This step-by-step video from Arte Wallcoverings shows you how to hang non-woven wallpaper using the paste-the-wall method. Non-woven (paste-the-wall) wallpapers are designed so the adhesive is applied directly to the wall rather than the back of the paper, making them quicker and cleaner to install than traditional paper-backed designs.
Copyright Arte
In this tutorial, Arte demonstrate how to install both non-woven wallcoverings and vinyl on non-woven backing in a professional way. Because the backing is non-woven, you can paste the wall instead of the paper, which helps reduce stretching, mess and handling marks on the face of the wallpaper.
If you are working with classic paper-backed wallpaper instead, see our guides on how to hang paste-the-paper wallpaper and our more general Guide on pasting wallcoverings.
Step-by-Step: How To Hang Paste-the-Wall (Non-Woven) Wallpaper
- Confirm roll details and read the instructions. Check that all wallpaper rolls have the same product reference and batch code to avoid colour variation. Read the hanging instructions that come with your wallcovering and adhesive before you start.
- Inspect the wallpaper and prepare the wall. Unroll a length and check that the print and surface are as expected. The wall should be dry, clean, slightly absorbent, even and smooth, with any cracks or holes filled and sanded.
- Choose your starting point and mark a plumb line. As in the video, start with the second strip from the corner. Measure the width of the wallpaper and subtract around 2 cm (for a 70 cm roll, use 68 cm), then use a spirit level, plumb line or laser to draw a perfectly vertical line at that point.
- Measure the wall height and cut strips. Measure the full height of the wall and cut your strips to length, allowing a few extra centimetres at the top and bottom for trimming. Mark the top edge of each strip on the back so they all hang in the same direction, unless the label tells you otherwise.
- Stir and prepare the adhesive. Open the tub of paste recommended for your non-woven wallcovering, stir thoroughly and pour into a suitable bucket. Position your ladder and bucket so you can work safely and efficiently.
- Paste the wall, not the paper. Using a brush, apply adhesive at the top and bottom of the wall right into the edges. Then use a microfibre roller to paste the main area, spreading the adhesive evenly and slightly wider than the strip on both sides for good coverage.
- Roll and present the first strip. Roll the first strip with the back (non-printed side) on the outside so your top mark is visible. Take it to the wall and offer it up to the vertical line, leaving a little extra at the ceiling and skirting for trimming.
- Hang and smooth the strip. Position the strip so the edge sits exactly on the plumb line. Press gently onto the adhesive with a smoothing spatula or brush, working from the centre towards the edges to remove air bubbles and ensure full contact with the wall.
- Trim the top and bottom neatly. Use a corner roller or spatula to press the strip firmly into the ceiling and skirting line. Holding a spatula against the surface, cut off the excess with a sharp snap-off knife. Change to a fresh blade frequently for clean, accurate cuts.
- Paste and hang the next strip edge-to-edge. Paste the next section of wall in the same way, including the corner if you are working towards it. Hang the second strip edge-to-edge (not overlapping) with the first, again leaving a little surplus at top and bottom for trimming.
- Align the pattern and press the seam. Slide the strip gently until the pattern and edges line up perfectly, then press firmly with the smoothing tool. Use a seam roller lightly along the join to ensure a tight, neat seam without squeezing paste onto the surface.
- Trim in corners and clean as you go. Trim away the surplus in corners, at the floor and ceiling. If you"re using a washable non-woven or vinyl, wipe each strip with a clean sponge and cold water to remove paste residue, and clean the ceiling and skirting at the same time.
- Repeat for further strips and check progress. Paste, hang and trim the third strip in the same way, then step back and check that the pattern, seams and overall finish look good. Continue along the wall and through the next corner using the same method, drawing a fresh plumb line on the next wall before you proceed.
More Help With Paste-the-Wall Wallpapers
Non-woven wallpapers are specifically engineered for the paste-the-wall method and should not usually be installed using traditional paste-the-paper techniques. For more detail on paste types and installation methods, see:
TM Interiors would always recommend using a professional decorator or experienced installer, especially for designer and luxury wallpapers. These notes and videos are provided as a general guide only and we cannot accept responsibility for any issues that may arise from following them.