Common wallpaper install mistakes to avoid

Common Wallpaper Install Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them) See instructions for both substrates below.

Installing Indy Bloom wallpaper is a fun and empowering way to transform a space with feminine florals and joyful charm. But even the prettiest wallpaper won’t look its best without proper prep and care. To help you get a flawless finish that lasts, here are the most common mistakes to avoid—and our top tips to make your install feel easy and rewarding.

Mistakes when applying Peel & Stick:

 Mistake 1: Skipping Surface Prep

Even the highest-quality wallpaper needs a clean foundation.
Before installing, make sure your wall is:

  • Clean (use a gentle soap and water mix to remove oils or dust)
  • Dry (moisture will cause lifting)
  • Smooth (fill holes, sand bumps, and remove texture if possible)
  • Primed if newly painted (especially with matte or flat finishes—these can prevent the adhesive from sticking long term)

📌 Pro Tip: Our wallpaper sticks best to smooth, eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss painted walls. Highly textured walls or fresh paint (wait 30 days!) can interfere with adhesion.

 Mistake 2: Rushing the Process

We know you’re excited to see that wall come to life—but slow and steady really does win the wallpaper race.

  • Map out your panels before starting.
  • Use a level or laser to keep your first panel straight (this one sets the tone for the rest!).
  • Smooth gently as you go—don’t try to stick the whole panel at once.
  • 👯 Bonus Tip: Grab a helper! Indy Bloom wallpaper is a two-person job for best results (and fewer accidental creases).

Mistake 3: Overlooking Pattern Alignment

Most Indy Bloom designs feature beautiful flowing florals, and it’s important they connect smoothly from one panel to the next.

  • Look for repeat marks and overlap points when lining up panels.
  • Step back every few feet to check your progress—it’s easier to adjust early than after the adhesive sets.

Mistake 4: Pressing Too Hard

Unlike traditional wallpaper, peel & stick doesn’t need brute force—just firm, even pressure.

  • Use a wallpaper smoother or soft cloth.
  • Avoid pressing hard with your fingertips (it can leave shiny spots or stretch the vinyl).
  • Start from the center and smooth outward to avoid bubbles.

 Mistake 5: Not Trimming Carefully

  • Once your panel is in place, trim the top, bottom, and side edges neatly.
  • Use a sharp craft knife and a metal straight edge for clean cuts.
  • Don’t rush—small slips can stand out later.
  • Change blades often for smooth corners and tight edges.

Mistake 6: Forgetting to Test First

Before going all-in, we recommend ordering a sample and testing it on your actual wall.

  • Leave it up for a few days to check for adhesion.
  • Try removing it to see how your paint reacts.

This small test helps prevent surprises later—especially on older or non-standard surfaces.

Mistake 7: Not Considering Future Removal

Indy Bloom wallpaper is removable, but that doesn’t mean it behaves the same on every wall.

  • Always install on painted drywall, not raw plaster or unfinished wood.
  • If your wall has texture or was painted recently, adhesion may be weaker—or too strong.

Tip: Gently heat stubborn sections with a hair dryer when removing to loosen adhesive without damaging paint.

Luxe Wallpaper, Lovingly Applied: Common Mistakes to Avoid with Indy Bloom Pasted Wallpaper

Our Indy Bloom Luxe Pasted Wallpaper is made to feel like hand-painted art on your walls—elegant, timeless, and truly breathtaking. But like all beautiful things, it shines its brightest with a little preparation and care. Whether you’re installing it yourself or hiring a professional, here are the most important things to keep in mind before you begin.

Mistake 1: Not Preparing the Wall Properly

Smooth wallpaper starts with a smooth wall.
Before applying paste or hanging your first panel, check that your wall is:

  • Clean and dry (remove all dust, dirt, or oils)
  • Smooth and even (patch any holes, dents, or bumps)
  • Primed or painted with a low-sheen paint (no flat/matte or high-gloss)
  • Free from texture—pasted wallpaper needs a smooth surface for best adhesion and that hand-painted look

📌 Pro Tip: If your wall was recently painted, let it cure for at least 30 days before wallpapering.

Mistake 2: Skipping the Layout Planning

Installing pasted wallpaper is not the time to “eyeball it.”

  • Use a level to draw a vertical guideline for your first panel—this keeps all your seams straight and aligned.
  • Double check your wall measurements before cutting.
  • Mark the top of each panel if you're pre-trimming, so patterns stay in the right order.

Having a second person to help hold, smooth, and guide makes a big difference.

Mistake 3: Misaligning the Pattern

Most Indy Bloom designs feature oversized florals and murals that are meant to flow together like a painting. If the pattern isn’t aligned, it can throw off the whole effect.

  • Match patterns at eye level first, then smooth outward and upward.
  • Don’t trim too early—line up your seam first, then trim.

Mistake 4: Overdoing (or Underdoing) the Paste

Too much paste can cause bubbling and sliding. Too little, and the panel may lift or dry unevenly.

  • Apply a thin, even layer of paste to the wall or paper, depending on your method.
  • Be sure to get full coverage near the edges and corners.
  • Avoid letting paste sit on the wallpaper surface—gently wipe excess with a damp sponge immediately.

Indy Bloom Luxe Pasted Wallpaper is high-quality—it holds beautifully with moderate paste and care.

Mistake 5: Trapping Air or Wrinkles

Use a wallpaper smoother or brush (not your hands) to remove air as you go.

  • Start from the center and sweep outward.
  • Don’t force it—if a wrinkle won’t smooth, gently peel that section and reposition it.

Bubbles that don’t go away immediately may shrink as the paste dries—don’t panic.

Mistake 6: Rushing the Trim Work

After the wallpaper is in place and smoothed, take your time trimming.

  • Use a sharp utility knife and a straight edge.
  • Let the paste dry slightly if the paper is too slippery to cut cleanly.
  • Trim along baseboards, ceilings, and outlets carefully for a pro finish.

 Mistake 7: Not Hiring a Pro (When You Really Need One)

We love a good DIY, but some walls and designs really are better in professional hands.

  • If you're working with large-scale murals, tall walls, or corners—consider a trained wallpaper installer.
  • A good installer can make seams invisible and patterns perfectly aligned, and they’ll work faster with less stress for you.


Final Thoughts

At Indy Bloom, we believe your walls should feel as joyful and inspired as your heart. With a little patience and prep, you’ll create a space that feels both stunning and uniquely yours. And if you ever feel stuck—reach out to Randon@indybloomdesign.com ! We’re here to help make your install experience beautiful from start to finish.