Wallpaper Hanging Guide

Lay the panels out before you start to verify their order and positioning.

Using a pencil and level, draw a light plumb line down the wall as your starting point, and a perpendicular line so the first length hangs about 1" (3 cm) from the corner. Keep marks faint – they can show through lighter papers.

With a brush or roller, apply an even layer of adhesive where the first two panels will go. We recommend Roman PRO-880 Ultra Clear® (US) or Henkel Metylan Direct® (EU). Don't paste the whole wall in advance, as the adhesive can dry before you reach it. If any glue gets on the design, wipe it off immediately with a damp cloth or sponge.

Move the first panel into place, starting at the top and keeping it straight. Leave about half an inch at the top and bottom for trimming. Smooth from the top down with a soft rubber or felt tool to release air bubbles and help the paper adhere. Avoid hard plastic squeegees, which can mar or tear the material, and always wipe away excess adhesive before it dries.

Hang the following panels one at a time, aligning each seam with the last without overlapping. A seam roller helps ensure proper adhesion and a smooth finish.

Once all panels are up, trim the excess at the ceiling and skirting board with a ruler and sharp utility knife. Slide the ruler along as you go, keeping the blade in the cut to avoid tearing.

Afterward, avoid drafts and sudden changes in temperature or humidity for 24 hours so the wallpaper can set properly.

Prepare & activate the adhesive. Lay one panel face down on a clean surface. Submerge a clean sponge in water, wring out the excess, and evenly wet the entire backing – don't leave any dry spots, as they prevent proper adhesion. Gently fold the panel from both ends toward the center (paste-to-paste) and let it rest for 1–2 minutes so the adhesive activates and becomes tacky. To prevent drying out, wet only one panel at a time, right before you hang it.

Create a plumb line. Using a level, draw a light vertical guideline on the wall where the first panel will go, so the wallpaper hangs straight from the start.

Hang the first panel. Unfold the top half of the moistened panel and position it against the wall, aligned with your guideline, leaving about ½ inch (1–2 cm) at the top and bottom for trimming. Smooth from the center outward with a wallpaper brush or smoothing tool to release air bubbles. Gradually unfold the rest and press it onto the wall, working downward without stretching the material. Wipe away excess moisture or adhesive immediately with a clean, damp sponge.

Align & seam the next panels. Hang each panel edge to edge – do not overlap. Align the pattern before pressing the panel fully into place, then smooth as you go. Once the adhesive begins to set, run a seam roller lightly along the joins for a clean, seamless finish.

Trim & finish. Trim the top and bottom edges with a sharp utility knife and straightedge, replacing blades often for clean, precise cuts. Wipe away any adhesive residue immediately with a clean, damp sponge.

Drying & aftercare. Let the wallpaper dry naturally, avoiding drafts, direct heat, or rapid temperature changes for at least 24 hours. Wait 10–14 days before wiping, washing, or scrubbing so the adhesive fully sets. After that, dust with a soft cloth or clean gently with a slightly damp sponge – avoid abrasive pads or harsh chemicals, which can damage the surface.

With a pencil and level, draw a vertical plumb line down the wall and use it as your starting point. This keeps the rest of the panels straight.

Using a brush or roller, apply an even layer of adhesive to the back of the wallpaper – grasscloth is a paste-the-material wallpaper, so the adhesive goes on the panel, not the wall. We recommend Roman PRO-880 Ultra Clear® (US) or Henkel Metylan (EU), or a similar adhesive. If any adhesive reaches the design, wipe it off immediately with a damp cloth or sponge.

Place the first panel starting at the top of the wall, keeping it perfectly straight. Leave about 1 inch (2–3 cm) extra at the top and bottom so the paper can be trimmed neatly later.

Once in position, use a paperhanger's brush to remove any air bubbles and help the paper adhere. Work from the top down, smoothing gently so excess adhesive doesn't ooze out. Avoid rough tools such as hard plastic squeegees, which can damage or tear the material.

Continue with the following panels one at a time, aligning each seam exactly with the previous panel's. Don't overlap the panels.

Once all panels are in place, trim the excess at the ceiling and skirting board with a ruler and sharp utility knife, moving the ruler along with the blade as you cut.

When the wall is finished, keep it free from drafts and changes in temperature or humidity for 24 hours so the wallpaper can set properly.

Do not use water, cleaning agents, or a damp cloth on the finished surface.