Wallpapering a wall can completely transform the look of a room. Wall murals are an excellent alternative to paint that more and more people are turning to, as they allow for easy customization of spaces without the need for significant investment. That’s why, below, we’ll go through how to install a mural in your home step by step and without making mistakes.
1. Prepare the surface properly
One of the most common mistakes when installing murals is not adequately preparing the surface. It needs to be clean, dry, and smooth to ensure that the mural adheres properly and to avoid bubbles or wrinkles. Therefore, the first step is cleaning and smoothing the surface to eliminate any dust or remnants of old paint. If there are holes or imperfections, it’s best to use filler to cover them and then sand the surface until it’s smooth.
If the wall has old wallpaper, it’s important to remove it completely, as its surface is not suitable for adhering a new one. For anything that cannot be easily removed, you can scrape it off with a plastic spatula or mix white vinegar or detergent with water to soften the adhesive.
2. Measure the wall and gather tools
It’s essential to take accurate measurements of the wall when installing a mural. It is recommended to measure both the height and the total length of the wall. Additionally, you should subtract areas that won’t be covered, such as doors, windows, moldings, or electrical outlets. It’s also better to cut the paper a few centimeters longer than the length to be covered, as it’s common to find unevenness in ceilings and floors.
Moreover, murals usually come in numbered panels. Therefore, it’s important to unroll and cut each panel while keeping the number to maintain the order and arrange them from left to right in front of the surface before starting the installation.
3. Install carefully
The installation of a mural should be carried out carefully. Here are some recommendations to keep in mind at this stage:
- Applying the adhesive: If the mural is not self-adhesive, it is recommended to prepare the cellulose glue according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The glue should be applied evenly and without excess directly onto the wall, using a brush or roller for this.
- Placing the mural: It’s best to start from the top left of the wall. Additionally, you should adhere the dry panel, smoothing it downwards and to the sides. This is a very important movement to expel any trapped air beneath the mural.
- Removing bubbles: After placing each panel, you should use a rubber spatula or roller to smooth it out, working from the center towards the edges. It’s also important to apply even pressure for a smooth, flawless finish. If bubbles are found, you can gently pierce them with a fine needle and then smooth the area to release the air.
- Trimming and seams: The next step will be to trim the excess mural at the top and bottom, as well as around door frames, windows, outlets, and switches, using a sharp cutter and a ruler for guidance. When placing the next panels, it’s important to ensure that the design fits perfectly with the previous one to maintain the continuity of the pattern. Additionally, avoid overlapping the seams. Once each drop is installed, you can roll a soft roller over the seam area.
- Cleaning: Finally, it’s important to gently clean any excess adhesive using a damp cloth. Allow the mural to dry completely before making any further adjustments or placing furniture nearby. Drying time may vary depending on the humidity or temperature of the environment, and it’s important to avoid extreme temperatures and drafts during this drying period.
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