Paste-the-paper
Adhesive is applied evenly to the back of the cut wallpaper length. Depending on the product, the pasted paper may then need to rest for a specified time before it is hung.
Wallpaper Hanging Guide
How to Paste Wallpaper: Paste-the-Paper Method
The traditional paste-the-paper method involves applying adhesive to the back of each wallpaper length before it is hung. It is still used for many paper-backed wallpapers and other products whose instructions specify that the paper, rather than the wall, should be pasted.
This guide covers preparation, measuring, cutting, pasting, booking or soaking, hanging and matching subsequent drops. If your wallpaper is labelled paste-the-wall, use our separate Paste-the-Wall Wallpaper Guide instead. In every case, the individual wallcovering’s hanging instructions take precedence.
Paste-the-Paper or Paste-the-Wall?
Do not choose the hanging method simply by looking at the wallpaper. Check the roll label or technical instructions before applying adhesive.
Paste-the-wall
Adhesive is applied directly to the prepared wall and the dry wallpaper is positioned onto it. This method is common with many modern non-woven products.
Manufacturer instructions come first. Some products need specialist adhesives, specific soaking times or particular handling methods. If the label conflicts with general advice, follow the product specification.
Before You Start: Tools, Adhesive & Preparation
Prepare the surface
Walls should be dry, sound, reasonably smooth and free from dust, loose paint and old paste.
Confirm the adhesive
Use the manufacturer’s specified or recommended paste where one is given.
Read the instructions
Check hanging method, pattern repeat, soaking time and cleaning guidance before cutting.
Set up a clean work area
A wipe-clean pasting table makes measuring, cutting and coating the paper much easier.
You will normally also need a tape measure, pencil, spirit level or plumb line, sharp knife or scissors, pasting brush or roller, paperhanging brush or suitable smoother, clean sponge or cloth and a stable step ladder.
For advice on adhesive types, see our Choosing Wallpaper Paste guide.
How to Paste & Hang Wallpaper: Step by Step
Mark a true vertical guideline
Choose the starting position for the room, then establish a vertical line with a spirit level or plumb line. The first strip should be aligned to this guide rather than assuming the nearest corner is perfectly straight.
Step 1 · establish the first drop
Measure the wall height
Measure from skirting to ceiling in more than one place and use the longest relevant measurement. Add the trimming allowance appropriate to the room, wallpaper and installer’s method.
If the wallpaper has a pattern repeat or match, take that into account before cutting subsequent lengths. Our Wallpaper Quantities Guide explains the wider ordering considerations.
Step 2 · measure before cutting
Cut the first length
Roll the wallpaper out on a clean surface, normally face down for pasting. Cut the first drop with an appropriate top-and-bottom trimming allowance. Avoid using one fixed allowance for every project: ceilings, skirtings, pattern position and the decorator’s method can all affect what is required.
Step 3 · cut with trimming allowance
Apply paste evenly and allow the specified soak time
Apply adhesive to the back of the wallpaper in an even coat, working from the centre towards the edges and making sure the margins are fully covered.
If the product instructions require it, gently fold or “book” the pasted paper with pasted surfaces together without making hard creases. Leave it for the exact soaking time specified for that wallcovering. Do not assume a universal 8–10 minute soak: different papers behave differently.
Step 4 · paste and book the paper
Hang the strip to the guideline
Once the required soak time has passed, unfold the upper part of the strip and offer it to the wall. Align the edge to the vertical guide and smooth the paper from the centre outwards, taking care not to stretch the wet paper.
Form clean trimming lines at the ceiling and skirting, then cut away the excess using the method appropriate to the wallpaper and surface.
Step 5 · hang and smooth
Continue with subsequent lengths
Cut, paste and rest each new length using the same product-specific timing. Butt the edges together without overlapping and match the pattern carefully.
Remove any surface adhesive only using the cleaning method permitted by the manufacturer. Delicate, metallic, hand-printed and specialist finishes can be vulnerable to rubbing, moisture or paste marks.
Patterned wallpaper: do not cut every length to the same nominal size before checking the repeat and match. Straight match, half-drop and other repeats can alter the position and length of successive drops.
When to Use a Professional Decorator
Straightforward paper-backed wallpaper can be suitable for an experienced DIY decorator, but professional installation is worth considering when the product or room makes mistakes expensive or difficult to correct.
- 3D and sculptural wallcoverings
- textile wallcoverings and natural fibres
- high-value luxury or bespoke wallpapers
- large or complex patterns requiring careful positioning;
- staircases, chimney breasts, alcoves and rooms with numerous obstacles; and
- walls needing substantial preparation before hanging.
For specialist products, the installer should review the manufacturer’s current preparation, adhesive, soaking and cleaning instructions before work begins.
Paste-the-Paper FAQs
How do I know whether to paste the paper or the wall?
Check the wallpaper label or technical hanging instructions. They should state the required method. Do not decide solely from the appearance or weight of the wallpaper.
How long should pasted wallpaper soak before hanging?
Use the exact time specified for the individual product. Soaking times vary, and some wallpapers should not be soaked at all.
Why does paper-backed wallpaper need soaking time?
Traditional paper backings can change dimension after adhesive is applied. Where specified, allowing the paper to rest before hanging helps that movement occur before the strip is positioned on the wall.
Should I paste several wallpaper lengths at once?
Only if the product instructions and your working method allow you to maintain consistent soaking times. For many DIY projects, working one length at a time reduces the risk of inconsistent timing or paste drying at the edges.
Can I wipe paste off the face of any wallpaper?
Not necessarily. Cleaning guidance varies by surface. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, particularly with metallic, hand-printed, textile and other delicate finishes.
Check the label before the paste goes on
Confirm the hanging method, adhesive, pattern repeat and soaking time before cutting or pasting the first wallpaper length.
