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Traditional Installation
Proudly Made in South Africa
How to Apply Our
Traditional Wallpaper
Traditional wallpaper delivers timeless, professional results with rich texture and long-lasting durability. At Wallpaper Online South Africa, our Johannesburg-made, luxury PVC-free non-woven wallpapers offer artisan quality with modern paste-the-wall convenience — that authentic “old school” wallpaper experience, made easier.
What Is Traditional Wallpaper and Why Do South Africans Love It?
Traditional wallpaper is a paste-the-wall covering made from PVC-free 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 commercial-grade materials in our Johannesburg 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 lounges, dining rooms, bedrooms, and spaces where you want a sophisticated, permanent transformation.
What You'll Need (Your DIY wallpaper recipe kit)!
Measuring tape
Measure your wall and cut panels accurately
Clean, damp sponges
Wipe away excess paste as you work
Level or laser guide
Keep panels straight and seamless
Large paint tray or bucket
For mixing and holding paste
Paste roller or brush
Apply paste evenly to the wall
Stanley knife or utility knife
Trim clean edges easily
Drop cloth or plastic sheeting
Protect your floors
Seam roller
Press down edges where panels meet for invisible seams
Step stool or ladder
For reaching higher spots
Wallpaper paste
We recommend a good-quality wallpaper adhesive. Pattex and Alcolin are excellent locally available options, or ask your nearest hardware or paint store for their recommendation.
Smoothing brush or wallpaper brush
Remove air bubbles and ensure adhesion (a wallpaper smoothing brush with soft bristles works beautifully, or use a piece of cardboard from your wallpaper box)
(Optional) Plumb bob or chalk line
For marking perfectly straight guidelines
💡Tip: Traditional wallpaper installation takes a bit more prep than peel-and-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 (Your 5-Step Recipe)
Your 5-Step Recipe
Step 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. If you've recently painted, wait at least 14 days before applying wallpaper.
Step 2: Measure, Cut & Mark
Use a measuring tape and level to mark a plumb line at the top of the ceiling. Measure 60cm (the width of your wallpaper panel) and mark dots down the wall, then connect them with a straight line. This is your guide for the first panel—getting the first panel straight means the rest will be too! We recommend installing from left to right. Cut your first panel to length, adding 3-5cm extra at top and bottom for trimming.
Step 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 1 metre at a time so the paste doesn't dry before you hang the paper.
Step 4: Hang & Smooth
Align the top edge of your wallpaper panel with your guideline, leaving 3-5cm overlap at the ceiling. Gently unfold the paper down the wall, smoothing as you go with your smoothing brush. Work from the centre outward to eliminate air bubbles and ensure good contact. Press firmly but gently. Use a damp sponge to wipe away any excess paste from the surface immediately. Butt the next panel edge-to-edge with the first (don't overlap), matching any pattern as needed. Use your seam roller to press down the seams gently.
Step 5: Trim & Admire Your New Look
Using a sharp Stanley knife and a straight edge, carefully trim the excess at the ceiling and skirting boards. Make clean, confident cuts. Wipe away any remaining paste residue with a damp sponge. Stand back and admire your stunning, magazine-worthy wall!
Pro Tips from Our Johannesburg Studio
Insider secrets for flawless installation
- Prime your walls with wallpaper primer or sizing for best adhesion and easier future removal.
- Non-woven paper is easier to work with than traditional paper wallpaper—it won't tear as easily and is more forgiving during installation.
- The paste-the-wall method we use is much simpler than old-fashioned paste-the-paper techniques. Apply paste directly to the wall in sections as you work.
- Keep your tools clean. Wipe your smoothing brush and sponge frequently to prevent paste buildup.
- Don't overwork the paper. Smooth gently to avoid stretching or damaging the material.
- Match patterns at eye level (around 1.5 metres up) where they're most visible. This is where pattern alignment matters most.
- For corners, wrap the paper about 2-3cm around the corner, then start the next panel right at the corner edge for a clean finish.
- Remove outlet covers before applying, wallpaper around the opening, trim, then replace covers for a polished look.
- Let the wallpaper dry completely (24-48 hours) before moving furniture back or hanging artwork.
- In a renovation, always apply your wallpaper last (building sites are messy and other work can dirty or damage it).
Why Choose Wallpaper Online South Africa?
We combine artisan quality with modern installation methods, proudly crafted in Johannesburg, SA. Every design is South African-made, printed with commercial-grade, PVC-free non-woven materials that stand up to our unique climate.
From custom murals to classic patterns, our goal is to make decorating joyful, sustainable, and rewarding. Our traditional non-woven wallpapers deliver the premium finish and durability you expect from luxury wallcoverings, with the ease of paste-the-wall application. All our wallpapers are custom printed to order—if you want something a bit different, we can do it! With a 4.9-star Google rating and loads of satisfied customers, we’re here to help you transform your space.
Proudly Made in South Africa
Every design is South African-made, renter-friendly, and printed with commercial-grade materials and eco-safe inks.
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-and-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-and-stick is faster to install and easier to remove, perfect for renters or those who like to update frequently.
Is traditional wallpaper hard to install for beginners?
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.
What type of paste should I use?
We recommend using a good-quality wallpaper adhesive. Pattex or Alcolin work beautifully and are easy to find at South African hardware stores. They provide strong, reliable adhesion for non-woven wallpapers. Always follow the manufacturer’s mixing instructions for best results.
Can I install traditional wallpaper in bathrooms or kitchens?
Yes, but we recommend using it in guest toilets or areas with good ventilation rather than high-moisture shower areas. For kitchens, it works beautifully on walls away from direct water sources.
How do I remove traditional wallpaper later?
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-and-stick, but completely manageable.
Where is Wallpaper Online's wallpaper made?
All our wallpapers are Proudly Made in Johannesburg, South Africa, using commercial-grade materials and eco-certified inks.
Ready to Transform Your Space?
Browse our collection of stunning South African-made traditional wallpapers and murals and start your next project today. With the right prep and our expert guidance, installation is more achievable than you think!
