How to Install Paste the Wall Wallpaper Murals

What You Will Need

• A tape measure
• A spirit level (or laser level)
• A pencil
• A sharp craft knife or utility knife with spare blades
• A straight edge or metal ruler
• A plastic smoother or squeegee
• A seam roller
• A paint roller and tray (for applying paste)
• A step ladder
• A soft, clean sponge and a bucket of warm water
• A soft microfibre cloth
• A second pair of hands (recommended)

Choosing Your Paste

Our paste the wall materials have a woven cotton Osnaburg fabric backing, so we recommend using a heavy-duty, ready-mixed wallpaper paste designed for vinyl or fabric-backed wallcoverings. A stronger paste ensures a reliable, long-lasting bond.

If you are shopping locally, products like Wallfix 100 or Wallfix 150 work well. Otherwise, look for paste described as “heavy duty” or suitable for “fabric-backed” wallcoverings at your nearest hardware or paint store.

Before You Begin

Prepare Your Wall

Your wall surface needs to be clean, smooth and completely dry. Wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any dust or grime, and allow it to dry fully before you start.

Paste the wall wallpaper works best on:

• Smooth, painted surfaces (satin, semi-gloss or eggshell finishes)
• Primed and sealed drywall or plastered walls

Remove Outlet and Switch Covers

Switch off the power at the distribution board and carefully remove any light switch and plug socket covers from the wall. This gives you a much cleaner finish — you will trim around the openings during installation and replace the covers afterwards.

Organise Your Panels

Your panels are numbered from left to right — Panel 1 goes on the far left of the wall, and the last panel goes on the far right. Lay them out in order on the floor so you can see the full mural and confirm everything looks correct before you begin.

Each panel varies in width depending on your wall size, typically between 90 cm and 120 cm. The panel divisions are split equally across your wall width.

Step-by-Step Installation

Step 1: Draw Your Guide Line

Walls and ceilings are rarely perfectly straight, so never rely on them as a reference. Instead, measure the width of your first panel from the left corner of the wall and make a small pencil mark. Use a spirit level to draw a vertical plumb line from ceiling to floor at that mark.

This guide line ensures your first panel is perfectly straight — and every panel after it will follow.

Step 2: Paste the Wall

Using a paint roller, apply an even coat of paste directly to the wall. Cover an area slightly wider than your first panel — roughly 10 to 15 cm beyond the panel width. This ensures the edges get full paste coverage.

Apply the paste generously but evenly, paying special attention to the edges and corners where the paste tends to be thinnest. There is no need to paste the panel itself — the paste goes on the wall only.

Step 3: Position Your First Panel

Take Panel 1 and align the right-hand edge with your vertical guide line, leaving a small amount of excess material at the top (you will trim this later). This is why we recommend ordering a little larger than your exact wall dimensions — that extra few centimetres gives you a comfortable margin to work with.

Because the paste is on the wall, you can slide the panel gently into position before pressing it firmly. Take your time to get the alignment right.

Step 4: Smooth the Panel

Once the panel is positioned, use your squeegee or smoother to press it firmly onto the wall. Work from the centre outward toward the edges, smoothing from top to bottom. This pushes out any trapped air and ensures even contact with the paste.

Step 5: Clean Off Excess Paste

As you smooth each panel, some paste may squeeze out along the edges. Wipe this away immediately using a clean, damp sponge. Do not leave paste residue on the face of the wallpaper — it can dry as a shiny mark if left too long.

Rinse your sponge frequently in clean, warm water to avoid spreading paste around.

Step 6: Apply the Remaining Panels

Paste the wall for the next section, then pick up Panel 2. Position it alongside Panel 1, aligning the pattern carefully where the two panels meet.

Your panels are designed to be butt-joined — the edges meet precisely, with no overlap. Push the edge of the new panel gently up against the edge of the previous one so they sit flush, side by side. Do not overlap the panels and do not leave a gap between them.

Repeat the same process — paste the wall, position the panel, smooth from centre to edges, and clean off any excess paste. Continue with each remaining panel in numerical order.

Step 7: Roll the Seams

Once all panels are in place, use your seam roller to gently roll along each join. This ensures the edges are firmly bonded and the seams sit flat.

Use light, even pressure — do not press too hard, as this can squeeze paste out from behind the edges. If any paste squeezes out during rolling, wipe it away immediately with your damp sponge.

Trimming and Finishing

Ceiling and Skirting Boards

Once all panels are installed, use your sharp craft knife and straight edge to trim the excess material along the ceiling line and above the skirting boards. Keep the blade fresh and use the straight edge as a guide for clean, precise cuts.

Around Plug Sockets and Light Switches

Where a panel covers a socket or switch opening, use your craft knife to carefully cut a small X shape over the opening. Fold the flaps back and trim neatly around the edges. Once finished, replace the socket or switch cover to frame the cut edges cleanly.

Corners

For internal corners, press the material firmly into the corner crease using your squeegee, then trim with a sharp blade.

For external corners (such as chimney breasts or columns), wrap the panel around the corner by at least 2 cm to ensure a neat, secure edge.

Aftercare

• To clean your mural, wipe gently with a soft, damp cloth. For stubborn marks, a mild soapy water solution and a soft sponge should do the trick. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners or solvents.
• Avoid placing furniture directly against the mural where it may scuff or press into the surface.
• If an edge lifts over time, apply a small amount of wallpaper paste behind the edge and press it back firmly with your seam roller.