DIY VINYL WALLPAPER, IT CAN BE DONE!
Mostly because we're so dang happy with the way it turned out. All our fellow DIY lovers know that sometimes the end result doesn't always match the original vision BUTTTTT in this case, we're pleased to report that it's even better and as Candis said, "a totally do-able job".
DIY vinyl wallpaper, let's get to it!
MATERIALS:
- High-resolution image of your choice
- Outdoor vinyl, professionally printed (more on in the next paragraph)
- A hard plastic scraper, credit card can work but we recommend something a little more sturdy
- Xacto knife, razor blade or box cutter
Step 1. MEASURE YOUR SPACE
You need to know the general height and length of the space you're working with so that you can order enough vinyl and have a little extra in case you trim it short or hang it a little wonky and need to re-evaluate. Not that we did that...*COUGH
Step 2. CHOOSE YOUR IMAGE
We chose a classic masters painting from the 1600's for this project and downloaded for FREE (in high resolution) from the Getty Museum through their Open Content program. You can find that download HERE.
Original download:
There are so many other free downloads out there, available for private use from sources like The Met, TIME, and of course The Getty too. It's one of our favorite go-to's for all sorts of fun projects.
Step 3. CROP AND SIZE IMAGE
Step 4. SEND TO PRINT!



STEP 5. UNROLL VINYL AND MARK CENTER POINT

STEP 6. PEEL AWAY BACKING AND ADHERE TO WALL

Smooth up and use your scraper to really press the vinyl into the corners.
STEP 7. TRIM EXCESS VINYL
Once your piece has applied the length of the wall you need to trim it. Carefully use an Exacto knife or box cutter and trim off your excess vinyl. If you want to get a straight edge you can use a ruler or meter stick to help guide you. In old houses, the walls and ceilings are rarely level so Candis just eyeballed it and trimmed by hand. Thanks to the picture rail she didn't have to be super careful on the bottom!
STEP 8. PEEL OFF FRONT PROTECTIVE BACKING
Again, start from the middle and work one specific direction. Use your scraper to smooth the vinyl as you go as it can lift a little as you peel. If you fall a little short when you get to a corner, you can just make up the difference and overlap the piece you have for the next wall.
Be sure to step back and admire your work as you go, doesn't it look AMAZING??? We love how the texture and minor imperfections of our walls show up in the image, making it look like a custom oil painting. So great!
Voîla! High five your helper and you did it!
Totally custom vinyl wallpaper at your service.
1 Comment
What is the paint color used on the lower part of these walls? I love it!