How to Hang Prepasted Wallpaper

MotoMoms Decor prepasted wallpaper has adhesive on the back of each panel. You activate that adhesive before hanging the wallpaper. Follow the instructions included with your order, along with the steps below, for the best results.

Before You Start

Make sure your wall is smooth, clean, dry, and structurally sound. Repair loose paint or damaged areas and use a wallpaper primer suitable for your wall surface. Allow any paint or primer to cure according to its manufacturer's instructions before installing wallpaper.

Remove the wallpaper from its packaging and let the panels rest, loosely unrolled, in the room where they will be installed for at least 24 hours. Keep them clean and protected from damage.

Gather a level, pencil, measuring tape, clean sponge, wallpaper smoothing tool, straightedge, and sharp utility knife. You will also need the activation method specified in the instructions included with your wallpaper.

Step 1: Arrange and Inspect the Panels

1. Lay the panels on a clean surface and identify the number and top of each panel.
2. Arrange them from left to right, beginning with Panel 1.
3. Check that the design aligns across the panels and that you have enough wallpaper to cover your wall.

If you notice a printing issue, missing panel, or pattern mismatch, contact us before installation.

Step 2: Mark a Straight Starting Line

The first panel determines the alignment of the panels that follow. Use a level and pencil to draw a light vertical guide on the wall where the edge of the first panel will sit. Check the panel's position against the guide before activating its adhesive.

Step 3: Activate the Adhesive

Activate the adhesive on the back of the first panel using the method described in the instructions included with your order. Wet the backing evenly without soaking the printed surface.

If you use ROMAN E-Z Hang Peel & Stick Helper + Pre-Pasted Activator, follow its directions for prepasted wallpaper: spray the back of the panel, paying attention to the edges and corners. This is different from its peel and stick instructions, which tell you to spray the wall.

Fold the activated panel gently with its adhesive sides together, without creasing the wallpaper. This is called booking. Allow it to rest for the time specified in the instructions included with your wallpaper or activator.

Step 4: Hang the First Panel

Unfold the top portion of Panel 1 and position it along your vertical guide. Leave enough excess at the ceiling and floor for final trimming. If you added extra height when ordering, distribute that allowance between the top and bottom of the wall.

Unfold the rest of the panel and smooth it from the center outward, working down the wall. Remove air pockets gently. Use a clean, damp sponge to wipe away adhesive from the printed surface before it dries.

Step 5: Hang the Remaining Panels

Activate and book one panel at a time. Hang the panels in numbered order from left to right, aligning each design with the previous panel.

Our panels include approximately 0.4 inches of overlap for pattern alignment. Place each new panel over the edge of the previous panel until the design matches. Keep the overlap unless the instructions included with your order direct you to trim or double-cut the seams. Do not cut off the overlap before hanging the panels.

Smooth each panel and promptly remove any adhesive that reaches the printed surface or seams.

Step 6: Trim and Allow to Dry

When all panels are correctly positioned, use a sharp blade and straightedge to trim the excess wallpaper at the ceiling, baseboard, and outer edges. Change the blade as needed for clean cuts.

Allow the wallpaper to dry with normal room ventilation. Avoid directing strong heat onto the newly installed wallpaper, as uneven drying can affect the seams. Follow the drying instructions supplied with your wallpaper and any activator you used.

Need Help?

If you are unsure about wall preparation, activating the adhesive, or aligning the panels, contact MotoMoms Decor before you begin. You can also review our Wallpaper Materials Guide.