Traditional Wallpaper Installation – Anthem Classic Skip to content

Traditional Wallpaper Installation

Ensure the wall surface is clean, dry, and smooth before installation. Remove any existing wallpaper, fill holes, and sand any imperfections. For best results, apply a wallpaper primer such as Shieldz Universal Wallcovering Primer to improve adhesion and allow easier removal later. Do not install wallpaper on freshly painted walls—allow paint to cure for at least four weeks.

You’ll need: wallpaper rolls, wallpaper paste (such as Roman PRO-880), measuring tape, scissors, drop cloth, sponge, bucket, straightedge, pencil, level, craft knife with extra blades, paint roller and tray, smoothing tool, and a step ladder.

Measure the height of your wall and cut wallpaper strips, leaving 1–2 inches of extra material at the top and bottom for trimming. Be sure the pattern is aligned before cutting. Inspect all rolls for defects prior to installation.

Measure the width of the wallpaper roll and use a level or plumb line to mark a vertical guideline. Begin in a corner and allow about 1 inch of extra material for trimming.

Evenly apply wallpaper paste across the back of the strip, ensuring full coverage from edge to edge.

Fold the pasted strip inward so the top and bottom edges meet in the center. Let it rest for 5–7 minutes to allow the adhesive to activate and the paper to expand.

Align the strip with your guideline and press it onto the wall from top to bottom, leaving a small overlap at the ceiling for trimming. Smooth from the center outward using a wallpaper brush or smoothing tool to remove air bubbles.

Trim excess wallpaper at the ceiling and baseboard using a straightedge and sharp craft knife. Replace blades frequently for the cleanest cuts.

Continue installing additional strips, carefully matching the pattern and butting seams tightly together. Smooth bubbles as you work and wipe away excess paste with a damp sponge. After hanging a few strips, step back and check alignment.

Remove any remaining paste with a soft, damp cloth. Our wallpaper is washable—clean gently with mild detergent and a damp sponge if needed. For best longevity, avoid prolonged exposure to high humidity.

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