What is wallpaper booking and top problems of booking wallpaper
You have seen some home magazines, seen instagram posts and you tube videos on wallpaper installation. Your excited! Your ready to install wallpaper yourself! Heck- you got ambitious and bought the wallpaper to install the wallpaper yourself. Now as you look at the instructions- you have no idea waht some of this stuff mean. The biggest convern or term that seems confusing is: booking wallpaper. What is wallpaper booking and top problems of booking wallpaper?
What does it mean? Why is it necessary? And what can go wrong if it’s not done properly? Let’s break it down in simple terms, so your next wallpaper project can go smoothly—and without unnecessary headaches.
What Does “Booking Wallpaper” Mean?
Booking wallpaper refers to a critical step in the wallpaper hanging process of folding wallpaper together when it is pasted.
After applying adhesive (or activating pre-pasted wallpaper by soaking it in water), you fold the wallpaper onto itself—pasted side to pasted side—so the wallpaper can rest for a few minutes. This allows the adhesive to activate fully and evenly across the back of the wallpaper, as well as the wallpaper to absorb the moisture so it will expand to its proper width.
Why Is It Called “Booking”?
The term comes from the way the wallpaper is folded. It’s similar to closing the pages of a book, where the glued sides meet. No reading glasses are required for this kind of book!
Why Do You Need to Book Wallpaper?
Booking wallpaper isn’t just an optional step—it’s crucial to the installation process. Here’s why:
- Even Adhesion: When wallpaper is booked, the adhesive spreads evenly across the paper, ensuring a secure bond with the wall. Skipping this step might leave you with bubbles or dry edges that don’t stick properly.
- Prevents Stretching: Booking lets the paper relax and absorb the adhesive before it goes on the wall. Without this resting time, the wallpaper might stretch during installation and then shrink back as it dries, causing gaps or misaligned seams.
- Makes It Easier to Work With: Booking softens the wallpaper, making it more pliable and easier to position on the wall. It’s a game-changer for tricky corners or detailed patterns.
Keep in mind- wet wallpaper can be difficult to work with and once it has relaxed, some paper can tear very easy, and wet paper is harder to cut or trim. You can read about issues with wallpaper installations here
How Do You Book Wallpaper?
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:
- Apply the adhesive (or activate pre-pasted wallpaper in water).
- Fold the wallpaper in half, paste side to paste side, with the edges aligned.
- Let it sit for the recommended time (usually 3-5 minutes; check the manufacturer’s instructions).
- Unfold and apply it to the wall, smoothing it out carefully.
We also like to remind customers that you really do get what you pay for when you buy wallpaper- read more about quality wallpaper. You dont want to be like one of our customers in Wayne IL, that bought wallpaper from China and the ink came off the paper while touching it!
Common Problems When Booking Wallpaper
Even though booking wallpaper sounds straightforward, things can go wrong. Here are the most common issues and how to avoid them:
1. Uneven Adhesion
- Problem: If the adhesive isn’t spread evenly, some areas of the wallpaper might not stick to the wall properly. We had a homeowner in St. Charles that used so much paste, they could not get the paper on the wall!!
- Solution: Use a roller or brush to evenly coat the back of the wallpaper before booking.
2. Over-Soaking the Wallpaper
- Problem: Leaving the wallpaper booked for too long can cause the paper to over-absorb moisture, making it fragile and prone to tearing.
- Solution: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for soaking and booking times. Set a timer if needed! While installing a delicate wallpaper in Chicago, we actually had an issue where the company said 5 mn to book- turned out to be 30 mn to book. TEST TEST TEST
3. Creasing
- Problem: Folding the wallpaper improperly can create creases that are visible once it’s applied to the wall.
- Solution: Handle the wallpaper gently and align the edges carefully when folding.
4. Paste on the Front Side
- Problem: Adhesive might accidentally get onto the printed side of the wallpaper during booking, which can leave a sticky residue or even damage the design.
- Solution: Wipe off excess paste with a damp sponge immediately.
5. Skipping the Step Altogether
- Problem: Some DIYers skip booking entirely, thinking it’s unnecessary. This often leads to poorly adhered wallpaper or bubbles under the surface.
- Solution: Always book the wallpaper unless the manufacturer explicitly states otherwise.
A Small Step for Wallpaper, a Giant Leap for Your Wallkind!! lol
Booking wallpaper is one of those things that feels tedious at first but makes a world of difference in the final result. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the process, consider hiring a professional wallpaper installer who knows all the tricks of the trade (and maybe won’t accidentally stick their arm to the wall).
For more tips and tricks on wallpaper installation, check out our Learning Center. Whether you’re tackling this yourself or looking for someone to take the stress off your hands, knowledge is your best tool in creating a home you love.
You can also check out our how to hire a Wallpaper installer article
Now go forth, book your wallpaper like a pro, and enjoy those stunning new walls. Just remember, as they say in The Princess Bride, “You rush a miracle man, you get rotten miracles”—and you don’t want that for your wallpaper!
