How do I avoid wallpaper seam issues?Updated 6 months ago

For best results, our advice is to hire a professional installer. Otherwise, we can make some suggestions to help you minimize shrinkage.

Noticeable problems, like the seams separating, can be avoided if the wallpaper is carefully installed. Proper preparation is essential. Make sure your walls are ready by filling any holes and dents, and that the surface is smooth and even- this might require some sanding. Clean the walls after these steps and allow them to dry. Next, apply a primer to the walls and allow it to completely dry.

Humidity and temperature affect the drying of wallpaper paste. Make sure you don't have the room too humid or too cold. If your furnace is running it's a good idea to close the vents as the warm blowing air can make areas of the wallpaper dry faster and lead to problems.

Paper-based wallpapers will shrink more than canvas or vinyl wallpapers. When wetting (pre-pasted wallpaper), or pasting (non-pasted wallpaper) apply the water, or paste evenly and cover the paper all the way to the edges. Book the wallpaper and let it sit for about three minutes, or as instructed. Wallpaper can be overworked, when installing be careful not to pull on the wallpaper as lifting and re-applying the wallpaper will stretch the material. Work out any air bubbles with light pressure, and not too vigorously. 

Grasscloth and printed pattern (faux grasscloth), have an organic texture and will always show seams.