Wallpaper Mistakes Beginners Should Avoid

Wallpaper is not only famous in one city but has become the favourite worldwide. Due to offering instant transformation of place, wallpaper has become the top solution for every homeowner. But still, one thing always happens, that is mistakes while applying wallpaper on the wall by beginners. This guide will show you some common mistakes that every beginner should avoid.

No matter where you are applying wallpaper, whether in your living room, adding a statement wall in your bedroom or decorating in your office, by avoiding common pitfalls, you can save time as well as money. In this guide, we will explore the most common wallpaper mistakes beginners should avoid, so that you can achieve a professional-looking and flawless finish. Stay Connected.

List of Common Wallpaper Mistakes that Beginners Should Avoid

1. Skipping Wall Preparation
2. Choosing the Wrong Wallpaper Type
3. Miscalculating Measurements
4. Using Too Much or Too Little Adhesive
5. Ignoring Pattern Alignment
6. Leaving Air Bubbles and Wrinkles
7. Trimming Mistakes
8. Ignoring Room Lighting

Skipping Wall Preparation

The first and most common mistake that most beginners make is skipping wall preparations. Applying wallpaper directly on an unprepared wall can prevent the wallpaper from sticking properly on the wall, and it may cause frequent peeling, imperfections and bubbling. Let's see how to avoid this mistake:

• Clean the wall properly and remove dirt from the wall
• Fill cracks and Holes properly with wall fillers
• Sand rough area for a smooth surface
• Apply primer if required

Choosing the Wrong Wallpaper Type

Always understand one thing that not all wallpaper is perfect for all places. It is a common mistake for people to choose the wrong wallpaper type for the room. You ignore multiple factors like moisture, durability, and room usage. Let's have an example- Paper wallpaper is not good for bathrooms and kitchens. Some of the ways to avoid this mistake:

• Use vinyl or washable wallpaper in moisture areas
• Choose durable wallpaper for high-traffic areas
• Always consider room size, lighting and decor before choosing a wallpaper pattern

Miscalculating Measurements

Incorrect measurement is another mistake that can lead to wallpaper wastage and mismatched patterns. Beginners always forget about how much wallpaper length and width they need for the wall and forget to measure the wallpaper. Let's see how to avoid this mistake:

• Measure wallpaper height & width accordingly
• Include extra wallpaper for safety
• Buy an extra roll for future repairs

Using Too Much or Too Little Adhesive

Using the wrong amount of adhesive can damage your wall and wallpaper. A large amount of adhesive can cause problems with bubbling, and too little glue can lead to peeling off wallpaper. Some of the ways to avoid this mistake:

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully
• Apply adhesive evenly
• Allow pre-pasted wallpaper to soak properly

Ignoring Pattern Alignment

Balanced and proper alignment of wallpaper always gives a unique and most inclusive look to the space. If you apply wallpaper with improper alignment, then it may look cheap and uneven.

• Use a Plumb line or a level before starting
• Match patterns carefully at seams
• Take your time with each strip

Leaving Air Bubbles and Wrinkles

Rushing to apply wallpaper can lead to air beneath the wallpaper, and it starts creating bubbles and wrinkles that directly affect the finish on the wall. Some of the ways to avoid this common mistake:

• Smooth the wallpaper from the middle with a brush or smoother
• Work slowly and carefully
• Pay special attention to edges

Trimming Mistakes

Improper trimming of wallpaper can leave uneven gaps and even torn wallpaper, especially around ceilings, corners and switch plates. Let’s see how to avoid it:

• Use a sharp utility knife
• Trim excess wallpaper
• Use a straightedge for precise lines

Ignoring Room Lighting

Room light directly affect your wallpaper, that's why always choose the wallpaper that matches your room light. Some artificial light makes the room unpleasant. Some of the ways to make the room more spacious:

• Test wallpaper samples
• Avoid dark patterns
• Use lighter shades

Final Thought

Applying wallpaper is never stressful if you do it with proper care and attention. By avoiding some common mistakes, you can easily apply wallpaper with minimum time and minimum wastage. In this guide, we have successfully covered the wallpaper mistakes that every beginner should avoid while wallpapering.

Frequently Asked Questions about Wallpaper Mistakes Beginners Should Avoid

When should we use primer before the wallpaper?

You should use primer before the wallpaper when the wall surface is porous, uneven and freshly plastered. It helps to seal the wall properly and make future removal easier.

What type of adhesive should we use for wallpaper?

The type of adhesive depends on the type of wallpaper; pre-pasted wallpaper only requires water for activation & vinyl wallpaper needs heavy-duty wallpaper paste.

Is it important to remove old wallpaper before applying a new one?

Yes, removing old wallpaper is important before applying the new one. But in some cases, you can directly paste wallpaper on old ones.

How much extra wallpaper should we buy?

You should buy 10-15% extra wallpaper for pattern matching, trimming and for future repair.

What is the best way to cut the wallpaper?

A sharp utility knife and a wallpaper cutter are the perfect way to cut the wallpaper.