Installing the Sebago Lodge Wallpaper Mural
The Sebago Lodge mural by Judy Beau is a unique, mix-and-match wallpaper design composed of five coordinating panels. When installed side-by-side, these panels create a mural of full-size, 5-foot tall painted canoe paddles rendered in a bold, graphic style. Each paddle starts approximately 18″ from the bottom of the roll (once the design information is trimmed away). The mural can be installed on walls up to approximately 11’6″ high.
One of the special features of this mural is its flexibility: panels can be installed in any order. A coordinating “no-paddle” filler panel is also available, which is especially useful for continuing the mural around doors and windows without cutting through any paddle artwork. Edges are designed to match up seamlessly, making trimming or overlapping a simple, forgiving process.
Before you start:
- Order a swatch! Standard 24″ x 12″ swatches are printed bottom-up and will not include the paddles. For an accurate preview of color and texture, use this specially designed swatch: spoonflower.com/en/wallpaper/15772121
How to Install the Sebago Lodge Mural
(Using DIY Wallpapers*)
The following installation instructions apply to Spoonflower’s Peel-and-Stick or Pre-pasted wallpapers.*
Tools You’ll Need:
- Level or laser level
- Sharp utility knife or scissors
- Pencil
- Smoothing tool (felt-edged recommended)
- Step stool or ladder
- Spray bottle (for prep, if needed)
Step 1: Prepare Your Surface
- Ensure your wall is clean, smooth, and dry.
- Remove any nails, dust, or imperfections.
- Remove outlet covers or wall fixtures
- If necessary, wipe the wall down with a damp sponge and let it dry completely.
Step 2: Plan Your Layout
- Lay out your panels on the floor to decide the order you’d like them in.
- If using the no-paddle filler panel, plan where it will be installed—typically around windows, doors, or corners.
Step 3: Measure and Mark
- Starting from the left side of your wall, measure the width of the first panel and make a faint vertical line using a pencil and level (or laser level) to use as your guide.
Step 4: Trim the Bottom (Optional)
- Trim off the printed design information at the bottom of each roll.
- The paddles begin 18″ from the bottom after trimming. You may also pre-trim the top (leave extra!) if desired to make top-down installation easier.
Step 5: Apply the First Panel
- Begin at the top of the wall and align the right edge of the panel with your vertical pencil mark.
- Smooth from top to bottom, working from the center outward to remove bubbles.
Step 6: Apply Remaining Panels
- Align the next panel to the previous one. You may either overlap the edges slightly or trim for a butt seam—both will result in a cohesive design.
- Repeat the smoothing process, working carefully to keep paddle tops aligned.
Step 7: Trim Excess
- Once all panels are installed, use a sharp blade to trim any excess at the top, bottom, or sides.
Step 8: Final Touches
- Let the wallpaper set as recommended by your wallpaper material’s guidelines. Avoid washing or brushing heavily until fully set.
- Reattach outlet covers or wall fixtures.
- Step back and admire your work—you’ve created a one-of-a-kind mural with vintage lodge charm!
Pro Tip
Although the design is printed bottom to top, it’s recommended to install wallpaper from top to bottom for better control and alignment.
- Measure your wall height carefully and consider pre-trimming the top of the panel (leaving plenty of extra) to make installation easier.
- Use light pencil marks in an inconspicuous spot to help keep the paddles horizontally aligned.
- A laser level can also be helpful for maintaining a consistent paddle height across your mural.
Additional Wallpaper Information
Review these installation articles to determine the best paper for your project:
*Sebago Lodge is also available on premium and commercial-grade wallpapers. However, since these options are only offered in 27-foot rolls, the same three-paddle sequence will repeat twice per roll. These papers are ideal for wider installations that require multiple rolls, or for projects where paddle variation isn’t needed.