How to Install Pre-Pasted Wallpaper

Elevate your space effortlessly with our user-friendly wallpaper installation guide!


Step 1: Inspect and Prepare the Wall

  • Ensure the wall is clean, dry, and smooth.
  • Size or apply a wallpaper liner for non-smooth surfaces.
  • Remove old coverings and address imperfections.
  • Use Shieldz Universal Wallcovering Primer, excluding freshly painted walls (allow the paint to dry for at least 4 weeks).

Step 2: Gather Your Supplies

  • Assemble your toolkit, including Wallpaper, Measuring tape, Scissors, Drop cloth, Wallpaper tray, Sponge, Bucket, Clean rag, Straightedge, Pencil, Level, Craft knife with extra blades, Smoothing tool, Step ladder, and an Apron or clothing with pockets.

Step 3: Cut Wallpaper Strips

  • Pre-cut strips to match the wall height, leaving an extra inch or two for trimming.
  • Align the design from strip to strip for a seamless pattern.
  • Mark the starting point using a plumb line, measuring the width of pre-pasted 24-inch rolls.

Step 4: Activate the Paste

  • Submerge the rolled wallpaper in water, ideally in a wallpaper tray, for 10 to 15 seconds to activate the adhesive.
  • Slowly pull the leading edge out of the tray, glue-side up.

Step 5: Book the Wallpaper

  • Lay the wallpaper on the floor glue-side up, fold the glue side against itself for about a minute (avoid creasing).
  • Ensure consistent soaking and booking time for each panel.

Step 6: Position the First Strip

  • Unfold the top half of the wallpaper, leaving the bottom half booked.
  • Position the glue-exposed portion at the top of the wall, aligning with the plumb line.
  • Allow an inch on the top, bottom, and edge for trimming.

Step 7: Apply and Smooth the Wallpaper

  • Unfold the wallpaper to expose the remaining glued surface.
  • Using a damp sponge, smooth downward and outward.
  • Avoid over-smoothing; bubbles smaller than a U.S. quarter will dissipate as the wallcovering sets.

Step 8: Trim the Edges

  • Carefully trim the edges with a sharp craft knife, changing the blade frequently to minimize tearing.

Step 9: Apply the Remaining Strips

  • Ensure a perfect pattern match and tight seams.
  • Wipe away excess paste, rinse thoroughly with warm water, and check for defects after hanging two strips.

Step 10: Cleaning and Care

  • Our washable wallpapers are easy to maintain; clean with a mild detergent and a damp sponge or cloth.
  • Do not scrub or use abrasive materials.
  • Stains caused by grease and oil may not necessarily be removed.