How to Install Vinyl Wallpaper

Vinyl wallpaper is a great choice for places like the kitchen, bathroom or basement, because it can withstand moisture, humidity and temperature changes far better than regular wallpaper, or even most types of paint. However, installing vinyl wallpaper is not without its challenges. This is a much heavier material than traditional wallpaper and it requires special paste and a firm hand to apply. For more tips on installing and hanging vinyl wallpaper, keep reading this handy guide.

Step 1 – Buy Wallpaper Paste

In addition to purchasing your vinyl wallpaper, you also need to buy some special paste. The type you need will depend on the surface that you will be decorating. If you’re applying the vinyl wallpaper to a painted surface, then clear vinyl wallpaper paste will be just fine. If you’re installing it over another layer of vinyl wallpaper, however, then you’ll need paste that’s designed for vinyl-to-vinyl surfaces.

Step 2 – Prepare Your Surface

Don’t just start blindly applying your wallpaper as soon as you get it home; a little advanced preparation will work miracles in terms of making the job easier. Start by taking your level and a pencil and mark a line indicating where the first strip of wallpaper will be installed, so that you can be sure that all the pieces will be straight and lined up correctly.

Step 3 – Prepare the First Piece of Wallpaper

Your vinyl wallpaper will be sold in several strips. Take the first strip and unroll it on the floor. Unroll more than is necessary, so that you can trim the excess so that the piece perfectly matches the length of the wall. Using a paintbrush, apply an even layer of vinyl wallpaper paste to the back of the strip.

Step 4 – Let the Paste Activate

The paste needs a couple of minutes to get really sticky, so don’t throw your first strip on the wall just yet. Instead, fold the strip so the pasted ends meet and let it sit for about 5 minutes. You can get started preparing other strips in the meantime.

Step 5 – Install the First Strip

After 5 minutes have passed, unfold the first strip of wallpaper. Lift it up and make sure the edge is perfectly aligned with the pencil mark on the wall, then stick the top of the strip to the wall and, applying firm and even pressure, smooth the rest of the strip down the wall. Use a smoother to push out air bubbles or wrinkles. Use a utility knife to trim any excess from the bottom or sides (a paint scraper can be a useful straight edge during this process)

Step 6 – Repeat Along the Wall

Repeat this process with each strip going along the wall, taking care to align each strip carefully so that the pattern is continued harmoniously.