How To Apply Wallpaper and XL Wallpaper Murals

A Step By Step Guide

Although wallpaper has a reputation for often being difficult, either to hang or remove, a tastefully decorated room, accent wall, panel, or mural can often be the perfect compliment to your home decor. While wallpaper may not be as effortless as our peel & stick wall decals, we think it's time to show you how simple wallpaper application can be. You may be surprised to learn just how easy it is!

To hang Wallpaper or XL Wallpaper Murals, you will need the following items (all available from your local hardware store or interior decorating supplier):

  • Wallpaper primer
  • Paint roller
  • A water tray (filled with warm water)
  • A sharp knife
  • Seam roller
  • Soft brush
  • Damp sponge
  • A ladder or stepstool
  • (Optional) A pencil
  • (Optional) A ruler or level
  • (Optional) Two or more people

All of the wallpaper and murals sold on our website are prepasted, meaning there is no need to buy wallpaper paste. If you would like to have some paste on hand, however—just in case you need it—we recommend using a clear premixed paste.

Once you have all of your supplies ready, you can begin the hanging process! Here's how to do it, step-by-step:

Murals Step 1 
Murals Step 2
Murals Step 3

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3
24 hours before the application of your wallpaper or mural, applied a premixed, clear wallpaper primer to your wall of choice. This will prepare the wall and ensure that future removal is easy and effortless.
Once your primer is in place, you're ready to go! If you are applying wallpaper, measure your wall from top to bottom to determine how tall your pieces must be. Cut the individual panels or pieces apart from the roll. Then loosely roll up your first section with the prepasted side facing out.
Dip the rolled paper into clean, lukewarm water and roll it over a few times. This process is called booking. Don't worry about the water causing any damage: our wallpaper products are all water resistant.

Murals Step 4 Murals Step 5 Murals Step 6

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6
Remove the rolled panel and allow the excess water to drip away. The panel may uncurl slightly in your hands, which is just fine. Ensure that all of the adhesive is moistened before proceeding.
Unroll the paper and bring it to the wall. Press it firmly to the surface and smooth with your hands from top to bottom. If you need to move it, slide the section carefully on the wall until it is in place.
After smoothing the paper with your hands, use a slightly damp sponge or soft brush to flatten it completely to the wall. Work out any air bubbles or pockets by pushing them carefully to the side. If any paste appears on the panel, paper, or wall, just wipe it away with your sponge. Trim any excess paper away with a sharp knife.
 Murals Step 7

Step 7
Cut your next panel or piece off of the strip and follow steps 2-6. When you apply the next panel, do not overlap or leave gaps between the seams. Our SureStrip™ technology ensures that panels and seams do not shrink application, so no overlap is needed.

Once you've applied each panel or strip of paper, take a step back and admire your brand new room! See? Wallpaper's not as tricky as you might think.

See It In Action

Watch how easy it is to hang our RoomMates Wallpaper Mural below.