Installing CostaCover traditional wallpaper is easier when you have the right tools, a properly prepared wall, and a clear installation plan.

This step-by-step guide covers Pre-Pasted, Unpasted Vinyl, and Unpasted Non-Woven wallpaper. Follow the preparation steps first, then choose the adhesive application method that matches your wallpaper material.

For the best results, we recommend installing wallpaper with two people.

Before You Start

A flat-lay arrangement of home improvement tools on a white background, including a paint roller, tape measure, trowel, brush, pencil, utility knife, level, and squeegee.

Step 1. Gather Your Tools

Before beginning installation, prepare the following tools and supplies:

  • Measuring tape
  • Standard or laser level
  • Wallpaper smoother
  • Painter's tape
  • Sharp utility knife with spare blades
  • Clean, soft sponge or cloth
  • Wallpaper primer
  • Roller, brush, and paint tray (for unpasted wallpaper)
  • Recommended wallpaper adhesive (for unpasted wallpaper)
  • Clean water and a container (for pre-pasted wallpaper)

Important: Make sure you have the correct adhesive for your wallpaper type. Different traditional wallpaper materials require different installation methods.

Step 2. Prepare Your Wallpaper Panels

Remove the wallpaper panels from their packaging and lay them flat on a clean, dry surface for at least 1 hour at room temperature.
This allows the panels to relax, straighten out, and adjust to the room temperature before installation.
Carefully inspect each panel for printing defects, color consistency, and damage before applying any adhesive.

Step 3. Check and Clean the Wall

Your wall must be smooth, clean, dry, and free of dust or debris before installation.
Wipe the surface with a damp cloth to remove dust and allow it to dry completely.
Remove any loose paint, old wallpaper, or other materials that may interfere with adhesion.

Do not install wallpaper over stains, ink markings, wax, or other substances that may bleed through the material.
Wall imperfections, bumps, or heavy texture can affect adhesion and create visible air bubbles.

Step 4. Repair Uneven Walls

For the best results, prepare the wall according to its condition.

Minor Surface Imperfections Lightly sand rough spots, remove all sanding dust, and apply a suitable wallpaper primer.

Major Surface Imperfections For heavily textured or uneven walls, apply a skim coat to create a smooth surface. Once dry, sand the entire area, remove dust, and apply wallpaper primer.

Important: If your wall has been freshly painted, wait at least 4 weeks before installing wallpaper. The paint must be fully cured, not just dry to the touch..

A two-panel instructional image showing wall repair: on the left, a hand uses a metal putty knife to apply gray putty to a white textured wall; on the right, a hand sands the putty with a sanding block.

Step 5. Prime the Wall

We recommend priming the wall before installing traditional wallpaper.

For Pre-Pasted and Unpasted wallpaper, recommended primers include:

  • ROMAN PRO-999 Rx-35
  • ROMAN PRO-935 R-35

Choose a primer appropriate for your wall surface and allow it to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Proper priming helps prepare the surface for wallpaper installation and promotes consistent adhesion.

Two black plastic buckets of Roman wall adhesion promoters, one labeled PRO-999 and the other PRO-935, shown side by side on a white background.

Step 6. Check the Pattern and Panel Order

Before installation, lay the wallpaper panels on the floor in the correct order. Refer to the Matching Chart provided with your wallpaper and check how the design connects between panels.

CostaCover wallpaper panels are installed from left to right, starting with Panel 1 (for Wall Murals).

When aligning the printed design, neighboring panels should overlap by approximately 1 inch. Check the pattern alignment before applying adhesive or water.

Step 7. Mark the First Panel Position

Measure the width of the first wallpaper panel and mark its position on the wall.

Using a standard or laser level, draw a perfectly vertical guideline.

This line will help you position the first panel correctly and maintain alignment across the entire wall.

Important: Do not use the wall corner or ceiling as your alignment guide. Corners and ceilings are not always perfectly straight.

The first panel determines the alignment of all remaining panels.

A split-screen demonstration of measuring and leveling a wall corner. The left panel shows a man using a yellow tape measure against a white wall.

Choose Your Wallpaper Installation Method

Before installing the first panel, follow the adhesive preparation instructions for your specific material.

PRE-PASTED WALLPAPER

Activate with water. No additional wallpaper paste required.

1. Wet the Back of the Panel

Pre-Pasted wallpaper has a pre-applied adhesive that must be activated with water.
Thoroughly and evenly wet the entire back of the wallpaper panel using clean water.
Pay special attention to the edges and corners. Make sure there are no dry spots.

2. Allow the Adhesive to Activate

Gently fold the adhesive-coated ends inward toward each other, without creasing the wallpaper.
Allow the folded panel to rest for approximately 5 minutes so the adhesive can activate.
Once activated, carefully unfold the panel and proceed with installation.

Two people demonstrating the application of a large roll of white wallpaper on a light wood floor in a bright room. The left panel shows one person getting water on wallpaper backing.

Unpasted Vinyl Wallpaper

Apply Paste to the Wallpaper.

