Wallpaper has lost popularity in the past few decades, primarily due to its arduous installation and removal. But there’s a type of wallpaper that is making a comeback in the homes of millennials across North America, and this wallpaper is easy to install, available in trendy patterns and colours, and totally removable. Introducing your new favourite wallpaper: peel and stick wallpaper.
Traditional wallpaper might look great, but it came at a high cost. Installation was demanding, requiring hours of backbreaking and precise work to hang the heavy rolls of paper. Removing it was even more challenging, requiring hours of scraping and steaming. Peel and stick wallpaper, in contrast, is a breeze to install, is available in dozens of beautiful patterns from well-known designers, and is easily removable by simply peeling it off the wall.
Peek and stick wallpaper is an excellent choice for homeowners and renters alike, as a “no-renovation needed” update. Use the guide below to make this DIY project easy to install perfectly.
How to Apply Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Step 1: Choose the Correct Pattern for Your Space
The design you choose will determine how much time you’ll need to spend ensuring the seams of each section of wallpaper match up. Intricate patterns are best suited to smaller spaces with only a few pieces.
Step 2: Map Out How the Various Sections of Wallpaper Will Fit on the Intended Wall
For example, if you have a smaller space like an entryway or bathroom, you’ll want to place the wallpaper strategically so you can show off the pattern as a focal point in the room.
Step 3: Prep Your Walls for Installation by Washing Them
If the room you are planning to wallpaper is a high traffic area, consider washing the walls with Trisodium Phosphate Powder (TSP) or a TSP substitute. TSP is a degreaser that will remove any built-up grime and grease. You can buy this cleaner for less than $5 from any home renovation store, like Home Depot.
Step 4: Hang Your First Roll of Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Positioning this wallpaper perfectly the first time isn’t essential since you can peel it off and reposition it. However, it’s still intelligent to attempt to place it as levelly as possible.
The easiest way to achieve this is to use a laser level or chalk line to mark a straight line on your wall and line up the long edge of your first piece with the level line. You can also manually draw a straight line on your wall with a pencil and level.
Tip: When placing your first piece of wallpaper, line up the edge with the laser, chalk, or pencil and then slowly peel the backing away, lightly sticking the self-adhesive wallpaper to your wall. Once you are satisfied with the placement, press down firmly.
Step 5: Finish the Edges
When you reach the edge of your wall, the ceiling, or the baseboard moulding, use a craft knife to trim the pieces. Continue to work slowly and carefully, placing each piece until your project is complete.
Top Considerations When You Buy Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Installing peel and stick wallpaper is a breeze, but choosing it can be an agonizing process. There are some key considerations to remember while shopping.
1. Don’t Rush Your Decision
Take your time choosing a wallpaper. This pattern will be in your home for the foreseeable future. Peel and stick wallpaper is available in a wide variety of designs from dozens of manufacturers, so keep researching until you find your perfect pattern.
2. Pay Attention to Quantities
Wallpaper comes in rolls, and the rolls’ size varies depending on the manufacturer. Double-check your wall area and ensure you order enough to cover the whole area, with some extra to account for pattern placement.
3. Choose the Right Materials
Whether you go with textured vs. non-textured, peel and stick wallpaper is available in both patterns. Which you choose should depend on the intended room, and how much wear and tear you can expect on the walls. For example, if you plan to have significant foot traffic in a room, textured wallpaper will be more likely to show grime and be challenging to clean.
Is Peel and Stick Wallpaper Really That Easy?
Peel and stick wallpaper is not your grandmother’s wallpaper. Gone are the days of pasting water logged rolls of heavy paper to your walls, only to decide years later that a change is warranted and spending even more hours painstakingly removing it.
Instead, peel and stick wallpaper is a refreshing improvement, being easy to hang, available in beautiful colours and patterns, and even more straightforward to remove when you are ready for a change. This type of wallpaper is ideal for homeowners and renters alike, and with some patience and specialized tools, it is easy to install perfectly.
