How to Prep Your Space For WallpaperUpdated a month ago

You might need to allow several days to prepare your walls. For best results do not wallpaper over existing wallpaper, textured walls, or glossy paints.

Repair any damaged areas on the wall, making sure to sand smooth. Pay attention to any sharp areas that might puncture or tear the wallpaper.

If you paint or prime your walls before wallpapering, be sure to allow the paint or primer to completely cure. Usually this takes four weeks, consult the product information for best results. (Wallpapering over uncured walls can lead to bubbling or loss of adhesion.)

The best workspace is an empty room. Of course this isn't always possible, just remove as much as you can, then push larger items to the center of the room and cover with a cloth.

Remove any wall hangings (like artwork) or accessories that are hanging on the walls. If you’re planning to hang back in the same place, you can mark the drill hole with a toothpick.

Remove the cover plates from outlets and light switches.

Cover the floor with drop cloths, and gather your tools and materials. This is a good time to make sure the run numbers are the same on every roll. (Different run numbers can mean the wallpaper was printed at a different time, or on a different machine. Different run numbers are rarely an exact match.)

Before you start hanging your wallpaper, take some time to measure and mark your room. Your wallpaper should start and end inconspicuously, while also taking into account obstacles like window edges. Where the wallpaper ends is often called the kill point, common kill points are the corner behind a door, or just above the door frame.

Also consider the large features in your room, whether architectural like a fireplace or windows, or even a large piece of furniture you’ll place in the room. For patterned wallcoverings plan your install to center the pattern above the focal point feature.

Measure the width of your wallpaper then, using a tape measure and pencil, measure off sections around the room where the wallpaper strips will hang. Try a starting point at the center of your largest obstacle, for example a window. You want the wallpaper seams to avoid areas that might be difficult to work around. you might need to shift your starting point a few inches to accommodate the problem areas.