DIY Wallpaper Placemats: Easy Home Decor Project

2. Measure and Cut Wallpaper:

• Plan Your Placemat Layout:
• Decide how you want the pattern to appear on each placemat. For instance, you might want a central floral motif or a specific geometric element centered.​
• Position the Placemat Base:
• Place your placemat base on the backside of the wallpaper, aligning it with the desired section of the pattern. Ensure consistency if you’re making multiple placemats.​
• Trace and Add Allowance:
• Trace around the placemat, adding an extra ½ inch on all sides. This allowance aids in wrapping and ensures full coverage.​
• Cut Carefully:
• Using sharp scissors or a craft knife, cut along the traced lines. Precision is key to maintaining the integrity of the pattern.​
• Repeat for Additional Placemats:
• For multiple placemats, repeat the process, ensuring each is aligned similarly to maintain a uniform look across your table setting.

3. Adhere the Wallpaper:

For Traditional Wallpaper:

Wallpaper Paste–

• Apply Wallpaper Paste: Using a paintbrush or roller, spread a thin, even layer of wallpaper paste onto the back of your placemat base. Ensure full coverage, especially at the edges, to promote a strong bond.​
• Position the Wallpaper: Carefully lay your pre-cut wallpaper piece onto the pasted surface. Start from one edge and gently press down, smoothing as you go to prevent air bubbles.​
• Smooth Out Bubbles: Use your hands or a plastic card (like a credit card) to gently smooth the wallpaper from the center outward, eliminating any air pockets and ensuring a flat, even application.​

Spray adhesive– Apply to both the placemat or chipboard and the back of the wallpaper cutout. Wait about 30 seconds for the adhesive to become tacky. Carefully place the wallpaper onto the place mat, smoothing it out to eliminate bubbles.

Whichever method you choose to adhere your wallpaper, allow it to dry properly by placing the placemat under a heavy object, such as a stack of books, to maintain pressure and prevent curling. Allow it to dry completely, typically for several hours.

Peel and stick wallpaper

Follow steps 1-3 from the traditional wallpaper, then follow these steps to attach the paper. 

• Peel a small section of the backing from the wallpaper.
• Align the wallpaper with the placemat base and press it down, smoothing as you go to prevent air bubbles.
• Continue peeling and sticking the wallpaper, using a credit card to ensure a flat application.

4. Seal and Protect Your DIY Wallpaper Placemats

There are several ways to approach this process, and I highly recommend that you choose one. 

1. Mod Podge (Sealer & Finish)

This is what I used to seal my placemats.

• Apply: Use a foam brush to apply a thin, even layer of Mod Podge over the entire surface of the placemat.
• Dry: Allow it to dry completely (approximately 15–20 minutes).
• Repeat: Apply 2–3 additional coats, letting each layer dry thoroughly between applications. 

2. Clear Contact Paper (Self-Adhesive Film)

• Measure & Cut: Cut a piece of contact paper slightly larger than your placemat.
• Apply: Peel off the backing and carefully place the sticky side onto the placemat, starting from one edge.
• Smooth: Use a credit card or squeegee to smooth out air bubbles as you go.
• Trim: Once applied, trim the excess contact paper around the edges for a clean finish.​

3. Laminating Sheets (Thermal or Self-Adhesive)

• Thermal Laminating:
  • Place: Insert the placemat into a laminating pouch.
  • Seal: Run it through a laminating machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Cool & Trim: Allow it to cool, then trim any excess laminate around the edges.​
• Self-Adhesive Laminating:
  • Peel & Stick: Peel the backing off the laminating sheet and carefully place it over the placemat.
  • Smooth: Use a squeegee or credit card to eliminate air bubbles.
  • Trim: Cut away any excess laminate for a neat edge.​