After working with and installing different kinds of peel and stick wallpaper, I have some advice to share for the best results.
What You Need To Know About Peel And Stick Wallpaper
There is so much information out there about how to install peel and stick wallpaper. So, let’s tackle this DIY project from a different angle. Here’s the inside scoop on what you need to know about peel and stick wallpaper!
Before we get started…
Throughout this post, I will be comparing three types of wallpaper that I’ve worked with. This is a quick rundown on the different wallpapers to be as clear as possible for each wallpaper I’m talking about.
First, I hung this gorgeous coral ikat print wallpaper in our guest bedroom. This option was the most affordable at about $35 for about 25 square feet (sq. ft.). This specific Opalhouse peel and stick wallpaper is sold out, but different prints are available.
Next, I installed this beautiful geometric wallpaper in the hallway for the One Room Challenge. This cost about $43 for 28 sq. ft.
Lastly, I purchased lovely swirl print peel and stick wallpaper thinking I was going to use it for the hallway. However, I changed my mind when I saw the full panel in person.
No worries — I will be using it elsewhere in my home! I purchased an extra wide roll – 24×100 inches – for about $70. In the end, it came to about 16 sq. ft.
Now it’s time to finally discuss what you need to know about peel and stick wallpaper!
Not all peel and stick wallpaper is created equally.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but just something to keep in mind. For example, compared to the ikat wallpaper, the geometric wallpaper feels more lightweight. It’s also made like grasscloth, not the heavier vinyl material.
Additionally, the geometric wallpaper is not as stretchy (thankfully). As a result, I could position a panel endlessly without being too stretched to use again. Conversely, when I installed the ikat peel and stick wallpaper, I could only reposition a panel, at most, 3 times before I had to throw it away.
Moreover, the swirl wallpaper is thicker. It is less stretchy than both the ikat and geometric wallpaper.
If you are installing peel and stick wallpaper for the first time, you don’t want too stretchy or heavy wallpaper. Your arms will feel tired while hanging your wallpaper and you will need to reposition panels a lot!
If you can find a balance between a light and less stretchy paper, you will have an easier time installing peel and stick wallpaper.
Purchase all rolls of wallpaper from the same lot number.
To get the best match in pattern and color, order from the same lot number. The number is on the label. If you order all of your peel and stick wallpaper online, they will send you all from the lot number. However, make sure to double check that all the rolls are from the same lot number.
No need to worry about lot numbers with made-to-order wallpapers (like my swirl wallpaper) and custom orders!
It’s best to hang the wallpaper on a shiny and smooth surface.
The geometric wallpaper took the paint off my wall because I tried hanging on flat paint. I had to go back and paint the wall in a satin sheen. Then, the paint had to cure for 30 days!
Even when I finally installed the wallpaper on my satin walls, the excess peel and stick wallpaper at the top of the panel took the flat paint off the ceiling! Sheesh!
I definitely didn’t think that was going to happen because the ikat wallpaper did not take the flat paint off the ceiling. I also installed it on a primed wall.
Moral of the story? Read each manufacturer’s directions for what you need to know about peel and stick wallpaper installation.
I know you may be searching for peel and stick wallpaper for textured walls. If you are, choose something like this geometric wallpaper that can hide irregularities easier. But, smoothing your walls make installing removable wallpaper much easier.
Tight deadline? Buy from a local small business.
The swirl wallpaper was an Etsy find. The manufacturer is a small business based in Texas, the state in which I live. The overall process took about 1 month from selection and color customization to arrival on my doorstep. Overall, I was super happy with the process!
However, ordering from a larger company was a little more difficult. I didn’t realize that I chose a back ordered wallpaper! From order to doorstep arrival was about 2 months.
I wish I had known that I was ordering something on back order beforehand! I probably would have still purchased the product (I love the pattern THAT MUCH), but I would have better tailored my timelines accordingly had I known.
Last but not least, buying from a big box store was super quick and easy, but I chose the ikat wallpaper that was on clearance. What was I thinking?!
Furthermore, I didn’t know that I was going to move in the middle of a wallpaper project! I basically wasted a couple of panels because of that!
I had to find a replacement roll of ikat wallpaper from OfferUp to have enough peel and stick wallpaper for my guest bedroom.
And That’s What You Need To Know About Peel And Stick Wallpaper!
Peel and stick wallpaper is not for the faint of heart. This stuff almost made me pluck out my eyeballs, but the final look is undeniably pretty.
That’s what you need to know about peel and stick wallpaper! Got any more advice? Share in the comments below!
Sincerely,
Felicia.
I love the texture of grasscloth but I can’t get over the seams! Does the peel & stick have gentler / less visible seams? I love the look of certain wallpapers but have been too intimidated to do it myself yet …
That’s a good and fair question. I found that the seams are less pronounced with this geo grasscloth wallpaper. It’s vinyl textured as grasscloth, so it’s easier to hide seams by burnishing the seams.
Thanks, I may look into this in the future! I wish I wasn’t so seam averse, but I guess it’s good to know myself and my own tastes, haha