Ideal for both renters and homeowners, temporary wallpaper is a great way to personalize your space without the mess and commitment of traditional wallpaper. Hanging it is an inexpensive task that only requires some basic tools and about three hours.
TOOLS & MATERIALS
- Tape Measure
- Step Stool
- Stiff Squeegee
- Rag
- Utility Knife
- Temporary Wallpaper
- 20-incy T-Square/Framing Square
- Scrap of Cardboard
- Putty Knife (optional)
- Bucket, Sponge, & Drop Cloth (optional)
- Painter’s Tape (optional)
- Scissors (optional)
- Hammer (optional)
When taking on this DIY task be sure to equip yourself with the proper safety gear.
SAFETY GEAR
- Eye Protection
- Gloves
STEP ONE
Prepare room. You’ll need full access to your walls, so start by removing furniture and any other items, including pictures and mirrors, that may get in the way as you work. Remove any nails or hooks, and repair any holes larger than 1/4th of an inch. Anything smaller will be easily covered by your wallpaper. For a professional look, remove wall plates and vent covers instead of trying to work around them. Once you have a clear work space, wipe your walls down with a damp rag. This will remove dust, and ensure your wallpaper adheres securely to your walls.
STEP TWO
Measure your walls. Measure the height and width of your walls, including doors and windows, to calculate how much wallpaper you’ll need, adding at least 10% for waste and mistakes.
STEP THREE
Choose a starting point. Since walls are rarely plumb, or completely straight, we recommend starting your installation on the section of the wall you see when you first enter the room. Plan your layout carefully, trimming your first piece if necessary.
STEP FOUR
Cut the first piece. Measure for your first piece. If you’ll be installing your wallpaper horizontally, measure across the wall. If you’ll be installing it vertically, measure from the top of the baseboard to the ceiling or ceiling trim. After measuring, add at least four inches — more if your paper has a large repeating pattern. Unroll the wallpaper, placing a scrap of cardboard or plywood underneath to protect the floor. Cut the paper with scissors or a utility knife using a T‑square or a framing square as a straight edge.
STEP FIVE
Place the top piece. Peel off three to four feet of backing. Starting from the top, overlap the ceiling or ceiling trim by two inches, aligning the edge with your vertical line. Once you’re halfway down the wall, apply the paper as you peel off the backing, making sure your piece is level.
STEP SIX
Ease out any air pockets. As you work, use a squeegee to smooth out any air pockets developing under the paper. Press fully against the wall with the squeegee at the top, bottom, and corners to eliminate gaps caused by air pockets when you trim the wallpaper.
STEP SEVEN
Complete the wall. Apply the rest of the pieces, being careful to line up the pattern exactly. For your last piece, measure at both ends, adding at least two inches to the measurement. You’ll trim the excess once the wallpaper is in place. Cut a piece to the correct width and secure to the wall. You may need to notch-in the corner where the baseboard meets the wall for smooth application. Cover over any receptacles; you’ll cut around them in the next step. For switches, use a utility knife to cut an ‘X’ for the toggle to protrude.
STEP EIGHT
Trim your overhangs. Carefully trim along the top of the baseboard and ceiling or ceiling trim with a utility knife. Trim around receptacles and switches, and cut out any wallpaper you stretched over vent openings. Replace vent grills, switch, and receptacle covers.
Your project is complete. Step back and admire your new wallpaper.
Looking for great tools to help get your project done? Shop Stanley, Black & Decker and DeWALT for everything you need!
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