Installation
How to Prepare a Wall for Wallpaper
Most wallpaper problems are wall problems. What to remove, fill and clean before the first panel goes up.
The short version
- The wall must be smooth, dry and clean before anything goes on it.
- Old wallpaper and flaking paint come off first. Holes are filled and sanded.
- Fresh paint needs three to four weeks to cure.
- Finish by drawing a true vertical line for your first panel.
Most wallpaper problems are wall problems. Bubbles, lifting edges and seams that open up a month later can nearly always be traced back to what was underneath. The good news is that preparing a wall is simple, cheap and mostly a matter of patience. Here is the order to do it in.
Start with what is already on the wall
Look at the wall in daylight, from the side, with your cheek almost against it. Raking light shows every bump and ridge that a mural will later show too.
- Old wallpaper: remove it. Hanging over it is tempting and rarely ends well, because the new adhesive can loosen the old layer.
- Flaking or powdery paint: scrape and sand it back until the surface is sound.
- Nails, screws and wall plugs: take them out. You will fill the holes in the next step.
Fill, sand, wipe
Fill holes and cracks with filler, let it dry fully, then sand it flush. Run your hand across the repair with your eyes closed. If you can feel it, you will see it through the paper.
Then wipe the whole wall down to remove dust and grease, and let it dry. Adhesive sticks to the wall, not to the dust sitting on it.
Just painted the room? Wait three to four weeks before hanging a mural. Paint cures long after it feels dry, and adhesive applied too early may not bond properly.
Mark your starting line
Preparation ends with a pencil. Measure one panel width, 30 in (76 cm), in from the left edge of the wall. Hold a spirit level at that point and draw a light vertical line from ceiling to skirting. Your first panel follows that line, not the corner of the room, because corners are almost never straight.
A five minute checklist before you open the box
- The wall is smooth when you run a hand across it.
- It is completely dry, including any filler.
- It has been wiped clean.
- Switch plates and socket covers are loosened or removed.
- Your vertical line is drawn.
- Your tools are within reach: level, knife, smoothing tool, damp sponge.
Ready for the next step?
The full method for each paper, from the first panel to the last trim.
Common questions
Can I hang a mural on a textured wall?
A smooth wall always gives the best result, because texture can show through the paper. If your wall is heavily textured, skim or sand it first. If you are unsure, write to us with a photo and we will tell you honestly what to expect.
Do I need to remove the skirting boards?
No. The mural is hung over the top edge of the skirting and the excess is trimmed with a sharp knife against a straight edge.
Made to your measure
Murals for the wall you have in mind
Before you order