PEEL AND STICK INSTRUCTIONS
Handling:
Only use low-tac, blue painter’s tape on the surface for panel alignment. Be sure to avoid creasing or sharp folds at any point as this will damage the print. Please read instructions before beginning the install.
Wall Preparation:
Priming your wall may not be necessary for Peel & Stick applications. Check for any wall imperfections or textured areas to determine if a light sanding is required. If the walls need sanding, make sure all dust residue has been wiped off before proceeding. If the walls appear sound (no flaky paint on drywall surface), the walls will not need to be primed. If the walls have flaky or unstable paint or any cracks, it is highly recommended to prime first. Use a clear primer-sealer, such as Zinsser Gardz® or RomanTM Rx-35. Priming seals the wall and ensures repairs & unstable paint will hold up under the wallpaper. It also allows for easy removal. After priming, please wait at least 24 hours before beginning the installation.
Hanging:
Your panels will be labeled and packed in order. Refer to your print plan and start with Panel 1. This will allow you to begin in the corner of the wall and work outward. Measure the width of the wallpaper, and draw a light plumb line which will be your guide to ensure the wallpaper is installed straight. Lay out your first panel on a flat surface. Fold back and crease the liner about 4-6” from the top, revealing the adhesive. This ensures you have enough of the backing peeled away to secure the wallpaper on the wall (always adhering first along the plumb line). Take this panel to the wall where you just drew a plumb line. As you are ready to begin at the top of the wall, make sure you give yourself at least 1-1.5" of extra paper at the top, as this will ensure that you will have enough to accommodate any uneven ceiling lines. Keep in mind the perimeter of the wallpaper is printed with 2” of bleed on each side, with 1” overlap at the seams between panels. The overlap does not need to be double-cut.
Hold the wallpaper a few inches away from the wall with the pattern facing you. Remaining straight, you can use your hands to make the initial adhering on the wall to ensure you have the edge of the wallpaper well aligned along the plumb line. Then in a vertical motion, move your hand across the wallpaper panel adhering your first 6”. Once you have the wallpaper panel sticking to the wall at the ceiling line, check for any bubbles or wrinkles. You can smooth out bubbles with your hands or a plastic smoother. Alternatively, you can pull away the wallpaper panel and re-adhere it down. Continue to peel the liner down 6-10” at a time. Hold the panel a few inches away from the wall, and repeat the process of adhering it with a plastic smoother. A good idea is to smooth the wallpaper down in a somewhat sweeping motion. Although you start the installation with a vertical motion, you may find that using both horizontal and vertical motions work best from this point on. If you use a plastic smoother, make sure you do not scratch the surface of the wallpaper. As you work your way down the wall, make sure the wallpaper panel continues to follow the level plumb line. If the panel goes off the plumb line, carefully pull the panel up off the wall to where it went off level, realign it, and smooth it back down into place. It is a good idea to check for any bubbles or wrinkles about every foot or so.
Once you have your first panel up, check once more to make sure it is aligned on the plumb line and that there are no bubbles or wrinkles. If a bubble is found, you can try to smooth it down gently with the palm of your hand to see if it will flatten. Although it is not ideal, you can also take a pin and carefully try to pop the bubble, followed by a gentle smoothing with your hand. Be careful when trying to remove bubbles on completed panels as any hard pressing or smoothing may cause damage. Using a straight-edge and a fresh blade, trim the top and bottom of each panel to remove excess/bleed. Repeat these same steps as you install subsequent wallpaper panels.
Cleaning & Maintenance:
To remove dust, dirt, and grease, clean with a lightly dampened cloth or sponge with warm water. Use water sparingly and do not get overly wet. Clean the walls from the top down, using vertical motions. Pat gently with a clean soft cloth or bath towel to remove any surface moisture. Avoid aggressive rubbing. Do not use cleaners with harsh solvents as it can cause damage to your wallpaper.
Disclaimer:
Please handle wallpaper with care and inspect all panels before installation. Do not fold or crease the panels during installation. Creased or folded panels will cause separation and damage the material. Any problems that occur during the preparation or installation process are not the responsibility of Totally Custom Wallpaper.