How to Prepare & Hang Wallpaper

• Product Advice Sheet
• Dust sheet
• Flat surface to measure
• Step ladder
• Tape measure
• Plumb line (or spirit level)
• Pencil
• Wallpaper scissors
• Pasting brush
• Wallpaper brush
• Seam roller
• Sharp wallpaper knife or snap-off blade
• Clean damp cloth or sponge
• Bucket and stir stick

1. Check the surface: Make sure walls are sound, clean, dry, and free from grease.
   
2. Strip & sand: Remove old wallpaper and any loose/flaking paint. Lightly sand glossy areas to key the surface.
   
3. Repair: Fill cracks, holes, and open joints with a suitable filler. Allow to dry, then smooth.
   
4. Seal problem areas: Prime any unstable or powdery paint. Treat damp patches before proceeding.
   
5. Size new or absorbent plaster: Apply a sizing solution/wallpaper paste size. Let it dry (minimum 1 hour).
   
6. Cross-line (best practice to even out minor imperfections and create consistent porosity for better adhesion): Hang lining paper horizontally, medium–heavy weight (around 1200–1400 grade). Let dry at least 12 hours.
   
   

Tip: It’s best to paint any woodwork (doors, trims, and skirting) before you start hanging the paper.

Choose the right paste: Use the paste recommended by the manufacturer for heavier wallpapers. A strong, high-quality adhesive ensures proper grip and prevents edges from lifting or seams from opening.

Check roll ends: Each Farrow & Ball roll includes up to 30 cm (12”) of extra length for handling - trim this before starting. Minor marks in this area aren’t faults.

Measure & cut: Check the pattern repeat before cutting. Cut each length to wall height, adding 5–7 cm (2–3”) at both ends for trimming.

1. Apply evenly: Spread a generous, even coat of paste from the centre outwards, ensuring edges are well covered. Avoid getting paste on the wallpaper face - even small amounts can cause flaking or discolouration (Paste Attack) that may appear months later.

2. Book the paper: Fold the pasted sides together and let it soak for about 10 minutes until pliable but not soggy. Over-soaking can cause shrinkage when dry.

3. Keep tools clean: Use two buckets - one for paste, one for clean warm water. Wipe hands, tools, and the pasting table regularly to prevent paste marks. Refresh water often to keep everything clean.

1. Start straight: Use a plumb line to hang the first length vertically.

2. Apply & smooth: Using a quality wallpaper brush, smooth from the centre outwards to remove air bubbles. Avoid stretching the paper.

3. Hang in order: Rolls are numbered; hang them sequentially for the best pattern match.

4. Clean & finish: Butt edges neatly without overlap. Wipe away any paste residue immediately with a soft, damp cloth.

5. Dry naturally: Turn off central heating overnight so the paper dries evenly. Use a free-spinning seam roller only - avoid hard tools that could mark the surface.

Cut around the fixing. When you come across a fixing, such as a switch or socket, paper over the top and cut a cross in the paper. Trim the excess a little at a time being careful not to overcut. Flatten the paper back against the wall and using a Stanley knife cut neatly around.

Unscrew the fixing. The neatest finish for light switches or sockets is to unscrew the switch/socket plate from the wall, feed it through the hole that you have made in the paper and then refit the plate on top of the paper. It is important that you first ensure that you have isolated the electric supply.