what not to do when installing wallpaper how to prep walls for wallpaper mistakes to avoid when wallpapering tips from wallpaper installers

Your Wallpaper Installer Called… They Have Notes

Tips on How to Avoid Pissing-Off Your Wallpaper Installer

Let’s face it, sometimes the most challenging part of a wallpaper installation process is finding a skilled installer who calls you back, AND you don’t have to sacrifice your firstborn because they actually have time in their schedule for you! Yay for you if you’ve found your go-to. Now, let’s talk about ways to keep them happy and your project executing flawlessly.
After chatting with plenty of experienced wallpaper installers, we’ve rounded up their biggest pet peeves and how you can avoid them for a smooth, stress-free installation.
If you want your installer to love you (and your walls to look flawless), here are the top five mistakes to skip:

1. Ordering Too Little Paper

One of the biggest headaches for installers is when there isn’t enough wallpaper to finish the job.
Here’s the thing: wallpaper isn’t like paint. If you run out halfway through, you can’t just grab another roll and keep going. All wallpaper at House Party is printed in batches, which can have slight color variations. If you reorder, the new batch might not match perfectly, and that can leave you with an uneven finish.
How to avoid it:
  • Have your installer measure before you place your order.
  • Most pros recommend ordering at least 20% extra to account for trimming, pattern matching, and small mistakes.
  • If you run short, please contact us immediately so we can help find the closest possible match. We’re not miracle workers, but we’ll do anything we can to complete your project successfully.  Side note** if this does happen, have them try to complete a single wall and end at a corner so that the new run of paper is on it’s own independent wall.  It’s challenging for paper printed in different runs to match color exactly, and this is especially noticeable if rolls from different runs are side by side on one wall.  If they are on separate walls, it may simply appear that the light cast on the wall is making the paper appear to have slightly different shades.

2. Skipping Wall Prep

Installers agree: smooth walls make all the difference. If your walls are textured, dirty, or uneven, it’s almost impossible to get a clean finish.
Wallpaper doesn’t like bumpy surfaces. Texture underneath can cause bubbling, peeling, or visible imperfections once the paper is up.
How to avoid it:
  • Wipe down walls to remove dust, dirt, or oil.
  • If your walls have texture (like orange peel or knockdown), skim coat and sand them until smooth. Learn from my mistakes. I attempted peel-and-stick paper on orange peel walls in an old apartment, and the paper rolls right off in the middle of the night. My husband may never forget this!
  • Remove outlet covers and fill any cracks or holes.
  • Apply a wallpaper primer for better adhesion and long-term durability.

3. Last-Minute Scheduling

Wallpaper installation takes time and planning. Rushing your installer or booking them before your wallpaper has arrived is a recipe for stress.
Our wallpaper at House Party is made to order, and production usually takes about two to three weeks before shipping. Add a few extra days for delivery and you’ll have a realistic timeline.
How to avoid it:
  • Place your order early and plan ahead.
  • Schedule your installer only after the wallpaper has arrived and you’ve checked that all rolls match.
  • Share your project timeline with your installer so everyone’s on the same page.

4. Ignoring Style Numbers

Every wallpaper design is printed in batches, and each batch has its own style or lot number. A small difference in production can change the color tone slightly, which means mismatched rolls will stand out once installed.
How to avoid it:
  • Double-check the style numbers on all your rolls before cutting begins.
  • If anything looks off, reach out to us right away so we can help fix it.
  • Save any leftover wallpaper for future repairs or touch-ups.

5. DIY Measuring

Unless you’re a professional installer, measuring for wallpaper isn’t a DIY job. It’s not just about height and width, you also have to factor in pattern repeats, wall quirks, and trim.
Incorrect measurements can result in you ending up short or with patterns that don’t line up properly.
How to avoid it:
  • Let your installer measure the space for you.
  • Always order a little extra just in case. It’s much better to have too much than not enough. We recommend 20% more than you need.

How to Keep Your Installer (and Your Walls) Happy

Want to make your installer’s day? A little prep goes a long way:
  1. Clear the room before they arrive. Move furniture, rugs, and wall art out of the way.
  2. Keep pets and kids out of the workspace. Trust us, it helps.
  3. Offer them a drink, water or coffee is always appreciated. Save the hard liquor for when the job is complete.
  4. Let the wallpaper settle for 24 hours before decorating or hanging anything on the walls.

Ready to Get Started?

Wallpaper can completely transform a room, but a smooth install makes all the difference. If you’ve been dreaming of adding a pop of personality or a touch of sophistication to your home, House Party has the wallpaper to make it happen.
Need help with measurements or picking the perfect pattern? We’ve got you covered. Reach out anytime, we love helping you create a space that brightens your home.