Installing wallpaper can transform a room beautifully, but the best results come from proper preparation and careful installation. Whether you are installing wallpaper yourself or working with a professional installer, avoiding these common mistakes will help ensure a smooth, polished finish that lasts.
Below are the most common issues and how to avoid them.
Even the best wallpaper requires a properly prepared wall surface.
Before installing peel-and-stick wallpaper, make sure your wall is:
Clean
Dry
Smooth
Fully cured if recently painted
Dust, oils, and residue can prevent proper adhesion.
Tip:
Peel-and-stick wallpaper performs best on smooth walls with eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss paint finishes.
Freshly painted walls should cure for at least 30 days before installation.
Taking your time during installation leads to a much better result.
Before starting:
Lay out your panels in order
Use a level or laser to ensure the first panel is straight
Work slowly from top to bottom
Apply the wallpaper gradually rather than trying to place the entire panel at once.
Having a second person assist can make installation significantly easier.
Wallpaper patterns are designed to flow seamlessly from panel to panel.
Before fully pressing the panel into place:
Check that the pattern aligns correctly with the previous panel
Step back periodically to confirm alignment
Small adjustments are easier early in the process.
Peel-and-stick wallpaper does not require excessive force.
Instead:
Use a wallpaper smoothing tool or soft cloth
Apply firm, even pressure across the panel
Smooth from the center outward to remove air bubbles
Avoid pressing with fingertips, which can stretch the material or create shiny spots.
Clean trimming makes a significant difference in the finished result.
For best results:
Use a sharp utility knife
Use a metal straight edge for guidance
Trim slowly and carefully along ceilings, baseboards, and corners
Replace blades frequently for clean cuts.
Testing a sample first helps prevent installation issues.
Before installing a full order:
Place a sample on your wall
Leave it in place for several days
Test removal to ensure the paint surface reacts well
This simple step helps confirm compatibility with your wall surface.
LUXE Traditional wallpaper offers the most refined and seamless finish, but it requires careful installation and proper preparation.
Wallpaper should always be installed on a properly prepared wall.
Your wall should be:
Clean
Dry
Smooth
Primed or painted with low-sheen paint
Flat or matte paints can sometimes reduce adhesion.
If the wall was recently painted, allow at least 30 days of curing time before installation.
Wallpaper installation should always begin with careful layout planning.
Before installation:
Measure the wall carefully
Mark a vertical guideline using a level
Confirm panel order and pattern alignment
The first panel determines the alignment of the entire installation.
Many wallpaper designs rely on continuous pattern alignment.
When installing:
Match the pattern at eye level first
Align seams before trimming edges
Smooth the panel gently once alignment is correct
The correct amount of paste ensures proper adhesion.
For best results:
Apply a thin, even layer of paste
Ensure edges are properly coated
Wipe away excess paste immediately with a damp sponge
Air bubbles and wrinkles can occur during installation.
To prevent this:
Use a wallpaper brush or smoothing tool
Start from the center and smooth outward
If a wrinkle forms, gently lift the panel and reposition it
Some small bubbles may disappear as the wallpaper dries.
After installation:
Allow the wallpaper to settle slightly
Use a sharp blade and straight edge for trimming
Trim carefully around ceilings, baseboards, and outlets
Clean trimming gives the installation a professional finish.
While many homeowners install wallpaper successfully, large walls, murals, and complex layouts often benefit from professional installation.
A professional installer can:
Ensure precise pattern alignment
Create nearly invisible seams
Install large panels efficiently
For the best results:
Install wallpaper on smooth, properly prepared walls
Allow freshly painted walls to cure fully
Take your time with alignment and smoothing
Inspect panels before installation
Proper preparation and careful installation will ensure a beautiful result that enhances your space.
If you have questions about installation or your wall surface, feel free to contact us before beginning your project.
We’re happy to help guide you toward the best result for your space.
