How to Hang Vinyl Wallpaper

Vinyl wallpaper is often used in high traffic or high moisture areas. Easy to clean, vinyl wallpaper can also conceal minimal damage in the drywall underneath, unlike traditional wallpapers. However, due to the texture and heaviness of vinyl wallpaper, you cannot use all of the same techniques to hang vinyl that you would use for traditional wallpaper.

Step 1: Patch any large holes using joint compound and a putty knife. Allow the patches to dry completely, then sand smooth with a fine grit sandpaper.

Step 2: Apply a coat of wallpaper primer using a paint roller, using a paint brush to cut in with primer around the edges.

Step 3: Use a level and pencil to draw vertical guidelines on the wall. You should space these lines so you can perfectly align the rows of vinyl wallpaper.

Step 4: Cut a piece of vinyl wallpaper that is 6 to 8 inches taller than the wall. Apply vinyl wallpaper adhesive to the back of the vinyl wallpaper with a brush.

Step 5: Place the wallpaper on the wall, aligning it with a set of vertical pencil guidelines. Allow a small amount of overlap on the top and bottom of the wall: you will trim the wallpaper after it has been installed.

Step 6: Smooth the vinyl wallpaper using a yardstick. A regular wallpaper smoothing brush will not work to remove bubbles from the heavy vinyl. For lighter vinyl, you can use a short bristled smoothing brush if you prefer.

Step 7: Apply the next piece of wallpaper, using the same method you used to apply the first piece. Make sure that the edges of any pattern matches.

Step 8: After you have applied all of the wallpaper on one wall, trim the top and bottom of the wallaper using a metal straightedge and utility blade.

Step 9: Find any bubbles in the vinyl and attempt to smooth them with the yardstick. For any bubbles you can't remove, use a needle to pierce the bubble. Then press the bubble to release any air and smooth the wallpaper.

Step 10: Install the vinyl onto the next wall, using the same techniques you used to install the wallpaper on the first wall. Continue until all of the walls are covered.