Swan Canada installation guide
Wallpaper
Wallpaper results depend on smooth wall preparation and a perfectly plumb first strip. Confirm whether your product is paste-the-wall, paste-the-paper or pre-pasted before starting.
Tools & materials
Tape measure and plumb level
Wallpaper smoother and seam roller
Sharp snap knife and spare blades
Straightedge and trimming tool
Product-compatible paste if required
Clean sponge and drop cloth
Before you begin
Repair and sand imperfections, remove dust and prime porous or freshly repaired walls. Check the roll label for batch, pattern repeat, soaking time and adhesive requirements.
Follow these installation steps
Watch the installation process
Common questions about Wallpaper
How should I prepare the wall before wallpapering?
The wall should be smooth, clean, dry and properly primed. Fill holes, sand repairs, remove dust and allow fresh paint or primer to cure fully before installation.
Do I paste the wall or the wallpaper?
Follow the instructions for the exact wallpaper. Some products are paste-the-wall, some require paste on the paper and others are pre-pasted. Using the wrong method can affect alignment and adhesion.
How do I calculate and match the pattern repeat?
Check the printed repeat and match type, then allow extra length for every drop. Cut and label the strips in sequence so the pattern aligns without reversing or wasting material.
What should I do if bubbles appear?
Gently smooth from the centre toward the edge while the adhesive is workable. Do not overwork or stretch the paper. Persistent bubbles may indicate trapped debris, excess paste or inadequate wall preparation.
How do I handle inside and outside corners?
Do not force a full-width strip around an uneven corner. Wrap a small amount around the corner, re-establish a plumb line and overlap or trim the next strip according to the wallpaper instructions.
Can wallpaper go over fresh paint?
Fresh paint must cure completely, not merely feel dry. Cure time varies by paint and conditions, so follow the paint manufacturer’s guidance and test the prepared wall before installation.
Is wallpaper suitable for bathrooms?
Use a product rated for the intended location and provide good ventilation. Avoid continuously wet zones unless the complete wall system is specifically approved for them, and seal vulnerable edges only as directed.
How can wallpaper be removed later?
Removal depends on the wallpaper backing, paste and wall primer. Proper priming makes future removal easier. Test a seam, use the recommended stripping method and avoid soaking unprotected drywall.
