Spoonflower's Pre-Pasted Wallpaper is a Type I, PVC-free polymer-reinforced paper (10% recycled post-consumer waste) with a non-toxic water activated adhesive backing suitable for low to moderate traffic areas. Pre-Pasted Wallpaper has a smooth, semi-matte finish ideal for short-term or long-term use in homes including rentals, and other temporary projects like art installations, set designs, and event spaces.
For easy install, this paper does not require paste and does not need to be trimmed; a slight overlap will be visible after installation. It should be installed on smooth, flat surfaces. Pre-Pasted Wallpaper is fully removable. Pre-Pasted Wallpaper can be installed by homeowners or renters with proper preparation, or by a professional installer. A copy of our full Technical Specifications & Installation Guide can be downloaded at the bottom of this article.
Watch this video before you start and then review the written steps below. Hanging wallpaper requires at least two people. You also must allow enough time to complete the entire installation in one day. Why? Since this paper shrinks as it dries, completing the task in one day ensures seamless installation of your pattern!
Preparation
Supplies
Primer: Roman PRO-977 Ultra Primer, applying two coats total and allowing each to dry overnight. Allow primed walls to cure for at least four weeks before installation.
Other Tools:
- 3/8” nap roller or high output spray bottle used to activate adhesive
- Non-abrasive soft cellulose sponge
- Olfa box-style cutters or similar, and blade receptacle
- Soft plastic smoother and/or brush smoother
- Other: seam roller, drop cloths, buckets, paint trays, straight edge, table, etc.
Wall Preparation
Make sure the walls are smooth, clean, dry, and free of mold, mildew, grease, or other stains. On new walls, drywall joints should be taped, mudded, and sanded smooth. Remove any nail heads, nicks, gouges, and other surface imperfections. Old wallcoverings must be removed, and residual moisture content of the wall should be < 4%. Follow primer recommendations provided above under "Supplies". Allow primed walls to cure for at least four weeks before installation.
For best results apply to a surface that is a solid, light color. We have not tested installation directly over other wallpaper, or over wallpaper that has been primed. Installation is not recommended on walls with texture or over "scrubbable" paints.
Paper Preparation
Allow the wallpaper to acclimate under clean, dry, and protected conditions between 50° F to 77° F (10° C to 25° C) and 50–60% RH until the supplies adjust to the environment. Inspect all materials prior to installation for the following: print scale and size of panels are correct, color matching of panels is acceptable, print surface is free from defects, and edges have enough space for overlap.
- Unroll each roll to face the same way. The top of each panel has no white space. The bottom has a narrow line of white space printed with order information:
- Each roll is labeled with its item number ("Quantity- 1 of 8, etc...). This number is not an installation order. Rolls of the same design may be installed in any order.
- Re-roll each panel starting from the bottom so that the top edge is on the outside of the roll. Do not trim your paper before hanging.
Installation
Book The Wallpaper
Apply water on the back of each panel with one of the following methods:
- Use a clean paint roller or sponge to thoroughly wet the back of the paper
- Use a high output spray bottle to saturate the adhesive. Keep all sprays consistent so the same amount of water covers the entire panel
Using a good overhead light and flat surface, inspect the panel to ensure it has been evenly saturated with water. Dry spots that need more water will appear dull under the light. Commonly the edges of the paper are not saturated enough after the first pass. Reapply water at these spots or edges.
Once the paper is thoroughly wet, gently fold the top and bottom so that pasted sides meet together in the middle, as shown in the diagram below. Take care not to crease the paper. Allow each panel of paper to rest in this booking phase for at least 3-5 minutes before hanging. The paper is absorbing water into its fibers to activate the glue. As it dries, the paper will tighten and create a smooth, professional finish.
Install the Wallpaper
Once the first panel is properly booked for 3-5 minutes, unfold just the top half of the paper while leaving the white edge with the barcode still folded.
From your starting point on the wall, align the top of the wallpaper with the ceiling. Have your friend step back to confirm that the strip is straight and level. If you are starting in the corner, that vertical edge may help, too.
NOTE: If the ceiling edge is not perfectly straight, start about an inch above the edge and trim away the excess when the paper is dry. Painter's tape can help secure the paper if it slips as you adjust your installation.
Once the top of the paper is in position, unfold the bottom half. Smooth the paper down the wall using a damp sponge or a wallpaper squeegee. Remove air bubbles as you go, lightly pressing them from the center of the paper to the edges.
Book your second roll and hang it so it overlaps the previous roll by approximately 0.5" (1+ cm). The overlap may vary from roll to roll, so be mindful and visually match the repeat. There is no need to trim the overlap. Because wallpaper shrinks as it dries, this guarantees there will be no spaces between panels. Repeat this step with each panel until you complete your installation.
Once you've installed all the panels, let your paper dry completely - at least 3 hours - to guarantee it has returned to its original size. Then, use a sharp utility knife with a good grip to trim the extra paper around the frames of windows and doors, across the ceiling and by the baseboard. We have had good luck with Olfa SAC-1 Graphic Cutter, as it offers stability so the blades don't wobble as you cut with a straight edge. Don't be frugal, either! Sharp blades cut cleaner lines, so replace your blades often. Wipe down the walls with a damp sponge to remove any excess adhesive and recycle any leftover bits of paper.
Other Tips
- While not necessary, if you wish to double cut, see "Other Instructions" in the attached Technical Specifications & Installation Guide. Double cutting is only recommended for professional installers.
- A seam roller can be used to finish seams as needed.
- When installing around doors or windows, apply the wallpaper as normal. However, you may want to cut away any extra bulk that is not being installed to the wall. Still wait until the paper has fully dried (3 or more hours) before trimming it flush to the moulding.
- Installing corners, either interior (in a room) or exterior (around edge), may offer a challenge, especially when you are installing more than half a roll (12+", 30 cm) from one wall surface to the next. Consider this issue when you determine your starting point. In a perfect scenario, installing only few inches of paper across an edge is best. It is easier to keep the paper level and there isn't too much extra weight to balance.
- Do not cut the paper for corners because it will cause problems with your seamless overlap.
- Since installation will vary from room to room, search online for additional ideas for navigating around switches, electrical plugs, window hardware and more.
Removal
Please view the video below for complete removal instructions and tips.
- If walls were prepared properly before installation, Pre-Pasted Wallpaper may be able to be peeled off the wall without applying any water. However, if this isn't working, use a damp sponge with warm water to lightly reactivate the adhesive, starting from the bottom and working your way up. Allow it to soak through for approximately 10 minutes before moving to the next step.
- Start at the corner of the last installed roll and use a putty knife or scraper to gently lift the corner of the wallpaper from the wall.
- Gently peel the wallpaper downward at a 10 degree angle.
- Repeat for each roll, in reverse of installation.
- Wipe down the bare wall with a damp sponge with warm water and a little dish detergent to remove any leftover residue.
- Recycle the paper appropriately.
See also: Wallpaper Terms
See also: How to Order Wallpaper