7 Common Wallpaper Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Wallpapering can dramatically change the look of a room, but achieving a flawless finish requires more than just choosing a beautiful design. Mistakes during the wallpapering process can detract from the final result, leaving you with a less-than-stellar finish. To help you avoid common pitfalls, here are eight frequent wallpaper mistakes and tips on how to steer clear of them.

1. Skipping Wall Preparation
The Mistake: Many people dive straight into wallpapering without adequately preparing the wall. This can lead to poor adhesion, bubbling, and uneven surfaces.

How to Avoid It: Ensure the wall is clean, dry, and smooth before you start. Remove old wallpaper, repair any holes or cracks with spackle, and sand the wall to a smooth finish. Applying a primer can also help the wallpaper adhere better, especially on porous or stained surfaces.

2. Incorrectly Measuring and Cutting Wallpaper
The Mistake: Misjudging measurements or cutting wallpaper incorrectly can result in patterns that don’t align or pieces that don’t fit properly.

How to Avoid It: Measure your wall and cut the wallpaper to the correct length, allowing for a bit of extra margin for trimming. Double-check your measurements and make sure to account for any patterns that need to be matched. Use a sharp utility knife for precise cutting.

3. Improper Paste Application
The Mistake: Applying too much or too little paste can lead to poor adhesion or messy results.

How to Avoid It: Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for applying paste. Typically, you should apply an even layer of paste to the back of the wallpaper. For pre-pasted wallpapers, ensure you thoroughly activate the adhesive according to the instructions before hanging.

4. Neglecting Pattern Matching
The Mistake: Failing to match patterns at the seams can create a jarring and unprofessional appearance.

How to Avoid It: When hanging wallpaper, carefully align the patterns before making any cuts. Use a plumb line or level to ensure that the wallpaper is hung straight. Take your time to ensure that the patterns match seamlessly at the seams.

5. Using the Wrong Tools
The Mistake: Using improper tools can make the wallpapering process more difficult and less precise.

How to Avoid It: Invest in the right tools, including a wallpaper brush or squeegee, a sharp utility knife, and a wallpaper seam roller. These tools will help you achieve a smooth, professional finish and make the application process easier.

6. Forgetting to Smooth Out Air Bubbles
The Mistake: Air bubbles trapped under the wallpaper can ruin the appearance and make it look unprofessional.

How to Avoid It: As you hang the wallpaper, use a wallpaper brush or squeegee to smooth out any air bubbles. Start from the center and work your way outwards. If you notice bubbles after the wallpaper has been applied, use a pin to gently release the trapped air and smooth it out.

7. Neglecting Edge and Trim Finishing
The Mistake: Overlooking the details around edges and trim can leave your wallpaper looking incomplete and messy.

How to Avoid It: Trim excess wallpaper carefully around edges, corners, and trim using a sharp utility knife. For a clean finish, make sure the wallpaper edges are neatly aligned with moldings or trim. Apply wallpaper seam adhesive if needed to secure edges and prevent lifting.