How to Install Pre-Pasted Wallpaper

Preparation

Supplies

• Primer: Use Roman PRO-977 Ultra Primer, applying two coats in total and allowing each coat to dry overnight. Walls should cure for at least four weeks before installation.

• Other Tools:

  • 3/8” nap roller or high-output spray bottle to activate the adhesive

  • Soft, non-abrasive cellulose sponge

  • Olfa box-style cutters (or similar) with blade receptacle

  • Soft plastic smoother and/or brush smoother

  • Additional items: seam roller, drop cloths, buckets, paint trays, straight edge, table, etc.

Wall Preparation

Ensure walls are smooth, clean, dry, and free of mold, mildew, grease, or any other stains. For new walls, drywall joints should be taped, mudded, and sanded smooth. Remove any nail heads, nicks, gouges, and other imperfections. Old wall coverings should be fully removed, and the wall’s residual moisture content should be below 4%. Follow the primer recommendations listed under Supplies and allow primed walls to cure for at least four weeks before installation.

For best results, apply wallpaper on a solid, light-colored surface. Avoid installation over existing wallpaper, especially if it’s primed or textured, or over "scrubbable" paints, as these surfaces have not been tested for compatibility.

Wallpaper Preparation

Let the wallpaper acclimate in a clean, dry, and protected area with temperatures between 50°F to 77°F (10°C to 25°C) and 50–60% relative humidity. Before installation, inspect all materials to ensure the print scale and panel sizes are correct, colors match acceptably, print surfaces are free from defects, and there is enough edge space for overlap.

Unroll each roll in the same direction. The top of each panel has no white border, while the bottom has a narrow white edge with order details (e.g., "Wallpaper Barcode.jpeg"). Each roll is labeled with its item number (e.g., "Quantity - 1 of 8"), but these labels are not installation order guides; rolls of the same design can be installed in any order.

Re-roll each panel starting from the bottom, so the top edge is on the outside of the roll. Do not trim the wallpaper before hanging.

Installation Guide

Step 1: Book the Wallpaper

To activate the adhesive, apply water to the back of each wallpaper panel using one of the following methods:

• Use a clean paint roller or sponge to evenly wet the back of the paper.

• Alternatively, use a high-output spray bottle to fully saturate the adhesive, ensuring consistent water coverage across the panel.

Place the panel under a good overhead light on a flat surface and check for even saturation. Any dry spots, often near the edges, will appear dull under the light. Reapply water as needed to ensure the entire panel, especially edges, is well-saturated.

Once fully wet, gently fold the top and bottom ends of the paper toward the center so that the adhesive sides meet. Be careful not to crease the paper. Allow each panel to rest for 3–5 minutes to activate the glue—this is the "booking" phase, where the wallpaper absorbs water and prepares for a smooth, professional finish as it dries.

Step 2: Install the Wallpaper

After booking for 3–5 minutes, unfold the top half of the first panel, keeping the white edge with the barcode still folded.

Starting from your chosen point on the wall, align the top edge of the wallpaper with the ceiling. Have a friend step back to confirm that it is straight and level. If working from a corner, use the vertical edge as a guide.

Note: If the ceiling is uneven, start about an inch above and trim any excess once the wallpaper is dry. Painter's tape can help hold the paper in place as you make adjustments.

With the top section aligned, unfold the bottom half. Smooth the paper down the wall using a damp sponge or wallpaper squeegee, pressing air bubbles out from the center toward the edges.

For subsequent panels, book each panel and overlap it with the previous one by approximately 0.5 inches (1 cm). Overlap may vary between rolls, so visually match the pattern repeat. Do not trim the overlap; as the wallpaper dries, it will shrink slightly, ensuring no gaps between panels. Continue this process until all panels are installed.

Final Steps: Trimming and Cleanup

Once all panels are in place, allow the wallpaper to dry completely (at least 3 hours). After drying, trim any excess paper around windows, doors, ceiling, and baseboards with a sharp utility knife. For precise cuts, we recommend the Olfa SAC-1 Graphic Cutter for its stability and clean cuts. Replace blades frequently for best results.

Wipe down the walls with a damp sponge to remove any excess adhesive, and recycle any leftover paper scraps.

Additional Tips

• Double Cutting (Optional): Double cutting is an advanced technique and recommended only for professional installers. Refer to the "Other Instructions" in the Technical Specifications & Installation Guide for details.

• Seam Finishing: Use a seam roller as needed to finish seams.

• Around Doors and Windows: Apply wallpaper as normal, but cut away excess material before trimming flush once the paper has fully dried (3+ hours).

• Corners: Installing wallpaper around corners (both interior and exterior) can be challenging, especially if covering more than half a roll (12+ inches or 30 cm). Ideally, plan to cover only a few inches around an edge for easier leveling and support. Do not cut the paper for corners to maintain a seamless overlap.

Each room may require unique adjustments. For additional techniques for working around switches, electrical outlets, or window hardware, consider searching online for detailed installation guides specific to your setup.

Removal

If the walls were properly prepared before installation, Pre-Pasted Wallpaper may peel off cleanly without water. If you encounter resistance, follow these steps:

1. Reactivate Adhesive (if needed): Use a damp sponge with warm water to gently moisten the adhesive, starting from the bottom of the wallpaper and moving upward. Let the water soak through for about 10 minutes.

2. Begin Removal: Start at the corner of the last installed roll. Use a putty knife or scraper to carefully lift the corner of the wallpaper from the wall.

3. Peel Carefully: Slowly peel the wallpaper downward at a slight angle (around 10 degrees) to avoid tearing.

4. Repeat for Each Panel: Continue this process in reverse order of installation until all panels are removed.

5. Clean the Wall: Wipe down the bare wall with a sponge dampened with warm water and a small amount of dish detergent to remove any remaining adhesive residue.

6. Recycle: Recycle the wallpaper according to local guidelines.