Top 5 Pet Peeves from Wallpaper Installers (and How to Avoid Them!)
So, you’ve picked out the perfect wallpaper, a bold botanical print or maybe a chic coastal grasscloth and you’re ready to make your space shine. But before you roll up your sleeves (or call in the pros), let’s talk about what NOT to do. After working with countless professional wallpaper installers, we’ve gathered some insider intel on their biggest pet peeves and how you can avoid them to make your installation smooth and stress-free.
If you want to stay in your wallpaper installer’s good graces and end up with a flawless finish, here are the top 5 mistakes to steer clear of:
1. Ordering Too Little Paper
One of the biggest mistakes clients make? Not ordering enough wallpaper. This one drives installers crazy and for good reason.
Here’s the thing: wallpaper isn’t like paint. If you run out mid-project, it’s not as simple as grabbing another roll. All of our wallpaper at Sunday Social Club is custom printed, which means every print run can have slight color variations. If you need to reorder, the new batch might not match the original perfectly leaving you with a patchy-looking wall.
How to avoid it:
- Work with your installer before ordering to determine how much paper you need.
- Most installers recommend ordering an extra 20% to account for any pattern matching, trimming, or unexpected mistakes.
- If you’re short, reach out to us ASAP so we can help you match the closest batch available.
2. Not Prepping the Walls Properly
Installers will tell you, good wallpaper installation starts with a smooth foundation. Textured, dirty, or uneven walls make it nearly impossible to get a clean, professional finish.
Wallpaper has a mind of its own when it comes to clinging to textured surfaces; it can bubble, peel, or show the texture underneath (which is not the chic vibe you’re going for).
How to avoid it:
- Clean your walls thoroughly before installation: dust, dirt, and oil will prevent proper adhesion.
- If you have textured walls (like knockdown, orange peel, or popcorn), they’ll need to be skim-coated and sanded down to create a smooth surface.
- Remove outlet covers and fill any cracks or holes before starting.
- A coat of wallpaper primer will help the paper adhere evenly and give you the best long-term results.
3. Last-Minute Scheduling
Wallpaper installation is an art, not a race. Rushing your installer or booking the install before the paper has arrived is a recipe for disaster.
Our wallpaper at Sunday Social Club is custom printed, so it takes 2–3 weeks from order to shipment. Then, you’ll need to account for transit time (usually about 5 days). Trying to rush your installer to fit into a tight timeline will only lead to stress and mistakes.
How to avoid it:
- Place your order early. Don’t wait until the last minute!
- Only schedule your installer after your wallpaper has arrived and you’ve confirmed that the rolls match in color and batch number.
- Let your installer know the timeline upfront so they can plan accordingly.
4. Ignoring Style Numbers
Our wallpaper is custom printed just for you in one batch on the same lot of paper. If we print at a different time on a different lot of paper, the color could look a bit different.
Installers will tell you that nothing is more frustrating than discovering halfway through a project that the rolls don’t match.
How to avoid it:
- Double-check the style numbers on all your rolls before your installer starts cutting and hanging.
- If you notice a mismatch, reach out to us immediately — we’ll do our best to help you match it!
- Keep any leftover paper, it could be useful for future touch-ups or repairs.
5. DIY-ing the Measuring
Measuring for wallpaper is not the time to flex your DIY skills (unless you’re a professional installer in which case, go for it!). Wallpaper isn’t just about height and width. You need to account for pattern repeats, trimming, and even the quirks of your walls.
Incorrect measurements can mean you end up short on paper or with a mismatched pattern that’s impossible to line up.
How to avoid it:
- Let your installer measure the space for you. They’ll know how to factor in pattern repeats and tricky spots.
- Always order a little extra. Better to have too much than not enough!
How to Keep Your Installer (and Your Walls) Happy
Want to win major points with your installer? Follow these final tips:
1. Clear the room before they arrive: furniture, rugs, and wall art should all be out of the way.
2. Keep pets and kids out of the room during installation (trust us, installers will thank you!).
3. Offer them a drink...okay, maybe not that kind of drink, but a bottle of water or a coffee goes a long way toward building goodwill.
4. Once the wallpaper is up, let it settle for 24 hours before decorating the space or hanging anything on the walls.
Ready to Get Started?
Wallpaper is a statement, and when installed correctly, it can transform a room into a work of art. If you’ve been dreaming of adding some retro chic, botanical charm, or beach house vibes to your home, Sunday Social Club has you covered (literally). Browse our collection of high-end grasscloth and designer textured wallpapers to find the perfect fit for your space.
Need help with measurements or selecting the right paper? Don’t worry — we’ve got your back. Reach out to us anytime. We’d love to help you create a space that feels like you.