Plain & Textured Wallpaper: Installation & Setup Explained

In depth

Installing textured wallpaper is rarely a simple ‘plug and play’ operation. It’s a process that demands careful consideration of your skillset and the nature of the paper itself. Most ready-to-hang textured wallpapers – those marketed as ‘paste the wall’ – are designed for relatively straightforward application by someone with basic DIY experience, but even these require patience and attention to detail. The key difference between a successful installation and one plagued with issues lies in your preparation and understanding of the product's requirements.

Before you begin, meticulously assess the area where you intend to hang the wallpaper. Walls need to be clean, dry, and structurally sound – any crumbling plaster or loose fixings will telegraph through the textured surface. A thorough cleaning with a damp sponge and appropriate cleaner is essential. It’s also vital to ensure adequate lighting; working in dim conditions makes it incredibly difficult to accurately judge alignment and identify potential problems before they become significant. Furthermore, consider access – you'll need sufficient space to manoeuvre around the room, particularly if you're working on walls with radiators or built-in furniture.

The ‘paste the wall’ concept doesn’t entirely eliminate the need for tools. You’ll almost certainly require a good quality wallpaper smoothing brush and potentially a small spirit level. A clean, damp sponge and a soft cloth will be invaluable for cleaning up any excess paste and ensuring a flawless finish. It's worth noting that some textured wallpapers benefit from a light sanding of the wall surface before pasting, particularly if there’s an unevenness to the existing plaster. This helps create a smoother base for the wallpaper to adhere to, improving the final result and reducing the risk of air bubbles forming beneath the paper.

One of the most common issues encountered during textured wallpaper installation is the formation of air bubbles. Textured surfaces are inherently more susceptible to this because the extra layers of material can trap air more easily. Applying the paste evenly and working quickly – but not so fast that you compromise on quality – is crucial. Smoothing the wallpaper immediately after pasting, using a firm, even pressure, is paramount in eliminating these bubbles. If they do occur, carefully pricking them with a needle before smoothing again can often resolve the problem, although larger air pockets may require removal of the affected section and reapplication.

Another potential pitfall is misalignment – a common frustration when dealing with textured surfaces where precise alignment can be challenging. Take your time and use a spirit level frequently to ensure that the wallpaper is aligned correctly both horizontally and vertically. Working in small sections, applying slight pressure as you go, allows for easier correction if necessary. It's far better to spend extra time meticulously aligning each section than to have to completely strip and re-hang the entire roll later on.

Finally, consider whether a professional fitter might be a worthwhile investment. While DIY installation can save money, a skilled installer will bring expertise in handling textured papers, understanding potential pitfalls, and achieving a truly professional finish. If you're dealing with a particularly complex room layout, awkward angles, or simply lack confidence in your abilities, engaging a professional is often the most prudent approach to avoid costly mistakes and ensure long-lasting satisfaction. Before committing to any installation method, thoroughly research the specific type of textured wallpaper you’ve chosen – paying attention to manufacturer recommendations regarding pasting techniques and drying times – and always prioritise safety by wearing appropriate protective gloves.