How to Install Your Wallpaper
Professional results made easy. Our wallpapers are designed for simple, seamless installation with butt-joint application - no overlapping required.
Butt-Joint Application
All Muralls wallpapers use butt-joint seaming - panels are placed edge-to-edge without overlapping. This creates invisible seams and makes installation easier than traditional wallpaper.
Our Wallpaper Materials
Select your wallpaper type below for specific installation instructions
Tools & Materials
Prepare Your Wall
Proper wall preparation is crucial for a successful installation. A well-prepared surface ensures better adhesion and longer-lasting results.
Clean the Surface
Remove dust, dirt, and grease. Wipe down with a damp cloth and let dry completely.
Repair Imperfections
Fill any holes, cracks, or dents with spackle. Sand smooth once dry.
Prime if Needed
New drywall, patched areas, or porous surfaces should be primed. Use a quality wallpaper primer.
Remove Outlet Covers
Turn off power and remove switch plates and outlet covers before starting.
Let Wall Dry
Ensure the wall is completely dry before installation. Wait at least 24 hours after priming.
Pro Tip
For best results on dark or bold colored walls, apply a coat of white primer. This prevents the existing color from showing through lighter wallpaper designs.
Self-Adhesive Installation
The easiest wallpaper to install - no paste, no mess, repositionable
Unroll and Acclimate
Unroll your wallpaper panels and let them acclimate to room temperature for at least 24 hours. This prevents expansion or contraction after installation.
Mark Your Starting Point
Use a level to draw a vertical guideline on your wall. Start from the left side of your wall and work right. The first panel sets the alignment for all others.
Peel and Position
Peel about 12 inches of backing from the top. Align the panel with your guideline, leaving a small overlap at the ceiling for trimming. Press firmly to adhere.
Smooth as You Go
Slowly peel away the backing while using your smoothing tool to press the wallpaper to the wall. Work from center outward to push out air bubbles.
Align Next Panel (Butt-Joint)
Position the next panel so the edge meets the first panel precisely - no overlap, no gap. The pattern should align perfectly. This is the butt-joint technique.
Trim Excess
Use a sharp utility knife and straight edge to trim excess at ceiling, floor, and around outlets. Make clean cuts for professional-looking edges.
Made a Mistake?
No worries! Peel & Stick wallpaper is repositionable. Simply peel back the panel and reapply. Just make sure to remove any dust or debris before reapplying.
Paste-the-Wall Installation
Apply paste directly to the wall - the paper stays dry for easier handling
Prepare Your Paste
Mix wallpaper paste according to package instructions. We recommend a heavy-duty paste suitable for non-woven wallpapers. Let it rest for the recommended time.
Mark Your Starting Point
Draw a vertical guideline using a level. Start from the left side of your wall. Accurate alignment of the first panel is crucial for the entire installation.
Apply Paste to Wall
Using a paint roller, apply an even coat of paste to the wall - only for the width of one panel at a time. Don't apply paste too far ahead as it may dry.
Position the Panel
Align the first panel with your guideline, leaving extra material at ceiling and floor for trimming. The paper goes directly onto the pasted wall.
Smooth and Remove Air
Use your smoothing tool to press the wallpaper firmly, working from center to edges. Remove all air bubbles and ensure full contact with the wall.
Butt-Joint the Next Panel
Apply paste for the next section. Position the new panel edge-to-edge with the first - no overlap. Align the pattern carefully before smoothing.
Trim and Clean
Trim excess at ceiling, floor, and around fixtures with a sharp blade. Wipe away any paste residue with a damp cloth immediately.
Important for PVC-Free
Never apply paste to the PVC-Free wallpaper itself - only to the wall. These papers are designed to be hung dry. Applying paste to the paper can cause stretching and damage.
Paste-the-Paper Installation
Apply paste to the back of the paper for traditional hanging method
Prepare Your Paste
Mix wallpaper paste according to package instructions. Use a heavy-duty paste suitable for heavyweight wallpapers. Let it rest for the recommended time to achieve proper consistency.
Mark Your Starting Point
Draw a vertical guideline using a level. Start from the left side of your wall. Accurate alignment of the first panel is crucial for the entire installation.
Apply Paste to Paper
Lay the wallpaper face-down on a clean surface. Apply an even coat of paste to the back of the paper using a roller or brush. Make sure to cover edges thoroughly.
Book the Paper (Fold)
Gently fold the pasted sides together (paste to paste) without creasing. This is called "booking." Let it rest for 3-5 minutes to allow the paste to activate and the paper to relax.
Position the Panel
Unfold the top portion and align with your guideline at the ceiling. Leave extra material at top and bottom for trimming. Press firmly to adhere.
Smooth and Remove Air
Use your smoothing tool to press the wallpaper firmly, working from center to edges. Remove all air bubbles. Unfold the bottom portion and continue smoothing.
Butt-Joint the Next Panel
Repeat the pasting and booking process for each panel. Position edge-to-edge with the previous panel - no overlap. Align the pattern carefully before smoothing.
Trim and Clean
Trim excess at ceiling, floor, and around fixtures with a sharp blade. Wipe away any paste residue from the surface with a damp sponge immediately.
Booking Time is Important
Allow the same booking time for each panel (3-5 minutes) to ensure consistent expansion. Different booking times can result in misaligned seams.
Tips for Perfect Results
Take Your Time
Don't rush. Wallpaper installation requires patience. Work methodically and check your alignment frequently.
Room Temperature
Install at room temperature (65-75°F / 18-24°C). Avoid extreme temperatures which can affect adhesion.
Fresh Blade
Change your utility blade frequently. A dull blade tears the wallpaper rather than cutting cleanly.
Check Pattern Match
Before fully adhering each panel, verify that the pattern aligns with the previous panel at eye level.
Start Early
Begin installation in good lighting conditions. Starting early gives you time to handle any unexpected issues.
Get a Helper
For larger walls or ceiling-height panels, having a second person makes alignment much easier.
Installation FAQ
What does "butt-joint" mean?
Butt-joint seaming means the wallpaper panels are placed edge-to-edge, with the edges meeting precisely - no overlapping. This creates nearly invisible seams and is easier than traditional overlap methods. All Muralls wallpapers are designed for butt-joint installation.
Can I install wallpaper on textured walls?
Light textures may work, but for best results, we recommend smooth walls. Heavy textures like knockdown or popcorn should be smoothed or skimmed with drywall compound before installation. Textured walls can cause air pockets and poor adhesion.
How do I remove air bubbles?
Small bubbles often disappear as the adhesive dries. For larger bubbles, use your smoothing tool to push the air toward the nearest edge. If a bubble persists, you can carefully poke it with a pin and smooth flat.
Can I remove and reposition the wallpaper?
Peel & Stick wallpaper is fully repositionable during installation. For paste-the-wall types, you have a short working time while the paste is wet to make adjustments. Once dry, repositioning is difficult.
How long does installation take?
For a single accent wall, expect 1-3 hours depending on size and your experience level. A full room typically takes 4-8 hours. Take your time for best results rather than rushing.
What if my panels don't align perfectly?
Minor variations are normal due to wall irregularities. Butt-joint application is forgiving - small gaps can be gently pushed together. If misalignment is significant, check that your walls are plumb and that you're following your guideline accurately.
Need Help?
Our customer support team is here to assist with any installation questions.