Wallpapering instructions

Wallpapering tips – Hanging wallpaper correctly made easy

With the right preparation and technique, wallpapering is easier than many people think. Whether non-woven wallpapers, vinyl wallpapers, photo wallpapers or paper wallpapers – with our professional wallpapering tips you will achieve a perfect result.

As an experienced wallpaper wholesaler, Matex Tapeten Vertriebs GmbH supports specialist retailers, installers and online shops not only with high-quality products, but also with practical advice on all aspects of application.

1. The right preparation – Check the substrate

A clean wall is the basis for lasting, beautiful results.

The substrate should:

  • be dry, clean and load-bearing

  • be free of dust, grease and old wallpaper residues

  • be even and smoothly filled

  • be primed if the walls are highly absorbent

Tip: A white-pigmented wallpaper primer ensures even absorbency and prevents dark substrates from showing through.

2. Calculate wallpaper requirements correctly

Before you start wallpapering, you should determine your wallpaper requirements correctly.

You need:

  • Room perimeter (add up all wall lengths)

  • Room height (+ approx. 5 cm allowance)

  • Roll size (e.g. 10.05 m × 0.53 m for the Euro roll)

Important: With patterned wallpapers with a pattern repeat, the waste increases. Therefore, always plan for at least one reserve roll.

3. Mix wallpaper paste correctly

Use the right wallpaper paste for your type of wallpaper:

  • Non-woven wallpaper paste for non-woven wallpapers

  • Special wallpaper paste for heavy vinyl wallpapers

  • Normal wallpaper paste for paper wallpapers

Stir the wallpaper paste into cold water according to the manufacturer's instructions and leave it to swell.

4. Applying non-woven wallpaper – Paste-the-wall technique

Non-woven wallpapers are particularly popular because they require no soaking time.

How it works:

  1. Apply wallpaper paste directly to the wall

  2. Lay the dry length of wallpaper into it

  3. Press on with a smoothing spatula so that no bubbles remain

  4. Cut off excess neatly

Advantages of non-woven wallpaper:

  • No soaking necessary

  • Dimensionally stable

  • Can be stripped dry without residue

  • Quick and clean application

5. Hanging paper wallpaper correctly

With paper wallpapers, the wallpaper paste is applied to the back of the wallpaper.

Important:
Observe a soaking time of 3–5 minutes – no longer, as otherwise the embossing can be damaged.

Then butt the length edge to edge and press it on carefully.

6. Vinyl wallpapers & textured profile wallpapers

Vinyl wallpapers impress with their robust, washable surface. They are particularly hard-wearing and lightfast.

Depending on the backing material, application is carried out:

  • as non-woven (paste-the-wall technique)

  • or as paper backing (with soaking time)

Textured profile wallpapers with a 3D effect are also washable and can even be painted over later.

7. Applying photo wallpapers professionally

Photo wallpapers (digitally printed wallpapers) usually consist of high-quality non-woven material and are applied like non-woven wallpapers.

The individual lengths are numbered and joined together exactly. An absolutely plumb first length is important.

8. Seams and finishing touches

After wallpapering:

  • Check the seams

  • Remove wallpaper paste residues immediately

  • Let the room dry free of drafts

  • Do not set heaters to the highest level

This way you avoid open seams or tension in the material.

Conclusion – With the right technique to a perfect result

Anyone who carefully prepares the substrate, calculates the wallpaper requirements correctly and chooses the right application technique will achieve professional results.

Matex Vertriebs GmbH is at your side as a competent partner with high-quality branded products and expert advice.

More wallpapering help

For preparation, our guides Wallpapering a rough wall, Non-woven or paper wallpaper? and Wallpapering tools for beginners will help you.