Proudly Made in Canada

How to Apply Our
Traditional Wallpaper

Installing traditional wallpaper and murals adds timeless style, rich texture, and lasting quality to any space.
The classic "old school" wallpaper experience, made simpler.

What Is Traditional Wallpaper and Why Do Canadians Love It?

Traditional wallpaper is a paste-the-wall covering made from non-woven paper that delivers superior durability and that authentic, premium finish that elevates any space. This is the wallpaper we all grew up with — that classic look and feel you find in beautifully designed homes.

Made with Greenguard Gold-certified materials in our Vancouver studio, our traditional non-woven wallpapers are both eco-conscious and exceptionally high-quality — the perfect combination of artisan craftsmanship and lasting beauty. Using the paste-the-wall method (applying paste to the wall, not the paper) makes installation easier than traditional techniques.

Ideal for living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, and spaces where you want a sophisticated, permanent transformation.

What You'll Need

Measuring Tape

Measure your wall and cut panels accurately

Clean Lint-free Cloth

Wipe away excess paste as you work

Level or Laser Guide

Keep panels perfectly straight and seamless

Wallpaper Paste

We recommend a quality wallpaper adhesive

Paste roller or Brush

Apply paste evenly to the wall

Large paint tray or bucket

For mixing and holding paste

Squeegee or Smoothing Brush

Remove air bubbles and wrinkles (Our eco-friendly solution: use a flap from your wallpaper box)

Box Cutter or Utility Knife

Trim clean edges easily (box cutters work better than scissors)

Drop cloth or plastic sheeting

Protect your floors

Seam roller

Press down edges where panels meet

Step Stool

For reaching higher spots

Plumb bob or chalk line (optional)

For marking straight guidelines

💡 Tip: Traditional wallpaper installation takes a bit more prep than peel & stick, but the results are absolutely worth it. Having everything ready before you start makes the process smooth and enjoyable.

How to Install Traditional Wallpaper &Murals

Your 5-Step Recipe

1. Clean, Prep & Prime Your Wall

Start with a smooth, clean surface. Wipe walls using mild soap and water, then let them dry completely. For best results, apply a wallpaper primer or sizing—this helps the paste bond properly and makes future removal easier.

2. Measure, Cut & Mark

Use a tape measure and level to mark a plumb line at the top of the ceiling. Measure 24" (the width of your wallpaper panel) and mark dots down the wall, then connect them with a straight line. Cut your first panel to length, adding 1-2" extra at top and bottom for trimming.

3. Mix & Apply the Paste

Mix your wallpaper paste according to the manufacturer's instructions until smooth and lump-free. Using a paste roller or brush, apply paste directly to the wall in a section slightly wider than your panel width. Work in sections — paste about 3 feet at a time.

4. Hang & Smooth

Step 4: Hang & Smooth Position your first panel along your marked guide line, leaving excess at the top for trimming. Gently smooth from the center outward using your smoothing brush or tool. Work out any bubbles as you go. Butt each new panel edge-to-edge with the previous one.

5. Trim & Seal

Once your panel is smooth and aligned, use your utility knife and a straight edge to trim excess wallpaper at the ceiling and baseboards. Press seams gently with a seam roller for a seamless finish. Wipe away any excess paste with a damp sponge.

Pro Tips from Our Vancouver Studio

Insider secrets for flawless installation

Why Choose Wallpaper Online Canada?

Quality, sustainability, and Canadian craftsmanship in every roll

Proudly Canadian

Artisan quality crafted in Vancouver, BC with local expertise

Premium Finish & Durability

Traditional non-woven wallpapers offering luxury durability and paste-the-wall ease.

Eco-Conscious

Greenguard Gold certified, printed with eco-safe inks

Custom Solutions

From wall murals to custom-cut panels for any space

High Quality

Commercial-grade materials that look stunning to transform your space

Made to Delight

Our goal is making decorating joyful, sustainable, and easy

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about traditional wallpaper and murals application

What's the difference between traditional wallpaper and peel & stick?

Traditional non-woven wallpaper requires paste and offers that authentic “old school” wallpaper experience with superior durability and a more permanent, high-end finish. It’s ideal for spaces where you want lasting beauty and that classic wallpaper look. Peel & stick is faster to install and easier to remove, perfect for renters or those who like to update frequently.

With proper prep and our step-by-step guidance, it’s absolutely doable! Take your time, especially on your first panel. The paste-the-wall method we recommend is much easier than old-school paste-the-paper techniques.

We recommend using a good-quality wallpaper adhesive. Any standard wallpaper paste available at Canadian DIY stores such as Home Depot, Lowe’s, or RONA will work perfectly. Always follow the manufacturer’s mixing instructions for best results.

Yes, but we recommend using it in powder rooms or areas with good ventilation rather than high-moisture shower areas. For kitchens, it works beautifully on walls away from direct water sources.

Using proper primer/sizing during installation makes removal much easier. Score the wallpaper, apply a wallpaper removal solution, let it soak, then scrape away. It’s a bit more work than removing peel & stick, but completely manageable.

All our wallpapers are Proudly Made in Vancouver, Canada, using commercial-grade materials and eco-certified inks.

Ready to Transform Your Space?

Browse our collection of stunning Canadian-made wallpapers and murals and start your next project today. Installation is easier than you think!

Custom wall murals and wallpaper for sale in Canada, Online shopping, locally made.
Custom wall murals and wallpaper for sale in Canada, Online shopping, locally made.