How to hang wallpaper: a step-by-step guide

Hanging handcrafted wallpaper is a beautiful way to add colour, texture, and pattern to your walls or ceilings. If this is your first wallpapering project, don’t worry — it’s easier than you might think. Just follow the step-by-step guidance below.

Preparing Your Walls for Wallpaper

Before starting, make sure your surface is:

• Clean and dry
• Free from dust, old wallpaper, or flaking paint
• Smooth, with any cracks or imperfections properly filled

Cross Lining for a Better Finish

For optimal results, we recommend cross lining your walls with 1200–1400 grade lining paper. Allow it to dry for at least 12 hours before applying wallpaper.

If Your Walls Are Damp or Unsound

• Damp walls: Treat using the appropriate method before wallpapering.
• Unsound paint: Seal with a suitable primer.
• Gloss paint: Lightly sand the surface to improve adhesion.

Absorbent Surfaces

New plaster and other absorbent surfaces should be sized before wallpapering to ensure consistent adhesion and avoid uneven absorption.

For more detailed guidance, refer to our Product Advice Sheets, visit our shop, or call us.

Don’t Forget the Tools

Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need. Our Wallpaper Hanging Checklist covers all the essential tools — from step ladders to seam rollers.

How to Hang Wallpaper: Tools and Steps

1. Prepare Your Paper

• Check that all rolls are undamaged and match the same design and colour.
• Hang rolls in sequence by batch number.

2. Choose the Right Paste

Use Farrow & Ball wallpaper paste for best results:

• Supplied in a recyclable tube that doubles as a measuring jug
• One tube is enough for up to five rolls

3. Cut and Hang

• Check the pattern repeat and cut lengths with 5–7 cm extra at top and bottom
• Apply paste evenly, all the way to the edges — avoid paste on the front
• Fold the pasted paper with adhesive side in and soak for 10 minutes
• Align edges carefully without overlap
• For dragged papers, alternate the direction (top/bottom) on each length

Frequently Asked Questions

What paste should I use for Farrow & Ball wallpaper?

We recommend Farrow & Ball’s own wallpaper paste, specially designed for handcrafted papers.

Do I need to cross line walls before wallpapering?

Yes. Using high-quality lining paper helps create a smoother, more professional finish.

How long should wallpaper soak before hanging?

Approximately 10 minutes — just enough to become pliable, but not overly wet, which can lead to shrinkage.