How to Hang Wallpaper Borders
Here is everything you need to know about how to hang a wallpaper border perfectly!
Step 1
Determine Border Application Method
- Establish if your border is pre-pasted or unpasted and follow the pre-pasted instructions or unpasted instructions to adhere your border to the wall.
- Applying Vinyl Border Over Vinyl Wallpaper: Use a "vinyl-over-vinyl" border adhesive.
- Applying Border Over Painted Walls: Lightly sand the border wall area before applying the border.
Step 2
Measure & Cut Wallpaper Border
- Measure the length of your first wall and cut a strip of wallpaper border 3 inches longer to allow for overlap on each end.
- For easy handling, gently fold the border accordion style without creasing the folds.
Step 3
Hang First Wallpaper Border Strip
Hang from Top of Wall
- Follow the ceiling line around the room, allowing at least 1/2 inch overlap at corners.
Hang Around Middle of Room
- Also known as a chair rail border, use a level and pencil to make a faint line around the room at the desired height before you start.
Hang Around Window/Door
- Overlap the horizontal and vertical strips at the corners.
- Cut through both strips at a 45° angle at the corner.
- Remove excess pieces.
- After applying the border to the wall, smooth with a wallpaper smoothing tool to force out any air bubbles.
- Wipe off excess glue with a clean, damp sponge.
Step 4
Hang Additional Strips
- Measure and cut the next border strip at a point where you can easily match the pattern to the previous strip, allowing for an inch or so of overlap.
- Cut through the overlap with a utility knife, using a 6-in putty knife as a guide.
- Remove excess paper for a clean seam and wipe off any glue with a moist sponge.