How to install a Mandala pattern mural (step-by-step instructions)

Installing a wallpaper with a no-pattern repeat is pretty straightforward, installing a mural can be a little tricky if you don’t know how to start.

But taking the extra time to install a mural is really worth it. It looks amazing, especially if you don’t have a lot of decor and furniture and the pattern has space to shine in your home. Here are all the tips on How to install a Mandala pattern mural (step-by-step instructions) you really want to know before you start your DIY:

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First steps on how to install a mural pattern wallpaper

1. To wallpaper a wall with a Mandala pattern, start by deciding on the size of the pattern that you would like.
2. Then, measure the wall and calculate the number of panels needed to cover the entire space.
3. Once you have the measurements, purchase the appropriate amount of wallpaper panels.
4. Next, use a level and pencil to draw a grid on the wall to help you determine the placement of the panels.
5. I actually hang the panels with painter’s tape onto the wall, in order to see the pattern and decide if the pattern looks good.
6. Then, use a wallpaper adhesive to attach the panels to the wall.
7. Finally, use a roller (or I just use my fingers) to press the panels flat and ensure that they stay in place. Or just get the wallpaper tool kit to be prepared.

How to install a Mandala pattern mural

After you have measured the wall that you want to wallpaper, purchase your favorite mural. I bought a mural from Amazon that was a little bigger than my wall. Therefore I hung the panels up with painter’s tape to see how it is going to look.

I am so glad I did it because I had to cut some off from the first and last panels to get the pattern centered.

Start from the middle installing your mural

Decide if the mural is in the right position and the way you want it to look on your wall. Then make a straight line with a level in order to orientate your first panel and to get the first panel straight onto the wall.

If you don’t start with a leveled line, it could happen that the panels are not hung straight and it won’t look good. So take the time and make one straight vertical line with a pencil.

Now mix the wallpaper paste

Depending on the wallpaper, you need to get the right paste. Some pastes are already mixed and can be used right away, some other types you have to mix with water and have to let stand for a little while to thicken up.

I used wallpaper glue for heavy wallpaper and it worked very well.

How to mix wallpaper glue the right way

• Purchase the right type of wallpaper glue for your specific type of wallpaper.
• Measure out the correct amount of glue for your wallpaper.
• Pour the glue into a bucket and add the appropriate amount of warm water.
• Mix the glue and water together until it reaches a creamy consistency. I use a wooden stick and take plenty of time to constantly stir the glue in order to have no bubbles.
• Test the glue on a small piece of wallpaper to make sure it is the right consistency.
• If the glue is too thick, add a small amount of water and mix it in.
• If the glue is too thin, add a small amount of wallpaper glue and mix it in.
• Use the wallpaper glue immediately after mixing it to ensure the best results.

Add the glue to the back of the wallpaper

Use a wide brush to add the glue to the back of the wallpaper. Spread it even and do not forget the corners. It also makes sense to add glue onto the wall directly to be able to shift the panels a little bit.

I fold the panels to make my life easier applying them. Just fold a third from the top and the bottom of the panel to have a smaller piece of wallpaper.

Watch the video on how to do this.

Start installing your first panel now

Start at the top of the wall and hang the wallpaper pieces in a Mandela pattern, making sure to overlap each piece by about an inch on top and bottom.

Get on your step ladder and start from the top.

Overlap the top of the wall with wallpaper and orientate yourself on the line to hang the panel perfectly straight. Then work yourself one panel after the other one the same way.

Make sure to find the exact pattern and add the second panel to it.

How to install the second panel

Now add glue to the next panel. Fold it the same way as the first panel. Get on the step ladder and bring the top of the wallpaper right next to the first panel. The panel should not overlap with the first panel. You might have to take the panel off a couple of times and move it a little until the pattern fits perfectly onto the pattern of the first panel.

If the wall is not very straight, you might have to fight and move the panel off and onto the wall. Just make sure you have enough glue on the wallpaper (this makes it easier to shift the panel a little bit). Also, only if the panel is completely covered with glue, the wallpaper will stick to the wall after the glue dried.

How to make a cutout?

If your panel covers a light switch or a plug, just bring the panel over the switch and cut an X right where the switch is. From there make the cut out slowly bigger until the switch/plug is uncovered.

What can you do if you have bubbles under the wallpaper?

If you have a roller, roll the bubbles to the edge. I normally use my hands and try to smooth the bubbles out. If this doesn’t help, lift the wallpaper up and bring it back on the wall and slowly smooth the panel with your fingers until the bubbles are gone.

How to trim off excess wallpaper?

After you are done installing all panels, you can cut off the excess on top and bottom. Use scissors. First, press the wallpaper into the edges of the wall so you can see the trace of the corners. Second, remove the wallpaper a little bit and you can see where to cut the excess off.

Allow the wallpaper to dry completely before adding any additional decorations. Also, keep some of the glue for a couple of days and check the edges of the wallpaper if they stick completely to the wall.

If you need to add some additional glue, use a small brush to bring the glue under the wallpaper, Press it on firmly then let it dry.

Pro Tip on how to install a Mandala pattern mural

If you want to add a dark mural, paint the wall in the same dark color before installing the mural. In case of tiny gaps, the wall color (which is often white) won’t shine through. Just add one cover of paint on the wall to make it look perfect.

Favorite murals that are easy to install

Another great article to read is ‘How to make boring walls pretty with wallpaper‘ and also ‘How to decorate a living room‘.

Summary of ‘How to install a Mandala mural’

A mural is a fast and easy way to add a personal touch to your home. It creates excitement and can look pretty amazing when done right.

Select the right color scheme that fits your style and your furniture. Measure the wall and order the appropriate size. Within a couple of hours, you have changed the look of a room completely.

Impressions of murals

Are you a total beginner?

If you have never wallpapered anything before, it is a good thing to start small. Select a wallpaper with no pattern repeat and wallpaper just one panel. This is what I did in my kitchen and it was an easy wallpaper test. So maybe find a wardrobe, a walk in closet or something similar where you can try it out first. No need to spend a lot of time and moeny on your trial piece.

But it is definitely not hard to do if you have done something similar before.

If you have any questions regarding ‘How to install a Mandala pattern mural’ just send me a comment and I will answer you asap.

Have fun decorating

Conny

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