Option 1: centre a seam
Depending on the design, two drops can meet at the centre line so the composition mirrors outwards from the middle.
Specialist Wallcovering Guide
How to Hang 3D Wallpaper
Sculpted and textured 3D wallcoverings can create an exceptional feature wall, but their raised surfaces, specialist materials and often wider formats mean they need more careful handling than a conventional printed wallpaper.
This written guide is based on the installation principles demonstrated by Arte for a non-woven-backed 3D wallcovering. It covers preparation, layout, paste-the-wall installation, trimming, seams and corners. Always follow the hanging instructions supplied with the exact wallcovering you have purchased, as construction and methods vary.
Before You Start
Specialist 3D wallcoverings should be inspected and planned before any adhesive is applied. The source guide emphasises checking the wall, the product reference, batch details and supplied instructions before cutting.
Prepare the wall
The surface should be dry, clean, sound and suitably smooth for the wallcovering.
Check every roll
Confirm product reference, batch and direction before cutting any drops.
Read the instructions
Use the adhesive, tools, orientation and hanging method specified for the exact product.
Do not generalise between 3D products. The supplied source is based on an Arte non-woven-backed wallcovering installed using a paste-the-wall method. Other sculpted, textile or specialist products can require different adhesives, handling and trimming techniques.
Prefer to watch the Arte demonstration?
We are keeping the original Arte installation video on its own supporting page so this URL remains the detailed written reference.
Watch the 3D Wallpaper Video GuidePlan the Feature Wall Before Cutting
Strong 3D designs often become the visual focus of a room, so the position of the pattern across the wall deserves consideration before the first drop is cut.
Option 2: centre a full drop
Alternatively, the middle of one drop can sit on the centre line. Test the layout with the pattern before deciding which arrangement looks most balanced.
Once the layout is decided, mark a true vertical line for the edge of the first drop. Measure the wall height, account for pattern positioning and cut only with the trimming allowance appropriate to the product and room.
Mark the top of each cut length on the reverse if orientation is not immediately obvious. The source guide also advises hanging all drops in the same direction unless the supplied instructions say otherwise.
How to Hang 3D Wallpaper: Step by Step
Use the adhesive recommended for the exact wallcovering. The original Arte demonstration specifies its own suitable adhesive system; for another product, use the current manufacturer specification rather than substituting a generic paste.
For the non-woven-backed product demonstrated in the source, adhesive is brushed into edges and corners and rolled evenly across the main wall area. Work in manageable sections so the paste remains workable when the drop is positioned.
Offer the wallcovering to the pasted wall with the correct end at the top, align its edge to the vertical guide and leave enough surplus for final trimming at ceiling and skirting.
Smooth or roll the wallcovering from the centre towards the edges using the tool approved for the product. Raised, sculpted surfaces can be damaged by inappropriate pressure, so follow the manufacturer’s handling guidance.
Form the trimming line at the ceiling and skirting, then remove the surplus using a sharp blade against a suitable straight edge or spatula. Specialist wallcoverings can blunt blades quickly, so change cutting sections frequently.
Paste the next section and position the second drop against the first without overlapping. Match the pattern and finish the seam using the method and tools approved for that surface.
Avoid getting adhesive onto the decorative face. If any paste reaches the surface, use only the cleaning method permitted by the manufacturer; some specialist finishes can be permanently marked by moisture or rubbing.
Step back after the first two or three lengths. Check pattern alignment, seam appearance and the condition of the raised texture before continuing across the remainder of the wall.
How to Wallpaper an Inner Corner with 3D Wallpaper
Corners are particularly product-dependent. The source Arte method allows the drop to continue slightly onto the adjoining wall rather than finishing exactly in the corner.
Establish how far the final drop will extend and mark a true vertical reference on the adjoining wall.
For the demonstrated paste-the-wall product, adhesive is worked carefully into the angle and onto the adjoining wall beyond the reference line.
Position the drop against the preceding length and ease it into the angle, allowing the product-specific overlap described in the hanging instructions.
Do not assume every 3D wallcovering can be stretched or pushed into position. The original source describes limited adjustment with its demonstrated product; follow the handling limits of your own wallcovering.
Trim the ceiling and skirting edges cleanly and finish the corner without damaging or flattening the raised surface.
How to Wallpaper an Outer Corner with 3D Wallpaper
Outer corners put the wallcovering under different stress because the material must wrap around a projecting edge. The exact method should therefore be checked against the product’s own hanging instructions.
Work out where the wrapped drop should finish and establish a true vertical reference for its far edge.
The original Arte demonstration uses adhesive carefully around the projecting edge before the drop is wrapped. Use the preparation method specified for your own product.
Position the length against the preceding drop and form it around the outer corner. Small relief cuts at the top or bottom may be used where appropriate to remove tension, but only where the construction allows.
Bring the far edge back to the vertical reference and press the material into place using approved tools and pressure.
Finish the top and bottom edges cleanly, then continue onto the adjoining wall according to the established pattern and hanging direction.
When Professional Installation Makes Sense
3D wallcoverings are often more expensive and less forgiving than standard printed wallpaper. Professional installation is particularly worth considering when the material is sculpted, textile-based, wide-width or installed across multiple corners and architectural features.
- high-value Arte and other specialist designer wallcoverings;
- large feature walls where centring and symmetry are important;
- inner or outer corners that are not true;
- wallcoverings with delicate raised surfaces;
- rooms requiring significant wall preparation; and
- installations where an incorrect adhesive or cleaning method could permanently mark the surface.
TM Interiors recommendation: for specialist 3D wallcoverings, confirm preparation, adhesive, cutting and cleaning requirements before work begins and use an experienced paper hanger where appropriate.
3D Wallpaper FAQs
Is all 3D wallpaper paste-the-wall?
No. The source guide relates to an Arte non-woven-backed product using a paste-the-wall method. Always check the instructions for the exact 3D wallcovering you are installing.
Can I use a normal wallpaper roller on 3D wallcovering?
Use only tools and pressure suitable for the product. Raised or sculpted surfaces can be damaged by excessive pressure or an inappropriate roller.
Should a 3D feature wall be centred?
Often it is worth planning the wall from the centre because the design is a focal feature. Depending on the pattern, either a seam or the centre of a full drop may be aligned with the wall centre.
Can 3D wallpaper be wrapped around corners?
Some products can be taken around inner or outer corners using the manufacturer’s specified technique. Construction varies, so do not assume every 3D wallcovering can be folded, stretched or wrapped in the same way.
What adhesive should I use for 3D wallpaper?
Use the adhesive specified for the exact wallcovering. Do not choose solely by weight or appearance; specialist constructions may require a particular adhesive system.
Check the product before you treat it like ordinary wallpaper
Specialist 3D wallcoverings vary considerably in construction, adhesive, handling and trimming requirements. Review the supplied specification before installation.
