How to Hang Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Installation Guide
Ready to transform your space with your favorite design on Peel and Stick wallpaper? Let's dig in.
1. What Is Peel and Stick Wallpaper and Where to Use It
Spoonflower’s Peel and Stick wallpaper is removable, non-toxic and tear resistant. This makes it a great option for short-term projects (that means you, apartment dwellers) and temporary projects like event spaces and DIY crafts (like spicing up your bookshelf backings). This Type I, PVC-free paper has a woven-linen texture, matte finish and a self-adhesive backing. It works great in areas that are less busy like entryways or dining rooms. It also makes a great accent wall, backsplash or addition to a kid’s room. You’ll want to avoid using Peel and Stick wallpaper in high moisture areas like bathrooms with showers or bathtubs.
If your installation space contains different wall heights, we still recommend ordering all panels rolls according to the tallest wall height. Purchasing and installing rolls of different lengths can be very tricky. You may experience issues aligning the patterns due to the vertical design repeat. Check out How to Order Wallpaper for more information before placing your final order.
Now that we know what Peel and Stick wallpaper is and where to use it, let’s tackle the 1-2-3's of how to apply Spoonflower’s Peel and Stick wallpaper.
2. How to Install Peel and Stick Wallpaper
What You’ll Need:
Olfa box-style cutters or similar and blade receptacle
Straight edge tool, like a metal ruler
Squeegee (included in your order of rolls) or hard smoother tool
A friend to help!
Prep Your Walls
Wall prep is important, so don’t skip this step. Here’s what you need to know:
Eggshell, satin or semi-gloss finish is preferred.
Avoid putting Peel and Stick wallpaper over washable, scrubbable or No-VOC paints. This might not allow for strong bonding of the wallpaper to the wall.
If you just painted, let the walls sit for at least 30 days before applying wallpaper.
Install your wallpaper on a surface that’s a solid, light color. Don't put it over other wallpaper.
Any slight wall texture (like those shown below) may get in the way of full adherence for Peel and Stick wallpaper. Find out more in Choosing the Best Wallpaper.
Make sure your walls are smooth, clean, dry, and free of mold, mildew, grease or other stains. If your walls are new, be sure to tape, mud and sand smooth drywall joints. Remove switch and socket covers, window treatment hardware, old wallcoverings and surface imperfections like nail heads, nicks and gouges. The residual moisture content of the walls should be less than 4%.
For optimal “stickiness” to your walls, do this!
Create a solution of 30% isopropyl alcohol and 70% water.
Wipe the solution over the entire wall with a clean, lint-free rag.
Allow it to dry completely.
Install a wallpaper sample to confirm longevity before placing a complete order.
Prep Your Paper
Let the wallpaper adjust to clean, dry and room temperature conditions (70° F to 75° F / 21°C – 24°C and 40–55% relative humidity) for about 1-2 days.
Before applying, inspect your wallpaper for the following: the print scale and size of the panels are correct, color matching of the panels is acceptable, the print surface is free from defects and edges have enough space for overlap.
Then take these steps:
Unroll each roll to face the same way. The top of each panel should have no white space. The bottom should have a narrow line of white space printed with the order information.
Each panel is labeled with its item number (i.e. Quantity 1 of 8). This number is not an installation order. You can install rolls of the same design in any order.
Loosely re-roll each panel starting from the bottom so that the top edge is on the outside of the roll.
Following these steps will ensure that your paper sticks properly to the wall and makes for an easy removal when it’s time. Now let's apply your Peel and Stick wallpaper!
3. How to Apply Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Hanging wallpaper is a two-person job, so enlist the help of a friend. It’s best to complete the project in a day for a steady and consistent hand. Be sure not to crease the printed paper face. They may not disappear.
When installing...
across one, two or three walls, start hanging at the farthest left or right corner and continue in one direction until you’re done.
on all four walls, the final panel may not align seamlessly with the first. To minimize visual disconnect, hang the first panel at an inconspicuous point in the room, such as behind an open door or taller piece of furniture.
