In this video tutorial, Arte Wallcoverings show you how to hang 3D wallpaper – a textured wallcovering on a non-woven backing – using the paste-the-wall method. 3D wallcoverings are ideal for dramatic feature walls, and are increasingly used throughout the home in 3D wallpaper for living rooms and bedrooms. You can shop the full range of Arte wallpapers online at TM Interiors.
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In the video, Arte first demonstrate how to hang 3D wallpaper on a single feature wall. They then share extra tips on how to wallpaper inner and outer corners so you can confidently continue the design around the room.
If you prefer a text-based reference, see our detailed guide on hanging 3D wallpaper, or our general paste-the-wall wallpaper guide for working with non-woven backings.
Step-by-Step: How To Hang 3D Wallpaper (Feature Wall)
- Prepare the wall properly. Make sure the wall is dry, smooth, slightly absorbent and free from dust or flaking paint. Fill and sand any cracks or holes so the textured wallpaper sits evenly.
- Check batch numbers and inspect the rolls. Confirm all rolls have the same reference and batch number to avoid colour variation. Open the box, use it as a simple unrolling aid (as shown in the video), and inspect the surface and pattern before you start cutting drops.
- Plan the layout and find the centre. For a feature wall, find the centre point and decide whether you want a seam on the centre line or a full drop centred in the middle. Use a short strip of wallpaper to test the most symmetrical layout before committing.
- Mark a vertical guideline. Once you know where the first full drop will sit, mark a perfectly vertical line using a spirit level, plumb line or laser. This line will be your reference for the first edge.
- Measure and cut the drops. Measure the wall height and cut all required drops, adding around 10 cm extra at both the top and bottom for trimming. Take pattern placement into account and mark the top of each drop on the back so they are all hung in the same direction.
- Use the correct adhesive. For 3D textile or thermoformed wallcoverings, use Arte Clearpro or another high-quality adhesive recommended by the manufacturer. Stir well and pour into a bucket that"s easy to use from a ladder.
- Paste the wall, not the wallpaper. Using a brush, apply paste into the corners, along the ceiling and skirting. Then use a microfibre roller to coat the wall one drop-width plus about 10 cm extra on each side with an even layer of adhesive.
- Hang the first 3D wallpaper drop. Offer the first drop up to the wall with the marked top at the ceiling, aligning the edge with your vertical line and leaving a little excess at top and bottom. Because these 3D wallcoverings are thicker and more sculpted, work carefully to avoid pressing too hard on the raised areas.
- Smooth gently and trim the excess. Use a soft rubber roller or smoothing tool, working from the centre towards the edges to remove air without crushing the relief. Press firmly into the ceiling and skirting with a corner roller or spatula, then trim the excess along the edge of a spatula using a sharp snap-off blade, changing the blade frequently.
- Hang the next drops edge-to-edge. Paste the next section of wall and position the second drop tightly edge-to-edge with the first. Align the pattern and press into place, then lightly roll the seam. Avoid squeezing paste out onto the surface of the 3D wallpaper.
- Check after the first few drops. After hanging around three drops, step back and check that seams are tight, the pattern is consistent and the 3D texture is not crushed. Continue along the wall with the same method.
How To Wallpaper Inner Corners With 3D Wallpaper
When turning 3D wallpaper into an inner corner, it"s safer to overlap slightly onto the adjoining wall rather than finishing exactly on the corner. This helps prevent gaps if the corner is not perfectly true.
- Measure and mark the end of the drop. Measure where the last drop on the wall will finish and draw a perpendicular line on the next wall.
- Paste around the corner. Apply adhesive on both sides of the corner, pasting the second wall a little further than your vertical line. Use a brush to work paste right into the corner.
- Overlap slightly onto the next wall. Hang the drop against the previous one and gently press it into the inner corner, allowing a small overlap onto the adjoining wall rather than cutting exactly in the angle.
- Correct for imperfect corners. Because 3D wallcoverings are slightly elastic, you can gently push or ease the drop towards the vertical line to correct minor irregularities in the corner.
- Trim and smooth. Trim excess at the top and bottom as usual, and smooth the corner carefully so you don"t crush the relief.
How To Wallpaper Outer Corners With 3D Wallpaper
- Measure and mark the outer-corner drop. Measure where the drop will wrap around the corner and mark a vertical line on the adjoining wall so you know where the edge should fall.
- Prep the corner with adhesive. Apply a thin layer of adhesive directly on the corner and let it become slightly tacky. Then paste the wall beyond the plumb line, again using a brush right into the edge.
- Wrap the 3D wallpaper around the corner. Hang the drop against the previous one, then carefully fold it around the corner. Make small relief cuts at the top and bottom of the corner if needed so the drop folds without tension.
- Align and smooth. If the corner is not perfectly straight, gently push the wallpaper towards the plumb line. Press firmly with a corner roller or spatula, taking care not to crush the raised 3D pattern.
- Trim excess and continue. Trim the surplus at the top and bottom along a spatula, always cutting on the side of the waste. Then continue with the next drops on the adjoining wall.
For more installation detail and still images, see our 3D wallpaper hanging guide. You can also browse our full selection of 3D designer wallpaper and Arte wallcoverings for more ideas.
TM Interiors would always recommend using a professional decorator or experienced installer, particularly for heavy or sculpted 3D wallpapers. These videos and notes are intended as a general guide only, and we cannot accept responsibility for any issues that may arise from following them.