Learning how to hang a wall mural is mostly about preparation, patience and working in the right order. Whether you choose a Classic paste-the-wall finish or a Peel & Stick self-adhesive finish, the aim is the same: a clean wall, straight first panel, careful matching and gentle smoothing as you go.
Muralora murals are made to measure and printed on demand to your own wall dimensions. They are priced per square metre and supplied in panels designed for your wall size, so careful measuring and methodical installation make a real difference. This guide walks you through the process in a calm, first-timer-friendly way.
Before you begin: know your mural finish
Every Muralora design is available in two finishes, chosen at checkout:
- Classic — a smooth, matte, paste-the-wall non-woven mural wallpaper. You apply wallpaper paste directly to the wall, then hang each panel.
- Peel & Stick — a self-adhesive, removable mural wallpaper. You peel away the backing paper gradually and smooth the panel onto the wall without paste.
The design, scale and final look can be the same, but the hanging method differs. If you are still choosing a design, you can explore all wall murals or browse by style before measuring your wall.
Tools you will need
Gather everything before opening your mural panels. You do not want to be searching for a blade while paste is drying or a panel is half-positioned.
For both finishes
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Spirit level or laser level
- Clean cloth or sponge
- Plastic wallpaper smoother or squeegee
- Sharp craft knife with fresh blades
- Straight edge or trimming guide
- Step ladder
- Dust sheet
For Classic paste-the-wall murals
- Wallpaper paste suitable for non-woven paste-the-wall wallpaper
- Paste roller or brush
- Paste tray or bucket
- Seam roller, used lightly if needed
For Peel & Stick murals
- Masking tape, useful for temporary positioning
- A second pair of hands, especially for larger panels
Step 1: Prepare the wall properly
Good wall preparation is the quiet foundation of a good mural installation. The wall should be smooth, clean, dry and sound. Remove picture hooks, nails, switch plates where safe to do so, and any loose paint or flaking material.
Fill holes and sand any raised areas. Wipe away dust with a clean, slightly damp cloth and allow the wall to dry. If the wall has recently been painted, make sure the paint has fully cured before applying mural wallpaper. Very glossy surfaces should be lightly abraded and cleaned so the mural can sit evenly.
A mural will not hide every bump or ridge. Because designs are printed across panels, lumps in the wall can catch the light and interrupt the visual flow. The smoother the surface, the more refined the finished result.
Step 2: Check and organise the panels
Unroll the mural panels carefully on a clean, dry surface. Check the panel order and identify the top and bottom of the design. Most murals are hung from left to right, but always follow the information supplied with your mural.
Lay the panels out in order if space allows. This helps you understand how the image flows and reduces the chance of hanging a panel in the wrong position. Avoid creasing the material and keep food, drinks and paste away from the printed surface.
Step 3: Mark a straight starting line
The first panel sets the standard for the whole mural. Walls, ceilings and skirting boards are not always perfectly level, even in well-built rooms, so do not rely on a corner as your only guide.
Measure the width of your first panel from the starting edge and mark a vertical line using a spirit level or laser level. This line will guide the first panel and help keep the design straight across the wall.
If your mural begins in a corner, check whether the corner is plumb. If it is not, you may need to allow the panel to sit true to your level line rather than forcing it into the corner. Small trimming adjustments at the edge are usually less noticeable than a design that gradually slopes.
Step 4A: Hang a Classic paste-the-wall mural
For a Classic mural, paste is applied to the wall rather than to the back of the mural panel. This makes handling easier, particularly with larger panels.
- Apply paste to the first section of wall. Use a roller or brush to cover an area slightly wider than the first panel. Work evenly, especially near edges and corners.
- Position the first panel. Offer the panel to the wall, aligning it with your vertical guide line. Start near the top and let the rest fall gently into place.
- Smooth from the centre outwards. Use a clean wallpaper smoother to push air towards the edges. Do not drag harshly across the print.
- Check the alignment. Step back and make sure the panel is straight before moving on. While the paste is workable, you can make small adjustments.
- Paste the next section. Apply paste for the second panel, then position it so the design matches neatly at the seam.
When hanging mural wallpaper, avoid overlapping panels unless your specific instructions say otherwise. Most mural panels are designed to meet edge to edge, with the image continuing across the join.
Step 4B: Hang a Peel & Stick mural
Peel & Stick murals are self-adhesive, so the key is to remove the backing gradually. Do not peel the whole backing sheet away at once; it makes the panel harder to control and more likely to stick to itself.
