How to Hang Paper-Based Wallpaper | Guide, Tips & Tricks

Paper-based wallpapers (also known as wallpapers with a paper backing) are among the classic types of wallpaper and come in many designs. They remain very popular in Europe and are widely used by professional decorators as well as experienced DIY enthusiasts. To ensure a smooth application, either sufficient experience or a clear step-by-step guide is essential.

In this article, we explain how to identify paper-based wallpaper and how to apply it correctly. We also share valuable tips and tricks about pasting, soaking, and hanging paper-backed wallpapers.

If you want to learn more about wallpapering in general, including necessary preparation and cutting techniques, we recommend consulting our general wallpapering guide. The key is to have a properly prepared wall surface before you start.

How to Identify Paper-Based Wallpapers

Knowing the right wallpaper type is crucial because paper-based wallpapers require different handling compared to non-woven (fleece-backed) wallpapers. Paper wallpapers can have printed designs, textures, embossing, or coatings like vinyl. The backside color is no longer a reliable indicator of paper backing due to modern manufacturing.

To be certain, check the wallpaper symbols on the packaging: paper wallpapers usually have the symbols for "paste the wallpaper" and "removable when wet". A simple test is to tear a small piece—paper wallpapers show short, frayed fibers, whereas fleece-backed wallpapers have long, needle-like fibers.

Symbol "Paste the wallpaper"
Symbol "Removable when wet"

Paste the Wallpaper or the Wall? Why Soak Paper Wallpapers?

Unlike fleece wallpapers where the paste is applied to the wall, paper wallpapers must be pasted directly on the wallpaper. The paper backing needs to soak in the paste to become flexible and avoid tearing. When wet, paper wallpapers expand about 1 cm in width and then contract as they dry, smoothing out on the wall. This is why soaking time and pasting are critical steps.

How Long Should Paper Wallpapers Soak?

Soaking time depends on the wallpaper thickness and paste type, generally between 5 to 10 minutes. Follow the instructions on the paste packaging carefully. Too short soaking causes wrinkles and bubbles, while too long soaking can lead to excessive expansion and poor adhesion.

Use a timer to ensure all wallpaper strips soak equally, which is especially important for patterned wallpapers to avoid misalignment.

Applying paste to paper wallpaper

Which Paste Is Suitable for Paper Wallpapers?

For paper wallpapers, use either standard wallpaper paste (for light wallpapers) or special paste (for heavier wallpapers). Special paste contains resin for better adhesion.

How to Paste and Fold Paper Wallpapers

After cutting the wallpaper strips, lay them out with the backside up on a table. Apply paste evenly from the center to the edges using a paste brush or roller. Make sure the paste covers the entire strip to ensure the seams stick well.

Fold the pasted wallpaper carefully so the pasted sides touch (called "booking") to prevent drying during soaking. Professionals fold with a 2/3 to 1/3 ratio and ensure edges align perfectly.

Folded Wallpapers

Hanging the First Strip of Paper Wallpaper

Start hanging near the window or light source and work away from it. For wallpapers with bold symmetrical patterns, start in the middle of the wall or farthest from the main light.

Use a plumb line or level to draw a vertical guideline to align the first strip perfectly. Hang the wallpaper from ceiling to floor, smoothing it with a wallpaper brush from the center to the edges to remove air bubbles.

Subsequent strips are hung edge to edge (butt joint) without overlapping.

Marking a plumb line
Applying the folded paper wallpaper to the wall

Final Steps and Drying

Press seams with a seam roller to make joints invisible. Trim excess wallpaper at ceiling and floor edges with a sharp cutter and ruler.

Keep windows closed and avoid drafts or excessive heat during drying. Ideal temperature is 18 to 20 °C to prevent seams from drying too quickly and peeling off.