How to hang wallpaper: a step-by-step guide for beginners

You will need

• Spirit level or plumb bob
• Paste-the-wall adhesive
• Short-pile roller or paste brush
• Smoothing brush or plastic smoother
• Snap-off knife and spare blades
• Filling knife or straight edge
• Tape measure and pencil
• Sponge and clean water
• Step ladder

Step by step

1. Prepare the wall Fill cracks, sand smooth, remove old flaky paint and dust down. Very new plaster must be fully dry and sealed with a suitable primer or size.
2. Mark a plumb line Measure 50 cm (just under one roll width) from your starting corner and draw a vertical line with a spirit level or plumb bob.
3. Cut your first drops Cut drops to wall height plus the pattern repeat plus about 10 cm for trimming. Number them on the back at the top.
4. Paste the wall Roll or brush a ready-mixed paste-the-wall adhesive onto an area slightly wider than one drop.
5. Hang the first drop Offer the dry paper up to the line with about 5 cm spare at the top, then smooth from the centre outwards with a brush or plastic smoother to push out air.
6. Butt and match Paste the next section and slide the next drop into place so the pattern matches and the edges butt together without overlapping.
7. Trim Run a filling knife along the ceiling and skirting line and trim with a sharp snap-off blade, changing blades often.
8. Clean and check Wipe paste off the face with a damp sponge straight away and check for bubbles, then let the room dry naturally.

Before you start

Order a free sample first and check the colourway in your own light. When the rolls arrive, check every roll has the same batch, unroll a little of each to compare, and plan where the pattern will start – usually centred on the main focal point such as a chimney breast.