1. Apply Wallpaper Adhesive

For traditional vinyl wallpaper, we recommend: ROMAN PRO-838 Wallpaper Adhesive
Using a roller or brush, apply an even coat of adhesive to the entire back of the wallpaper panel.Cover the entire surface, paying special attention to the edges and corners. Do not leave dry areas.

2. Book the Wallpaper

Gently fold the pasted ends inward, adhesive side to adhesive side, without creating sharp creases. Allow the panel to rest for approximately 10 minutes so the adhesive can penetrate the material. After the resting period, unfold the panel and begin installation.

A split-screen lifestyle image showing a hand using a paint roller on wallpaper backing, and a man kneeling on a hardwood floor to unroll a large sheet of green tropical leaf wallpaper.

Unpasted Non-Woven Wallpaper

Apply Paste to the Wall.

1. Apply Adhesive Directly to the Wall

For traditional non-woven wallpaper, we recommend: ROMAN PRO-880 Wallpaper Adhesive.
Using a roller or brush, apply an even layer of adhesive directly to the wall. Cover an area approximately equal to the width of one wallpaper panel. Make sure the adhesive is distributed evenly without leaving dry spots.

2. Install the Panel Immediately

Non-woven wallpaper does not require pre-soaking or booking. Position the dry wallpaper panel directly onto the pasted wall while the adhesive is still wet.
Do not apply adhesive to the entire wall in advance. Work one panel at a time to prevent the adhesive from drying before installation.

Installing Your Wallpaper Panels

Follow these steps after preparing the adhesive according to your wallpaper type.

Step 1. Install the First Panel

Start at the top of the wall. Align the edge of your first wallpaper panel with the vertical guideline marked earlier. Carefully position the panel and begin applying it from top to bottom. Check that the panel remains straight as you work your way down the wall. Leave the necessary excess material at the top and bottom for final trimming.

Step 2. Smooth the Wallpaper Gently

Use a wallpaper smoother to gently press the panel onto the wall. Start from the center and work outward toward the edges to remove trapped air and ensure even adhesion. Continue smoothing as you move down the wall.

Important: Do not scrub, rub, or apply excessive pressure to the wallpaper surface. When traditional wallpaper is wet, its printed surface may be more delicate. Excessive pressure or friction can damage the print.
A split-screen view showing a watercolor painting of green monstera leaves on the left and a man applying paint or wallpaper to a wall with a matching tropical design on the right.

Step 3. Remove Excess Adhesive or Water

If adhesive or water gets onto the front of the wallpaper, gently blot it with a clean, soft, damp sponge. Do not rub or scrub the printed surface. Remove any excess adhesive promptly and carefully, following the cleaning recommendations for your wallpaper material.

Step 4. Trim the Top and Bottom Edges

Once the first panel has been positioned and smoothed, carefully trim the excess material using a sharp utility knife. Remove the technical strip at the top and any extra wallpaper along the bottom edge. Use a straightedge where needed to achieve clean, precise cuts. Always use a sharp blade to prevent tearing or damaging the wallpaper.

A two-panel demonstration of installing a tropical bird and palm leaf wallpaper mural. The left panel shows a person using a black utility knife to score and apply a panel to a corner of a wall and ceiling.

Step 5. Install the Second Panel

Prepare the second wallpaper panel using the same adhesive application method as the first. Position the second panel next to the first, creating a 1-inch overlap. Carefully align the printed pattern across both panels before smoothing the new panel onto the wall. Work slowly from top to bottom, checking the pattern alignment as you go.

showing how is looking the overlap with 2 wallpaper panels

Step 6. Install the Remaining Panels

Repeat the same process for all remaining panels. Prepare the adhesive according to your wallpaper material, position each panel with a 1-inch overlap, and smooth from the center outward.

Continue working from left to right, checking the vertical alignment and pattern match throughout the installation. Take your time. Correct alignment is especially important for large wall murals and designs with continuous patterns.
A person's hands holding open a printed paper matching chart with sewing or garment pattern instructions.

Step 7. remove the overlap

For traditional wallpaper, the overlapping sections can be removed using the double-cut method to create a clean, seamless finish.

Using a sharp utility knife, carefully cut through both wallpaper layers along the center of the 1-inch overlap. Remove the excess strip from the top layer, then gently lift the edge and remove the excess strip from underneath.

Bring the two edges together to create a perfectly aligned, continuous seam. Gently smooth the seam with a wallpaper seam roller or smoother for a professional finish.

Important: This method applies to suitable traditional wallpaper installations. Do not use it for CostaCover Peel & Stick wallpaper, where the overlap must remain in place.
A two-panel close-up showing hands cutting and peeling back a wallpaper  with removing the overlap.

step 8. Allow the Wallpaper to Dry Naturally

After installation, let the wallpaper dry naturally at a stable room temperature. Avoid extreme heating, cooling, or direct airflow intended to speed up drying. Do not rub or repeatedly press the wallpaper while the material is still wet. Allow the wallpaper to dry completely before evaluating the finished surface.