It’s incredible how wallpaper can change a space. I think of it as large-scale art. I don’t think I’ve ever done a post on how to wallpaper with paste, so let’s do it! It’s a bit trickier than peel and stick, but it lasts longer and sometimes that’s the only option.
This week I wallpapered our primary bedroom with this beautiful chinoiserie print. I have already wallpapered the other walls. I thought I could get away with an accent wall on the wall the bed sits on, but I have to say it looks so much brighter and impactful in wallpaper!
Sometimes these things are easier to understand in video form. I have a YouTube video that might help.
The Woodlands mural is from Photo Wall. (Use code housemixblog25 for 25 percent off.) The gifted me this paper for another project. This post is not sponsored and I am not under obligation to share the company, but they were great to work with and the quality of the wallpaper is much better than the original wallpaper I purchased from Etsy. I am very impressed!
Here is how the room looked before and after:
So much better! It’s light and feels like we are sleeping in a garden. And the best part is that it only took me four hours. Don’t be intimidated by wallpaper! You’ve got this.
Materials
- Wallpaper
- Wallpaper adhesive (paste)
- Roller
- Tray with liner
- Paint brush
- Utility knife
- Scissors
- Spray bottle with water
- Level
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Straight edge (optional)
- Wallpaper brush (optional)
Pretend the scissors and paint brush are in this picture ;)
Spackle any nail holes
I took down my curtains and used spackle to cover the holes.
Make sure the walls and baseboards are clean
Clean any dust and dirt to make sure the paper adheres well.
Take off outlet covers
Use the paint brush to apply adhesive at the top and bottom of the wall.
Use a roller to apply the rest of the adhesive for one strip.
Mist with the spray bottle to keep adhesive from drying.
Sorry for the poor quality photos on this part. It was so cloudy this day!
Line the panel up at the ceiling and smooth down over the paste, making sure there are no air bubbles.
Panels for murals are numbered. Always go from left to right.
Use a level to make sure each panel is straight.
This small step will save you from having your trajectory off as you go down the wall.
Use a straight edge and utility knife to cut off any access at the bottom.
Cut holes for outlets and switches with the utility knife.
If there is moulding or angled corners, work the paper around them, making creases. Cut with the knife where the creases are.
Take your time. You’ll be grateful you took it slow to get precise cuts. You can alway go back and add more paste or water. Sometimes you might want to use the pencil and trace so you can cut with scissors if the paper is too wet for the knife.
See how I painted our night stands faux wood. So simple!
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