How-to guide: Hanging non-woven wallpaper with the paste-the-wall technique

Are you wondering how to hang non-woven wallpaper or how to use the paste-the-wall technique? We’ve got you covered with a breakdown of the advantages and detailed step-by-step instructions! In this guide, we’ll provide all the information you need to apply wallpaper with a non-woven backing quickly and easily. We’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about paste-the-wall wallpaper and the hanging technique, and will walk you through the wallpapering process.

Check out the following industry-standard icon/symbol, which appears on every roll label, to confirm that your chosen product is non-woven wallpaper suitable for the paste-the-wall technique.

Advantages of non-woven wallpaper and the paste-the-wall technique

Hanging non-woven or paste-the-wall wallpaper is a popular and user-friendly method for giving your walls a fresh look in no time. Both the product and the technique offer several benefits:

Easy application: No need for a table, folding the strips, or waiting for soaking time.
Efficient and tidy: It is quicker and less messy than traditional wallpapering methods.
Stronger material: Non-woven wallpaper is more durable and less prone to tearing.
No expansion: It doesn't expand when wet, making it easier to work with.
Easy removal: It can be stripped off dry and in full sheets when it's time to redecorate.

Non-woven wallpapers, which always have a non-woven backing, are also known as paste-the-wall wallpapers. As the name suggests, this type of wall covering requires the adhesive or paste to be applied directly to the wall, not to the wallpaper itself. This method is a great alternative to the more time-consuming and messy process required for traditional paper-backed wallpapers, which need soaking time after the paste is applied to their back.

When hanging non-woven wallpaper, there’s no need for a pasting/painting table, and you don’t have to wait for the paste to soak in. Once the adhesive is applied to the wall, the wallpaper can be placed dry against it. Just paste and hang! You can take your time and don’t have to hurry aligning and adjusting each strip. If the paste on the wall dries, you can easily reapply it. And if you’re not satisfied with the positioning of the strips, they can still be adjusted on the pasted wall for several minutes after application.

Additionally, this type of wall covering doesn’t absorb moisture from the adhesive, so it won’t swell or expand. This makes it easy to handle, even for first-time users. It’s durable, tear-resistant, and sturdy, which simplifies the installation and increases the chances that the wallpaper can be removed dry and in full strips when it's time to redecorate.

All these points are significant advantages compared to traditional paper-backed wall coverings.

Step-by-Step guide to hanging paste-the-wall wallpaper

Step 1: Preparation

Gather your supplies and tools.
Prepare the walls: Ensure they are clean, dry, smooth, and evenly colored. Correct any imperfections and prime if necessary.
Prepare the wallpaper: Cut the individual strips from the roll to the required length and check the hanging direction.
Prepare the paste: Use a powdered or ready-mixed paste that is suitable for non-woven wallpaper and the paste-the-wall technique. We recommend our own brand of Meisterkleister paste, which you can order directly from us.
Turn off electricity to any outlets or switches in the wallpapering area. Remove the frames and cover them with tape.
Avoid heat and draughts/drafts: Turn off radiators and close open windows to prevent the wallpaper and paste from drying too quickly.
Protect your space: Cover floors and furniture before applying the paste to the wall.

Please ensure all preparatory work is complete. In this guide, we assume the wall is ready for wallpapering and free from surface imperfections, as this is essential for a smooth application and flawless finish.

Step 2: Marking the beginning – Where to start wallpapering

To ensure your wallpaper strips are hung straight, you should never start exactly in an inside/internal corner. This could cause the strips to appear misaligned, as corners are rarely perfectly straight. Instead, choose your starting point either

about 25 cm to the right of a corner near a door, and wallpaper clockwise, or
next to a window, working away in both directions toward the darkest corner of the room.

Use a plumb line or spirit level along with chalk or a pencil to draw a vertical line down the wall. This enables you to create the first straight-hung wallpaper strip, forming the basis for the entire wall.

Important: Depending on whether the wallpaper has a bold or subtle pattern or is being used as a focal point on a feature wall, different approaches to determine the starting point are recommended. This also applies to rooms with several windows, a chimney breast and complex floor plans. As this is beyond the scope of this article, click here to read a helpful guide on where to start wallpapering.

Step 3: Applying paste and wallpaper

Paste the wall: Apply an even coat of adhesive to a section of the wall using a roller or brush. Make sure the paste covers an area slightly wider than your wallpaper strip.
Apply the first strip: Align the first strip with the vertical line you’ve drawn, unrolling it from top to bottom, and smooth it gently with a brush. Leave excess wallpaper for trimming later (2-3 cm).
Smooth out: Once the first strip is flush with the line, use a smoothing tool to remove bubbles and creases, working from the center outward.
Paste again: Apply paste for the next section.
Apply the second strip: Align the second strip with the first, matching the pattern if necessary, and ensuring a good butt joint. Do not overlap the strips. Then work out towards the edges, removing air bubbles and creases.
Remove visible seams: Press the seams of the strips together gently using a seam roller or smoothing tool.
Continue: Repeat the steps until the entire wall is covered.
Trim excess: Once fully adhered and smooth, carefully trim the top and bottom of the wallpaper using a utility knife. Use a spirit level or a smoothing tool to get an absolutely straight and level cut.
Cleaning: Wipe off any excess paste and spills from the wallpaper surface with a clean, damp sponge or cloth. Ensure that no paste has been left on its surface, as any residue may appear as flaky white spots on your wallpaper.
Finishing up: Allow the wallpaper to dry completely before replacing outlet covers, furniture etc. Ventilation is important, but avoid draughts/drafts.

Handling obstacles – Pro tips

Applying non-woven wallpaper around obstacles and tricky spots, such as light switches, sockets, corners, edges, doors, windows, radiators, chimneys and fireplaces, requires a slightly different approach. As this is beyond the scope of this article, click here to read a guide on how to handle obstacles and here for an explanation of how to wallpaper corners and ending in corners.

Below we provide you with further useful tips.

Check the roll’s insert label carefully for manufacturer's instructions and pattern repeat.
Only use rolls with the same batch number to avoid color or pattern deviations.
Take preparation seriously! Proper wall and strip preparation is key to success. Since this work is often more time-consuming than the actual wallpapering, always allow enough time for it.
Pre-cut strips and number them. Mark the top of each backing with an arrow to avoid placing wallpaper upside down.
Use the correct paste, like our Meisterkleister, specifically for non-woven wallpaper and the paste-the-wall-technique.
Work carefully and take your time, especially when matching patterns and trimming.
Paste one section after the other. Too much paste at once will dry out quickly.
You've applied enough paste if the wallpaper can be easily moved on the wall. If it falls off, you've used too much paste; spread it out more evenly. If it can't be moved at all, you've used too little; apply more to the wall.
When drying non-woven wallpaper, keep the windows closed and do not heat the room excessively. Draughts/drafts and heat make the paste dry too quickly so that the wallpaper does not stick properly. The ideal temperature in the room is 18–20 °C (64–68 °F).

Conclusion

Hanging non-woven wallpaper with the paste-the-wall technique is an efficient and straightforward way to refresh your walls. By following the outlined steps – preparing your walls, marking a straight starting point, applying paste, and carefully aligning each strip – you can achieve a professional finish with minimal mess. Proper preparation, including clean, smooth walls and correctly cut strips, as well as sufficient time and patience are essential for success.

With the right tools and techniques, you can enjoy the benefits of durable paste-the-wall wallpaper that enhances your home’s aesthetic. Good luck with your wallpapering project; we’re confident you’ll be pleased with the results!