Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Paperhanger
What paperhangers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a paperhanger?
Prime walls. From there, the day usually includes prep walls, measure rooms, and plan pattern layout. Full or part time, often self-employed.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a paperhanger working full time.
- Prime walls.
- Plan the layout.
- Hang the first drop.
- Match patterns.
- Trim around windows.
- Hang a mural.
- Clean up.
Where paperhangers work
Paperhangers work in homes, hotels, restaurants and offices.
Hours and schedule
Full or part time, often self-employed.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Prep walls
- Measure rooms
- Plan pattern layout
- Cut and paste paper
- Hang wallcoverings
- Match seams
- Trim edges
Tools you’ll use every day
- Smoothing brushes
- Seam rollers
- Razor knives
- Levels
- Paste tables
- Ladders
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Creative work
- Can be self-employed
- Design industry
- Indoor work
What’s hard
- Tiny field
- Precision pressure
- Expensive materials
- Irregular work
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love design
- I’m very precise
- I’m patient
- I like quiet work
- I might work for myself
- I don’t need a degree
Not sure? Take the free Paperhanger fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Use ladders safely
- Handle razor knives carefully
- Ventilate adhesives
- Watch outlets