5 Common Mistakes When Hanging Borders (& How To Avoid Them)

Borders are an excellent way to add some style and personalization to a room with little cost. Although they are generally straightforward to install, DIYers can easily run into some issues. Here are the common mistakes when hanging borders (and how to avoid them).

Ignoring Instructions

You aren’t the first person to try to hang a self-adhesive wallpaper border, and you certainly won’t be the last. Companies know the mistakes that people make, and they’ve already figured out how to fix them. These secrets are in plain sight; they’re built into the directions. By following them, you increase the chance that you’ll walk away happy and proud of your work.

Working With a Dirty Surface

Although hanging wallpaper isn’t a complex project, you still need to take care of some prep work before you start. First, clean the surface with soap and water. Any dirt, grime, oil, or other particles will limit how well the border can stick and may cause it to wrinkle.

Not Smoothing Out the Wall

If the surface has excessive cracks or holes, patch these up. The paper could warp over time if there isn’t a solid structure behind it. Likewise, leaning up against the wallpaper could create a tear in it. If the wall has a texture, such as stucco, smooth it out first.

Skipping the Primer

After you’ve cleaned and smoothed the surface, it’s time to prep the wall with some primer. This helps protect the paint and drywall underneath if you ever want to remove the border. It also prevents the paint color from showing through the wallpaper and promotes a strong connection between the wall and the paper. You should complete this at least five days before you plan on hanging the border up.

Wrapping the Border Around a Corner

It seems intuitive to continue around all four walls with one strip. This can create problems in the corners. When it dries, it shrinks, which causes it to pull away from the 90-degree angle. Although it’s a little bit of extra work, make a slice around each corner and create a slight overlap. It’s easy to avoid these common mistakes when hanging borders. With a little bit of preparation and planning, you’ll ensure that your wallpaper border lasts for a long time and looks great.