USA
CANADA
Want to give a room a fresh look without spending a fortune or wasting a weekend? Borders are your secret weapon! They’re cheap, easy to install, and can totally transform a space. You’ve got options, peel-and-stick for a quick fix, a Transitional Border for a versatile style shift, or classic paste-on for a more permanent finish. But here’s the thing: if you rush it or skip the prep work, you might end up with a bubbly, peeling mess.
Trust us, we’ve been there. That’s why we’re sharing the biggest mistakes people make when hanging borders (and how to dodge them). Follow these tips, and your walls will look like a pro did it, no one will ever guess it was a DIY job!
Ignoring Instructions
Let’s be real, you’re not the first to tackle a wallpaper border, and you definitely won’t be the last. Manufacturers know the usual struggles (wonky lines, peeling corners, glue disasters) and pack their products with foolproof instructions. But here’s the kicker - most people skim right past them, assuming they’ve got it all figured out.
Spoiler alert: That’s how DIY dreams turn into "why did I even try?" moments.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully before you start.
- Be mindful of things like drying time, activation of the adhesive (if necessary), and the recommended tools.
- If pre-pasted borders are to be used, ensure you use soaking and booking times as instructed.
Failure to follow these steps could lead to issues like peeling, bubbling, or misalignment, all of which could have been easily avoided by doing as directed.
Working With a Dirty Surface
One of the primary reasons why wallpaper borders don't adhere properly is the dirty surface. If dirt, oil, or dust prevent adherence, the border may peel off too soon.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Gently clean the wall with mild soap and water solution to remove all the oil and dirt.
- Allow the wall to dry completely before proceeding.
- If using the border in a kitchen or bathroom, you can strip off hard residue using a degreaser.
Maximum adhesion and years of wallpaper border retention are ensured by a clean surface.
Not Smoothing Out the Wall
If your wall looks like it lost a fight with a claw hammer or has more texture than a ’90s stucco ceiling, your border will rebel. Gaps and bumps lead to peeling, wrinkles, or worse… that awful tearing sound mid-application.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Patch like a pro: Smear spackle over holes/cracks, then sand it smoothly. No lumpy surprises!
- Texture trouble: Lightly sand rough walls or slap on a skim coat of joint compound. (Yes, it’s worth the extra step.)
- Dust, the enemy: Wipe the wall down with a damp cloth before sticking anything. Trust me, glue hates crumbs.
Result? A border that sticks flat, stays put, and looks like it was always meant to be there.
Skipping the Primer
Raise your hand if you’ve ever thought: "Priming? That’s just for fancy painters!" Here’s the brutal truth—skipping primer is why half of DIY wallpaper jobs end in tears (or scraped-off drywall). Primer isn’t just extra work—it’s your get-out-of-jail-free card for when you (or the next owner) want to remove that border without taking half the wall with it.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Grab a water-based sealer or heavy-duty wallpaper primer—this invisible shield stops glue from sinking into your walls like quicksand.
- Patience is power, let that primer dry for a full 24 hours (no cheating!). Wet primer + wallpaper = a bubbly disaster.
- Just painted? Pump the brakes. Fresh paint needs 3-4 weeks to cure—otherwise, your border will cling like a stage-5 clinger.
Bonus perk: Primer kills two birds with one stone, it hides bold wall colors, so they don’t bleed through your border and gives the adhesive something solid to grip. Translation: Your hard work actually lasts.
Wrapping the Border Around a Corner
We’ve all been there, trying to save time by bending a single strip around a corner like it’s no big deal. But here’s the harsh reality: Wallpaper doesn’t do origami. When it dries and shrinks (and it will shrink), that crisp 90-degree fold turns into a peeling, misaligned mess. Suddenly, your "quick fix" looks like a toddler’s art project.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Snip, don’t bend – Grab your scissors and cut the border at the corner. No more forcing it to bend against its will.
- Overlap like a secret agent – Let the new piece overlap the old one by just 1/8 inch. It’s the magic spot where "seamless" happens.
- Bully it into submission – Use a smoothing tool to press the living daylights out of that corner. Glue hates slackers.
The payoff? A border that stays put and looks like it was installed by someone who charges by the hour.
Bonus Tips for a Flawless Finish
Let’s be honest, nothing screams "DIY disaster" like a wallpaper border that looks like it was applied after three margaritas. Crooked lines, peeling edges, and air bubbles can turn your dream accent wall into a Pinterest fail really quick. But here’s the good news: You can outsmart these headaches with a few pro tricks.
Here’s your foolproof game plan:
- Laser Focus on Straight Lines - Grab a level or chalk line and mark your guide before touching the wallpaper. Your eyeballs lie; these tools don’t.
- Work Small, Win Big - Tackle long strips in sections, like eating a pizza slice by slice. Less chance of glue drying mid-application or the paper sticking where it shouldn’t.
- Bubble Trouble? Murder It - A steam roller isn’t just a fancy tool; it’s your bubble assassin. Roll firmly to crush air pockets and lock that border down like Fort Knox.
- Edge Insurance (Worth Every Penny) - Dab clear seam adhesive along the edges. It’s like seatbelts for wallpaper, peeling doesn’t stand a chance.
The Result? A border so crisp, your guests will ask, "Who’s your contractor?" (Cue your smug smile.) Have you made any of these mistakes before? Let us know in the comments below!