The Best Way to Install Grasscloth Wallpaper

Grasscloth wallpaper is handwoven with natural plant fibers. This handmade and hand-stained product brings natural beauty into any space with its textured finish.

It is also common for each roll to vary slightly in color, which adds to its authenticity and uniqueness. To minimize color variation, we ship orders from the same lot number.  Please verify lot numbers match among rolls particularly if a pattern is not ordered in a single order.

Grasscloth wallpaper is a sustainable and chic option for anyone looking to bring timeless texture into their interior.

Since it is made of real grass, we recommend following a unique set of installation steps compared to our other wallpaper options. Extra care must be taken when it comes to hanging this wall covering.

Learn the best way to install grasscloth unpasted wallpaper in your space and why an installer is recommended.

How to Prepare Your Surface for Grasscloth Wallpaper

Before installing grasscloth wallpaper, you will want to prep your surface. Ensure your walls are smooth, clean, and free of mold, mildew, and stains. You can apply a stain killing primer if needed.

It is important to remove old wallpaper and adhesive from your intended surface. Furthermore, you’ll want to repair any holes or damaged wall areas to a smooth finish.

Here's How to Install Grasscloth Wallpaper 

Step 1: Wash newly plastered walls with a zinc sulfate solution and follow with a primer such as Roman’s Ultra-Premium Pro 977. If you are applying the wallpaper to drywall, we recommend using a pigmented wallcovering primer such as Zinsser’s Shieldz Primer or Roman’s Ultra-Premium Pro 977.

Note: The primer should be tinted to the same color as the background color of your wallpaper.

Step 2: Plan your panels. If you have a focal point in the center of a wall (e.g., a bed, couch, credenza, etc.), you may want to center the first panel on that wall.

Step 3: Draw a vertical line from ceiling to floor by using a plumb line or straight edge with a level. This will be your guide for positioning one edge of the first strip.

Step 4: Cut the strip to the height of the wall, allowing an extra 2” on both the top and bottom ends for trimming. You may want to alternate panels top to bottom, bottom to top to help reduce the effect of shading.

Step 5: We recommend using the paste-the-product method* with a premixed clear adhesive like Roman’s Ultra-Premium Clear Pro 880.  Apply adhesive evenly to the back of the strip, being careful not to get adhesive on the face of the material. Make sure to paste and hang only one strip at a time.

Step 6: Book by folding each end of the strip toward the middle, pasted sides together, aligning the edges carefully so they do not dry out. Carefully roll the folded strip as you would a loose newspaper, making sure to keep the edges aligned.

Step 7: Allow the folded and rolled strip to “rest” for 3 minutes before bringing the panel to the wall to hang.

Step 8: Carefully smooth all air pockets, wrinkles, or excess paste from the center of the strip to the edges. Be careful not to damage the product while smoothing onto the surface.

Note: Do not use a seam roller as this can flatten the product’s “nap” and discolor the surface.

Step 9: Repeat this procedure with the next strip, sliding it into position with the edge butted up against the preceding. Do not overlap the seams.

Step 10: Install 3 strips, stop, and inspect the installation. If the installation is not satisfactory, stop hanging and call your distributor for assistance. Continue inspecting the installation as it progresses – if a problem develops, stop, and call a professional paper hanger or Tempaper & Co directly. 

Step 11: After completing each wall, trim excess paper at the floor and ceiling using a sharp utility knife. You will want to make sure to change blades after each cut.

Note: Do not allow adhesive or water on the wallcovering surface. Any paste or water on the surface will discolor the wallcovering and cause staining or discoloration to the product.

*ALTERNATE METHOD:

Apply the adhesive to the wall. Moisten the back of the strip with a damp sponge. Be careful not to over-soak. Book and roll the strip and allow it to “rest” for 3 minutes before bringing the wallpaper panel to the wall. Continue to follow the remaining steps listed above.

Note: Extreme care must be taken to prevent water from contacting the face of the material or over-soaking the backing paper.