DIY Wallpaper

Adding a bright and vibrant wallpaper to your home is easy to do all by yourself!

In this article we provide you with step-by-step instructions; general instructions; custom wallpapering techniques and techniques for applying a wallpaper circle.

Preparations for DIY Wallpaper

When preparing your room for wallpapering, it is important to ensure the following:

1. The wall should be smooth, even and without any structures or holes. We recommend wallpapering on a white wall free from any previous wallpaper. By doing this it prevents stains and colours from showing through lighter-coloured wallpaper patterns and prevents wallpapers from lifting off due to it being on the wrong surface.
2. The wall should be pre-treated with a primer before applying the wallpaper. This is to ensure the adhesive is not absorbed into the wall. If the wall is painted with white latex then that is good enough!
3. Supplies you will need: 

• Wallpaper spatula, brush or roller, ruler and a Stanley knife.
• A dry cloth or kitchen towel to remove adhesive residue
• A Plumb line or Spirit Level (this is for if you are not wallpapering the entire wall but rather starting from the middle of a wall.)
• Glue: You should always use non-woven wallpaper glue for custom wallpaper, murals, wallpaper circles and wallpaper on a roll:

If you are having difficulties on your wallpaper journey or know that you would like professional help, you can contact us and we will put you in touch with professional wallpaperers. They provide services throughout the Netherlands and have extensive experience.

DIY Wallpapering: A Step-by-Step plan

1. Always make sure you wallpaper with a friend – having two people makes it a lot easier!
2. Before starting check whether the design and dimensions of the wallpaper on the packaging are correct. Always check each track for irregularities before sticking it to the wall.
3. If you are only wallpapering part of a wall, use a plumb line or spirit level to ensure that the first run is perpendicular.
4. When wallpapering, make sure no glue gets on the wallpaper else it will create a stain. If it does happen, gently dab it away. DON’T rub, just dab!
5. If you are wallpapering on a wall with plaster, first tap the wall: if the sound is dull, the plaster is probably loose in places. Carefully remove the loose spots and repair the holes with a filler.
6. Pre-treat highly absorbant surfaces to break up the greatest suction power. For more information see the wallpaper glue packaging.
7. Always keep the printed side up when cutting the webs. This will allow you to detect any errors/stains immediately.
8. Always use a sharp knife to cut wallpaper. A dull blade can tear or fray the paper.
9. Mark the pre-cut strips of wallpaper with a small pencil mark or number on the back to ensure that the strips of wallpaper are applied in the same direction and continuous. Always use a soft pencil for marking as ink from felt-tipped markers or pens may show through the wallpaper.
10. Rolls of wallpaper: When cutting the wallpaper strips to size, it is wise to add some extra to the length, so that the wallpaper can be cut exactly along the skirting board and ceiling with a ruler after pasting.
11. Wallpaper should always dry gently. Drying too quickly can cause the wallpaper to shrink or tear. You should always dry the wallpaper with closed doors and windows and have the heating at a constant, moderate temperature.
12. When removing wallpaper, never rub it, as this can stain the print. Depending on the wallpaper, a slightly damp cloth may or may not be used. For more information, please check the product description before processing. Remember – don’t rub, just dab!

Applying Murals (fixed sizes), wallpaper on a roll and custom-made wallpaper!

1. The wallpaper strips of both the murals and the customised wallpaper are marked with a number and dark line. You should cut these strips separately in advance.
2. Place all wallpaper strips on the floor in the correct order to check that the image aligns!
3. Prepare the wallpaper paste according to the instructions for use or use read-made wallpaper glue.
4. Always work from left to right and start with numbers 1, 2, 3 etc.
5. Apply the adhesive generously to the wall with a brush or roller. Start with the width of the roll (+ an extra 10/15cm) and 1/3rd of the length of the wall. This way you work step-by-step from top to bottom.
6. Apply the wallpaper directly to the wall on the damp adhesive. Press and smooth the wallpaper with a wallpaper spatula, brush or cloth and remove all visible air bubbles. Pro tip: Make sure you work with clean materials and that the wallpaper spatula is always dry.
7. Is the track sitting well on the wall? Then you can proceed to cut the wallpaper to size along the ceiling and skirting board using a ruler and box cutter.

Applying a wall circle

For wallpaper circles, the strips have already been cut out in advance in the correct shapes of the circle.

1. Place all the wallpaper strips on the floor in the correct order to review the image of the wallpaper circle.
2. Draw a small line using a plumb line or spirit level on the wall to ensure the first strip of wallpaper is perpendicular.
3. Prepare the paste according to the instructions or use ready-made wallpaper glue.
4. Apply the glue to the middle wallpaper strip. When you have 4 wallpaper strips, you start with strips 2 or 3.
5. Place the wallpaper strip on the wall. The spirit level or plumb line ensures that the wallpaper strip is guaranteed to hang straight. Use a wallpaper spatula to remove any air bubbles. Continue with the other wallpaper strips on the wall (make sure they are in the correct order.)
6. Remove the excess glue with a piece of kitchen paper and dab it dry.
7. Wallpaper should always dry gently as drying too quickly can cause it to shrink or tear. You should always dry the wallpaper with the doors and windows closed and the heating at a moderate temperature.

Contact Creative Lab Amsterdam

You can always contact us should you have difficulties with the wallpaper and require professional assistance! We are curious about how your wallpaper turns out and would love to see your result! You can email us at hello@creativelabamsterdam.com!

And After all the hard work, remember to sit back and enjoy the view!