Wallpaper Installation in Cape Town

Measure wall width and height, then let the installer confirm — pattern repeat is the trap. A large repeat can add 15-25% waste, and you should order all rolls from one batch number to avoid shade differences. Always order one spare roll for future repairs.

Painted walls, yes, after cleaning and priming. Papering over old wallpaper is a false economy — trapped seams telegraph through and moisture can lift both layers. Strip first; installers quote removal as a separate line.

Look for installers in Cape Town who show seam close-ups in their photos, not just wide room shots — invisible seams and pattern matching at corners are the skill. Ask what papers they specialize in; grasscloth and mural specialists are a different tier from vinyl hangers.

Yes, with the right product — vinyl and washable papers handle humidity, and some installers seal edges with clear varnish in splash zones. Avoid delicate uncoated papers near cookers and showers. Good extraction/ventilation matters more than the paper choice.

Yes, and prep is most of the outcome. Walls need to be smooth, clean, primed/sized, and uniform in colour (dark patches ghost through pale papers). Fresh plaster must fully dry and be sized first. Ask whether prep, lining paper, and primer are in the quote.

Stripping is typically priced per room or per hour and depends entirely on what's underneath: modern non-woven papers peel off dry in minutes, while old glued layers over unsized walls can take a full day per room with steamers and leave repairs behind.

Labour typically runs R150-350 per roll or R80-150 per square metre. A feature wall lands around R1,500-3,500 including mid-range local paper; imported designer papers push totals up fast.