Wallpaper Installation Guide
Everything you need to know to get a perfect, bubble-free result — from wall prep to final trim.
What You'll Need
Our wallpaper arrives pre-cut and numbered — no specialist tools required. Gather these items before you begin and the installation will go smoothly.
Prepare Your Wall
Wall preparation is the single most important factor in a successful installation. The vast majority of adhesion failures and bubbling issues trace back to skipped prep steps — not the product. Give this step the time it deserves.
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1
Clean the Surface Thoroughly
Wipe the entire wall with a clean, damp microfibre cloth to remove dust, grease, and any residue. Surface dust is the most common cause of poor adhesion. Allow the wall to dry completely — at least 2 hours — before proceeding.
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2
Inspect and Repair Any Damage
Fill holes, dents, or cracks with wall filler. Sand smooth once dry, then wipe away all sanding dust. The wall must be completely flat — any bumps or ridges will show through the finished wallpaper.
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3
Confirm Paint Is Fully Cured
Your paint must be at least 30 days old — ideally 4–6 weeks. Paint that feels dry to the touch may still be chemically curing. Applying wallpaper to fresh paint is the leading cause of paint lifting on removal.
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4
Check Your Paint Type
Not all paints are compatible. See the paint type guide below before proceeding.
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5
Allow the Wall to Rest
After cleaning, leave the wall for at least 24 hours before applying wallpaper. This allows any residual moisture to fully evaporate from the surface.
Paint Type: What Works and What Doesn't
Paint type has a significant impact on adhesion. Here is a quick reference guide.
✓ Generally Safe
- ✓ Standard acrylic over primer
- ✓ Low-sheen or flat finish
- ✓ Properly primed plasterboard
- ✓ Dulux Weathershield (interior)
- ✓ Taubmans All Seasons
⚠ Test First
- ⚠ Dulux Wash & Wear
- ⚠ Taubmans Endure
- ⚠ Any "scrubbable" finish
- ⚠ High-gloss paint
- ⚠ Paint applied over paint (no sand/prime)
- ⚠ Rental walls repainted cosmetically
Paints marketed as "washable" or "scrubbable" — including Dulux Wash & Wear and Taubmans Endure — contain a repellent surface coating designed to resist staining. This same coating can prevent the wallpaper adhesive from bonding properly, leading to premature peeling or poor adhesion from the start.
If your walls have been painted with these products, always test with a sample first before committing to a full order. Apply the sample, leave it for 48–72 hours, then remove slowly using a hairdryer. If the adhesive releases cleanly, you are good to proceed.
Not sure about your walls? A $8 sample lets you test adhesion before you commit.
Order a Sample →Installing Your Wallpaper
Your panels arrive pre-cut, numbered, and ready to apply. Each panel is approximately 62cm wide with a 2cm overlap for seamless joins. Work from Panel 1 upward and across the wall in order.
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1
Mark a True Vertical Line
Use a spirit level or plumb line to draw a faint vertical pencil line from ceiling to floor at your starting point. Walls are rarely perfectly straight — starting from a true vertical prevents panels from drifting and the pattern from going off-angle.
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2
Start at the Top of Panel 1
Peel back approximately 20cm of the backing from the top of Panel 1. Align the top edge with your ceiling line (or your desired starting height) and the side edge with your vertical guide. Press the top section firmly into place.
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3
Peel and Smooth Downward
With one hand holding the backing paper taut and away from the wall, use your other hand or a squeegee to smooth the panel downward in sections. Work from the centre of the panel outward to the edges to push air bubbles out rather than trapping them.
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4
Overlap Each Panel by 2cm
Align the pattern on each subsequent panel before pressing it down. The 2cm overlap is intentional — it creates a seamless join when viewed from a normal distance. Take your time with pattern alignment; it is much easier to adjust before the panel is fully pressed.
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5
Trim Edges Cleanly
Use a sharp craft knife and a metal straight edge to trim excess wallpaper at the ceiling, skirting board, and around any obstacles such as power points or light switches. Always use a fresh blade — a dull blade drags and tears rather than cutting cleanly.
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6
Press All Edges and Seams Firmly
Once all panels are in place, go back over the entire wall with your squeegee and press all edges, seams, and corners firmly. Pay particular attention to the top and bottom edges and any areas near obstacles — these are the most likely places for lifting to begin.
- If a bubble appears, lift the panel back to that point and re-smooth. The adhesive is repositionable during installation.
- In cooler weather (below 18°C), warm the panel slightly with a hairdryer before applying — this activates the adhesive and improves initial bond.
- Install at room temperature between 18–25°C for best results. Avoid installing in extreme heat or cold.
- Two people makes the job significantly easier for walls wider than 2m.
- For corners, wrap the panel around the corner by 1–2cm rather than trying to cut exactly at the corner edge.
- Stand back every few panels to check the pattern alignment from a distance — small drifts are easier to correct early.
Common Issues & How to Fix Them
Small bubbles within the first 24–48 hours are normal as the adhesive settles. Many disappear on their own. For persistent bubbles, gently lift the panel back to the bubble, smooth it out, and re-press. If bubbles appear along the edges, press them firmly with a squeegee or the back of a spoon.
This almost always means the starting vertical line was not checked carefully enough. If you notice drift after 2–3 panels, lift and reposition the most recent panel to correct it. Do not continue applying panels hoping it will self-correct.
Ensure you are using the 2cm overlap correctly and aligning the pattern before pressing each panel down. If the pattern is off, lift the panel (it is repositionable) and re-align. Check that you are working through the panels in the numbered order.
If edges begin lifting shortly after installation, this typically indicates insufficient wall prep — either the wall was not clean enough, the paint was not fully cured, or the paint type is not compatible. Press the edges back firmly and monitor. If lifting continues, the wall surface may need to be addressed before reinstalling.
Ready to Get Started?
Browse 100+ designs and find the perfect wallpaper for your space. Order a sample first to test colour and adhesion.