpaper, especially with thinner or light-colored designs.

BUBBLE TROUBLE?

Before applying your wallpaper, it’s important to make sure your wall is clean and dust-free. Dust can cause little air pockets or bubbles, but don’t worry! If you spot any bubbles after applying, just use a hairdryer to gently heat the area, and they’ll vanish in no time!

APPLICATION METHOD

To apply your wallpaper, begin on the right side of the wall and work your way from top to bottom. As you position the wallpaper, use a smoothing tool or your hand to press it firmly against the wall. Start smoothing from the center of the strip outward toward the edges to push out any air bubbles. This method ensures the wallpaper adheres evenly and prevents wrinkles or trapped air from causing bumps.

CAREFUL WITH ADHESIVE

Once you peel off the white backing, the adhesive side of the wallpaper is exposed and ready to apply. Be careful to keep the sticky side straight and smooth—avoid letting the wallpaper fold onto itself, as it can be tricky to separate without damaging the adhesive or the design. Working slowly and steadily will help you keep the wallpaper aligned and prevent any unwanted creases or folds.

LET'S START WALLPAPERING!

Step 1: Prepare Your Panels

Layout Panels: Before starting, lay out all panels, ensuring they face the same direction. For murals or designs spanning multiple panels, look for the labels on the back, starting with number ONE.
Vertical Installation: Remember, panels are installed vertically only.

Step 2: Mark Your Starting Point

Choose Your Starting Panel: We recommend starting in a corner if your wallpaper covers an entire wall.
Use a Level: Mark a plumb vertical line on your wall. Trusting molding or corners alone can lead to uneven results. A level is essential for a straight application.
Allow for Overlap: Ensure at least an inch of overlap at the ceiling to account for any uneven lines.

Step 3: Place the First Panel

Position the Panel: Peel the adhesive back from the top 15-20 inches and tack the panel into place.
Peel and Stick: Continue peeling the white backing at a 45-degree angle as you press the wallpaper onto the wall.

Step 4: Smooth It Out

Use Your Squeegee: With the wallpaper squeegee, smooth the panel from the middle outwards. This helps eliminate any bubbles.

Step 5: Continue Installing

Repeat: Follow the same steps for each panel until the wall is completely covered. Trim Excess: Use a sharp utility knife to cut off any excess wallpaper that overlaps onto the ceiling or baseboards. Follow the natural line to ensure a seamless finish.
Match Patterns: For each strip, match the pattern with the previous one for a cohesive look.

FINAL THOUGHTS

With these straightforward instructions, your peel & stick wallpaper installation will be a breeze! Take your time, enjoy the process, and watch your space transform beautifully. Happy decorating!

Repeat patterns vs murals?

Wallpapers havea repeat pattern and offer a regular uniformed look, while murals offer alarger design across multiple panels without a periodical repeat. Every panel ofthe mural is different and is meant to line up the one next to it.

Hiring a pro?

Before purchasing consult with your wallpaper Installer about your project and the materials you are looking at purchasing. Provide them with samples if possible.   ·        Below that, can we have the slider of “best sellers” but two rows. And instead of having them the same size as the home page, can we have them smaller, closer to the size of the Instagram feed, but not the whole width of the page, but within the current grid

So why wallpaper, you ask? Because life’s too short for boring walls! We offer a curated collection of designs, ranging from the whimsical to the sophisticated. Plus, our products are easy to apply, so you can spend less time wrestling with paste and more time enjoying your fabulous new space.

We’re here to inspire you to fall in love with your living spaces. If you have questions or need estimates, feel free to reach out via email at info@justforyouwalldecals.com and we’ll respond promptly.