For your first panel
Peel away 6” (15cm) of the backing liner and crease liner (not the printed face) flat backwards.
Place a few inches of the exposed, sticky backing onto the wall, with at least 1-2" (about 2.5-5cm) of the paper above the top edge of the wall.
Using a laser level or your eye as best judgment, step back and check that the roll is straight and the design is level. Once the paper is level, press it onto the wall at the center of the panel.
Using a squeegee or other smoothing tool, work out air pockets and bubbles in small 4-6” (about 10-15cm) segments evenly, being careful not to scratch the printed design. Keeping the panel flat to the wall, continue to peel the backing liner in small sections downward, repeating the smoothing process until you reach the bottom of the panel.
It’s important to note:
Peel and Stick wallpaper can be repositioned during the installation process. Slowly peel the paper from the wall and reapply if you make a mistake.
Don’t trim away excess paper until you’re finished installing all the panels.
For additional panels
Align and install the rest of your panels for design match with approximately ½” (~1+ cm) overlap, as shown below. The overlap may vary from roll to roll, so be mindful and visually match the design repeat.
2. Installing around interior and exterior corners can be tricky. Let a few inches of paper wrap around any corners instead of trimming right into the corner. This is an easier way to control installation.
3. Stop the installation if there is a question about panel color matching and contact Spoonflower.
Trimming the Excess
Once all panels are in place, trim the edges with a sharp, fresh blade. A snap off knife with good stability, such as the Olfa SAC-1 Graphic Cutter is best. Using a straight edge at the ceiling, across baseboards and vertically down corners will ensure a straight cut. Dispose of any paper backing properly as it’s not recyclable.
Avoiding Bubbles
Be sure to install your wallpaper in temperate weather conditions. Avoiding installation during periods of the year that are extremely cold, hot or humid may help prevent bubbles and other unwanted issues.
4. Damage-Free Removal
You’ll be happy to know that Peel and Stick is a removable wallpaper. You should be able to achieve damage-free removal for up to a year after installation, though your Peel and Stick wallpaper is designed to last longer than that. Your surface might need a touch-up after removal (1) if you’ve removed your wallpaper after a year or (2) if the wallpaper was installed in drier conditions.
Here’s how to remove Peel and Stick wallpaper:
You’ll work backwards and start at the top of the last panel that was installed.
Lift the exposed corner with the edge of a knife.
Gently pull the paper downward at 180 degrees, parallel to the wall surface. Pulling the paper down, not away from the wall, will help reduce removal of the paint or primer.
Continue slow and steady until you get to the bottom of the wall.
Repeat with the same panels.
The paper is not recyclable, so be sure to dispose of it properly.
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Uneven surfaces
Wallpaper shows flaws like nicks, nails and holes on your walls. It doesn’t cover them up, so make sure you follow the wall preparation steps above.
Overstretching
Be careful not to stretch the panels when installing. Use the squeegee provided with your order to gently smooth out all bubbles and apply the wallpaper to the wall. Overstretching may cause issues with matching the design.
Not aligning patterns
Most walls are not perfectly straight. That’s okay! Here’s a trick that professional installers follow: when planning out your layout and installing your wallpaper, it’s best to align the design at eye level. If the design gets slightly misaligned, it will be at the top or bottom of the wall where it’s not as obvious.
6. Maintenance and Cleaning
Be sure to clean your wallpaper at least every two months and follow the instructions below carefully. Using the wrong type of cleaner might cause removal of color, abrasive damage or staining.
Clean your Peel and Stick wallpaper with a damp, non-abrasive microfiber cloth and mild dish soap. Then dry it immediately with a soft, lint-free towel. Avoid rubbing it aggressively and using solvent or ammonia-based cleaning agents. If the cleaner comes in a spray bottle or powder, it’s best to avoid using it on your wallpaper.
Congratulations! Now you know how to apply Peel and Stick wallpaper.
Peel and Stick is an easy wallpaper for renters or anyone who wants to add personality to their walls without the blood, sweat and tears.
Are you ready to shop top selling designs on the best Peel and Stick wallpaper for your walls?
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