How to Hang Wallpaper: A Step-by-Step Guide for a Neat Finish
How to prepare walls, work out how many rolls you need, paste and hang wallpaper, match patterns and avoid the most common mistakes.
Wallpapering is one of the most searched DIY jobs in the UK, and with good reason: a feature wall or a well-papered room can transform a space. The secret to a professional finish is preparation and patience, not speed.
The quick answer
- Prepare the walls: remove old paper, fill, sand and size or prime
- Check the paste type: paste-the-wall or paste-the-paper
- Use a plumb line or laser level for the first drop
- Match the pattern before cutting each length
- Smooth from the centre outwards and trim with a sharp blade
What you need
- Wallpaper from the same batch number on every roll
- The right paste for your paper
- A pasting table, brush or roller, and a bucket
- A plumb line or laser level, tape measure and pencil
- A smoothing brush or plastic smoother
- A sharp knife with spare blades, scissors and a straight edge
- A sponge and clean water
How many rolls do you need?
A standard UK roll is about 10 metres long and 53 centimetres wide. Measure the height and the total width of the walls, then allow extra for the pattern repeat and waste. Large pattern repeats need more rolls. Always buy a spare roll from the same batch.
Step by step
- Strip old paper and fill cracks and holes, then sand smooth
- Size or prime the wall so the paste does not soak in too fast
- Start next to a window or in a corner, and mark a vertical line with a plumb line
- Cut the first length with about 5 centimetres extra at top and bottom
- Paste the paper or the wall, as the label says, and leave paper to soak for the time stated
- Hang the first drop to the line, smooth out air bubbles from the centre outwards
- Trim the top and bottom with a sharp blade against a straight edge
- Match the pattern on the next length before cutting, and butt the edges together without overlapping
- Wipe paste off the surface with a damp sponge as you go
Tricky areas
| Area | Tip |
| Light switches and sockets | Turn off the power, hang over them, cut a cross and trim to the faceplate |
| Corners | Wrap a small amount round the corner, then start the next wall with a new plumb line |
| Windows and doors | Hang over the frame and trim to shape, then fill the area above and below |
| Radiators | Remove if possible, or cut and tuck behind using a radiator roller |
Common mistakes
- Not checking batch numbers, which can give colour differences between rolls
- Starting without a plumb line, so every drop leans further
- Overlapping seams, which leaves ridges
- Using a blunt blade, which tears the paper
- Getting paste on the face of the paper and leaving it to dry
Frequently asked questions
Should I use lining paper?
On older or uneven walls, lining paper gives a smoother base and a better finish. On new, smooth plaster it is often not needed.
Can I wallpaper over painted walls?
Usually, if the paint is sound and not glossy. Size or prime first, and remove any flaking paint.
Can you hang wallpaper for me?
Yes. Feature walls and full rooms are part of our decorating work.
Related guides
Send photos, the wall sizes and your postcode, or call 07444 262522.