Easily refresh your home with the beautiful peel-and-stick wallpaper available on Etsy. This type of wallpaper provides a stylish look similar to traditional options but is designed to adhere to surfaces with an adhesive backing, allowing for easy removal when you’re ready for a change. To achieve a professional finish, it’s crucial to apply the wallpaper correctly and prepare your space accordingly. In this guide, three experts share their step-by-step tips for applying and removing peel-and-stick wallpaper for a seamless and elegant result.MEET THE EXPERTSRachel Mae Smith, author of “Colorful Living” and DIY bloggerEmily Shaw, interior designer and DIY content creatorYamil Asis, installer and CEO of Parfait Wallpaper ServicesWHAT YOU’LL NEED- Peel-and-stick wallpaper- Tape measure- Level- Sharp scissors or a utility knife- Plastic squeegee or standard wallpaper smoother- Pencil- Damp cloth with warm waterCLEAN YOUR SPACEBefore applying the wallpaper, ensure that your wall is flat, even, and clean. According to Emily Shaw, dust and debris can hinder adhesion, so it’s essential to wipe down the wall using mild detergent, water, or a microfiber cloth. Address any textural blemishes by patching with drywall spackling paste, recommends Rachel Mae Smith. After patching, lightly sand the wall until it’s smooth to the touch. Allow yourself ample time for the process, especially in rooms with many corners or doorways. It’s also wise to order 10% more wallpaper than you estimate you’ll need, advises Smith.MEASURE AND PLANMeasure the dimensions of your wall to determine the number of wallpaper panels required. Yamil Asis suggests using a level to mark light guidelines with a pencil, aiding in aligning the wallpaper pattern correctly. Begin at the top corner of the wall when positioning the first panel, ensuring it’s straight and aligning with the guideline. Start peeling off the backing gradually, smoothing the wallpaper down with a squeegee or plastic card as you go. Be cautious of air bubbles, and address them by smoothing them out from the center. Avoid removing all backing at once, and proceed gradually to ensure a smooth application.
When smoothing out the wallpaper, make sure to use a cloth to avoid transferring any grease from ladders, advises Smith. Once the first panel is applied, Shaw recommends using a box cutter, utility knife, or putty knife to trim any excess paper along the ceiling and baseboards. To line up successive panels, use painter’s tape to match patterns and make the process faster. Remove outlet cover plates and work around outlets and windows by creating a hole in the wallpaper and trimming it precisely with a box cutter. Use a laser level for windows and trim any overhang with a sharp utility knife.
If stubborn air bubbles appear, prick them with a small tool and smooth them out with a card or squeegee. Avoid using metal cards as they may scratch or damage the wallpaper. To remove peel-and-stick wallpaper, use warm water, a mild soapy solution, or a product like EZ Hang Peel & Stick Activator to loosen the adhesive. Apply heat with a blow-dryer or steamer to help with removal. Peel slowly at an angle and clean the walls with a mild solution, avoiding harsh chemicals that could damage the paint. Check if touch-ups or filler are needed after cleaning.
