How to Install Natural Wallcoverings

Before You Begin

Tools & Materials Needed

• Universal wallcovering primer (not standard paint primer)
• Clay-based or heavy-duty starch adhesive — never vinyl paste
• Wallcovering smoothing brush — soft bristle, not plastic
• Sharp trimming blade — snap-off or single-edge razor
• Adhesive roller — medium nap (10 mm)
• Plumb line or laser level
• Clean sponge — for adhesive cleanup
• Measuring tape and pencil

Step-by-Step Installation

1 Prepare the Wall Surface

The wall must be smooth, dry, clean and structurally sound:

• Fill all holes, cracks and imperfections with setting compound
• Sand smooth and wipe down with a damp cloth to remove dust
• Apply a universal wallcovering primer (e.g., Zinsser Shieldz or equivalent) and allow 24 hours to dry
• The primer creates a sealed surface that allows proper adhesive performance and future removal

2 Acclimatize the Material

Unbox all rolls and store them upright in the installation room for 48 hours minimum. This allows the natural fibers to reach the room's ambient temperature and humidity level. Skipping this step risks expansion, contraction and seam gaps after installation.

3 Plan the Layout

• Measure wall height and add 5 cm (2″) top and bottom for trimming
• Cut your first 3–4 strips and dry-hang them (no paste) to preview the panel sequence
• Book panels from multiple rolls — alternate rolls (1-2-3-1-2-3) to blend natural color variation across the wall
• Mark your starting plumb line using a laser level — start from the most visible corner

4 Apply Adhesive

Use the paste-the-wall method:

• Apply adhesive directly to the wall using a medium-nap roller
• Cover an area slightly wider than one strip at a time
• Do NOT apply adhesive to the material — moisture will stain natural fibers
• Use a clay-based or heavy-duty starch adhesive. Never use vinyl paste — it won't bond properly to natural fiber backing

5 Hang the First Strip

• Position the strip at the ceiling line, aligned to your plumb mark
• Press gently and smooth from center outward using the wallcovering brush
• Work in gentle, overlapping strokes — never pull or stretch the material
• Never use a seam roller — it will crush the natural fibers and create visible flat lines

6 Manage Seams

• Butt each strip edge-to-edge against the previous strip — no overlap
• Visible seams ("paneling") between strips are a natural characteristic of handwoven material
• If a seam appears too visible, gently press edges together with a damp sponge — do not rub
• Ensure adhesive doesn't squeeze onto the face — wipe immediately with a barely-damp sponge

7 Trim and Clean Up

• Use a sharp blade (change blades frequently) to trim at ceiling and baseboard
• Cut against a broad knife for clean lines
• Wipe any adhesive residue immediately — dried adhesive on natural fibers is permanent
• Allow 24–48 hours for full drying before furniture placement or HVAC operation

Material-Specific Notes

Sisal

Sisal fibers are stiffer than grasscloth — they may resist bending around corners. Score the backing lightly at inside corners, or use a separate strip for each wall face.

Wood Veneer

Wood veneer wallcovering is less flexible and requires extra care at corners. Pre-score the backing at bend points. Use a heavier adhesive — the material is significantly denser than grass or sisal.

Cork

Cork is thicker (2–4 mm) and heavier than other natural wallcoverings. Use a heavy-duty adhesive and allow extra drying time. Cork's natural acoustic properties mean it's slightly more forgiving of wall surface imperfections.

Common Installation Mistakes

1. Using a seam roller — crushes fibers and creates visible marks
2. Pasting the material instead of the wall — causes staining and fiber swelling
3. Not acclimatizing rolls — leads to expansion gaps after installation
4. Using vinyl adhesive — won't bond properly; use clay-based or starch paste
5. Trying to reposition after contact — impossible with natural fibers; plan first
6. Not booking panels from multiple rolls — creates visible color banding across the wall

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