- Dry position the first panel. Hold it against the wall and align it with your vertical guide. You can use small pieces of masking tape to create a temporary hinge at the top.
- Peel back a small section. Starting at the top, remove a short length of backing paper and fold it behind the panel.
- Fix the top edge. Align carefully, then smooth the exposed adhesive area onto the wall.
- Work down slowly. Pull the backing paper down a little at a time while smoothing from the centre outwards. Keep checking that the panel remains straight.
- Match the next panel. Position the next drop against the first, matching the design at eye level first, then smoothing upwards and downwards.
Peel & Stick is often a favourite option for renters because it is removable, but it still deserves careful wall preparation. Adhesive materials need a clean, stable surface to perform well.
Step 5: Match panels with a light touch
Panel matching is where a little patience pays off. Focus on one section of the image at a time rather than trying to match the entire panel in one movement. Start around eye level, where the join will be most visible, then smooth towards the top and bottom.
If the design includes fine lines, architecture, trees or repeating pattern details, take extra care at the seam. Do not stretch the material to force a match. Instead, lift and reposition gently while the paste or adhesive allows.
It can help to step back every few minutes. Close-up, you may notice tiny details; from normal viewing distance, the overall alignment and smoothness are what matter most.
Step 6: Smooth bubbles and edges
Use a plastic smoother or squeegee to move trapped air outwards. Work from the centre of each panel to the edges in long, steady strokes. Avoid using metal tools directly on the printed surface.
For Classic paste-the-wall murals, wipe away any excess paste at the seams with a clean, damp sponge. Do this gently and immediately; do not scrub. For Peel & Stick murals, if you notice a bubble, lift the material back carefully if possible and re-smooth rather than pressing harder and harder in one spot.
At seams, the panels should meet neatly without being forced. A light pass with a seam roller can be useful for Classic murals, but use minimal pressure. The aim is contact, not compression.
Step 7: Trim the edges cleanly
Once the panel is in position, trim any excess at the ceiling, skirting board, corners or around sockets and switches. Use a sharp blade and a straight edge for a clean line. Change blades frequently; a dull blade can tear rather than cut.
When trimming around electrical fittings, work safely. Switch off power where appropriate and do not cut blindly. If in doubt, ask a qualified professional to remove and refit plates.
For the neatest result, keep the blade angled slightly into the edge and make controlled cuts rather than rushing. Wipe away any paste residue from surrounding paintwork before it dries.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Skipping wall preparation. Dust, grease, damp or flaking paint can affect the finish.
- Starting without a level line. A slightly crooked first panel can become very noticeable by the final panel.
- Peeling too much backing at once. For Peel & Stick, gradual application gives far more control.
- Using a dull blade. Fresh blades create cleaner trims and reduce tearing.
- Rushing the pattern match. Take time at the seams, especially with detailed designs.
When to ask for help
Many people can learn how to put up a wall mural successfully, especially on a simple, flat wall. However, a second person is helpful for wide panels, high walls, stairwells or awkward corners. You may also prefer to use a professional decorator if the wall needs repair, the room has complex architectural details, or you simply want a perfectly handled finish.
Think of the installation as the final stage of the design process. The mural has been printed to your measurements; careful hanging allows the scale, colour and composition to sit properly in the room.
FAQ
Is a paste the wall mural easier than traditional wallpaper?
For many people, yes. With a paste the wall mural, you apply paste directly to the wall rather than soaking the paper on a pasting table. Muralora Classic is a non-woven paste-the-wall finish, which makes each panel easier to handle and position.
Can I hang a Peel & Stick mural by myself?
It is possible on smaller, straightforward walls, but a second person is useful for larger panels. One person can hold and align the panel while the other gradually removes the backing and smooths the surface.
Do I need to overlap mural wallpaper panels?
In most cases, mural panels are designed to meet edge to edge so the image continues across the seam. Always follow the instructions supplied with your mural and avoid forcing an overlap unless specifically directed.
Can a wall mural go over textured walls?
A smooth surface gives the best result. Texture can show through the mural, interrupt the printed design and affect adhesion. For a premium finish, fill, sand and clean the wall before installation.
A calm approach gives the best finish
Hanging a wall mural is not about speed. It is about preparing the wall, setting a true first line, working panel by panel and making small adjustments as you go. Whether you choose Classic paste-the-wall or Peel & Stick, the same principle applies: measure carefully, handle the panels gently and give the design the time it deserves.