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How do I put up wallpaper?

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The first step to wallpapering a room is removing the old wallpaper (if there is old wallpaper). You need to strip off the old paper because the seams and patterns of the old could show through the new if you leave it up.

To remove the old wallpaper, use a wallpaper scraper. The paper should come loose pretty easily. If it doesn't, try wetting the wall with sponge soaked with hot water. After wetting the walls, let it sit for about 15 minutes and then scrape horizontally.

Once you've removed all of the old paper, you're ready to start over. You'll need to get correct estimate of how much wall space you have to cover. Get as exact of number as you can because it's frustrating to run out and have to have a second wallpapering session. It's also not fun to pay for more than you need.
Measure the room with care and then multiply the entire distance in feet around the room by the height of the walls. To determine how many rolls of paper to purchase, divide the total square feet of wall area by the number of square feet in the roll.

Once you're ready to start, head to a corner of the room. A corner - or a spot that's usually hidden by a large piece of furniture is the best place to start.

The pattern of the paper should be lined up at the ceiling, when cutting the paper. To be sure your paper will cover the full length of the wall PLUS at least 2 inches at the top and bottom. This will guarantee that there will be enough to cover the full length of the wall and if the pattern needs matching, there is room to adjust.
It is a good idea before you begin pasting to place a plumb line on the wall.

Next you need to wet the paper completely, if it is pre-pasted allow it to set for a few minutes in the paper water bath. If you are using not pre-pasted paper and are placing the adhesive to the back of the paper, make sure it is totally covered.

To place the paper on the wall, lay it on the wall and smooth down very lightly with a soft wallpaper brush. The paper can be moved around with ease into position while it remains wet.

Use a hard bristled brush to smooth out the air bubbles. If bubbles are left the paper will buckle or peel in the future.

Next, use a damp sponge or rag to wipe off the glue that seeps out at the edges. Seal the edges by rolling with a wallpaper roller.

When you are working in a corner, hang the paper in two parts. Measure the distance from the corner to the previously hung sheet. Cut a strip of paper ½-inch wider than the distance. The strip should be hung so that the paper overlaps the corner. Using the remainder of the sheet, from which the strip was cut, measures the full width and mark a plumb line that width in on the new wall. This strip can then be pasted in the same manner.

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