How to Hang Wallpaper and Wall Murals

Wallpaper installation rewards patience more than force. With a little preparation and the right order of work, one person can hang a mural that looks professionally finished. Follow this guide from start to finish, and use the linked guides whenever you need more detail on a single step.

Before you start

1. Measure your wall first. Ordering the correct size is the single most important step. See How to Measure Your Wall.
2. Prepare the surface. A clean, dry, smooth wall gives the best bond. See How to Prepare Your Wall Before Wallpapering.
3. Gather your tools. You will need a tape measure, pencil, level or laser level, smoothing tool or squeegee, a sharp utility knife with spare blades, a straight edge, and a clean cloth. See Tools for Hanging Wallpaper.

Hanging your mural, step by step

1. Lay out the panels. Unpack the mural and lay the panels out in order before applying anything to the wall. Check that the artwork lines up.
2. Mark a straight guide line. Use a level to mark the position of the first panel. The first panel controls the whole installation, so take your time here.
3. Apply from top to bottom. Start at the top of the panel and work downward, smoothing air outward as you go. Match artwork edges carefully between panels before pressing them down.
4. Trim the edges. Use a straight edge and a sharp utility knife to trim the top, bottom, and sides. Cut through the wallpaper only, not the wall.
5. Finish and check. Run your smoothing tool across the whole surface once more, and check seams the following day for any lifting. If a corner lifts, press it back down gently.

Peel and stick vs traditional wallpaper

If your mural is peel and stick, follow the dedicated instructions in How to Install Peel and Stick Wallpaper. Peel and stick is beginner friendly, but the wall still needs to be clean and smooth.

If you are hanging traditional wallpaper, apply wallpaper paste to the back of each panel according to the paste manufacturer instructions, then follow the same step-by-step process above.

Common questions

• Can I reposition a panel? Peel and stick can be lifted and repositioned gently within a few minutes of application. Traditional wallpaper cannot.
• What about corners and outlets? Hang over the corner or outlet, then trim with a sharp knife for a clean cut. Turn off power at the outlet before trimming.
• What if my walls are textured? Smooth or lightly textured walls work best. See Wallpaper on Textured Walls for detailed advice.

Still stuck? Contact us any time — we are happy to help you through the installation.