Jungle wallpapers: 5 mistakes to avoid when installing

Jungle-patterned wallpaper has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, bringing a touch of exoticism and nature into our interiors. However, to fully enjoy this decorative element, it’s essential to install it correctly while avoiding common mistakes. In this article, we present the 5 mistakes to avoid when installing jungle wallpapers.

Mistake #1: Neglecting wall preparation

The first crucial step for a successful installation is wall preparation. Indeed, the surface must be clean, dry, smooth, and free of imperfections. If you apply the wallpaper to a poorly prepared wall, the final result won’t be optimal and may even damage the wall covering.

Cleaning the wall

Before starting, it’s essential to clean the wall with a damp cloth or sponge to remove any dust, dirt, mold, grease, or other stains.

Repairing imperfections

For a perfectly smooth surface, be sure to fill in any holes or cracks with an appropriate filler, then lightly sand the surface once dried.

Removing old wallpaper

If your wall is already covered with wallpaper, it’s best to carefully remove it to avoid bubbles or creases when applying the new wallpaper.

Mistake #2: Not respecting temperature and humidity conditions

Wallpaper installation requires an appropriate environment in terms of temperature and humidity. A room that’s too cold, too hot, or too humid can cause problems such as shrinking or expanding wallpaper, adhesive irregularities, or difficulty smoothing it properly.

To avoid these issues, it’s recommended to work in a room with a temperature between 18°C and 20°C, with humidity levels of 40% to 60%. Also, don’t forget to regularly ventilate the room to ensure even drying of the wallpaper.

Mistake #3: Miscalculating the required length

One of the most common mistakes when installing wallpaper is underestimating (or overestimating) the amount of rolls needed. To avoid running out of material or having an excessive surplus, it’s crucial to properly measure the room and account for pattern matching.

• Measure the height and length of the walls to be covered.
• Refer to the dimensions on the wallpaper packaging to determine the linear footage of one roll.
• Add a 10% margin to account for any potential errors (offcuts, cutting mistakes, etc.).

Don’t forget to also check the pattern matching based on its size and repetition to ensure a seamless continuity during installation.

Mistake #4: Choosing the wrong adhesive

The choice of adhesive is a key factor in the success of your project. Poor adhesion can lead to premature peeling or irregularities in the wallpaper. There are different types of adhesives specific to the type of wallpaper used (standard, vinyl, non-woven...), so it’s important to get informed beforehand to choose the most suitable one.

Similarly, it’s essential to follow the recommended mixing ratios and drying times indicated on the packaging to achieve optimal and long-lasting results.

Mistake #5: Neglecting installation and cutting techniques

Lastly, a common mistake concerns the actual installation technique. To ensure a flawless aesthetic result, a few rules should be followed:

Start from the top of the wall

To avoid air bubbles and creases, it’s best to apply the wallpaper starting from the top of the wall, smoothing it progressively downward and to the sides with a brush or spatula.

Use a very sharp cutter for cutting

For precise and clean cuts, use a very sharp cutter, replacing the blade regularly (every 2 to 3 meters of cutting).

Ensure pattern alignment

When installing wallpaper strips, make sure to check the pattern alignment before pressing down firmly to secure the wallpaper to the wall.

In summary, the success of installing jungle wallpaper largely depends on proper surface preparation, choosing the right products, and mastering the installation technique. By avoiding these 5 common mistakes, you can fully enjoy your new exotic and natural interior!