Redecorating can be a challenging process. So it is only natural that we try and find ways to make the process easier. That is where peel and stick wallpaper comes in. Wallpapering has always been one of the more difficult tasks of decorating. It takes up a lot of time, it can be messy, and you have to be incredibly accurate. So, now that there is a wallpaper that completely removes all of this stress, it almost sounds too good to be true. Peel and stick wallpaper does exactly what the name suggests. You peel it off and then stick it to your wall. No need for glue or waiting for the wallpaper to dry. It can take a matter of minutes to apply it. But does it actually work? If this is the question running through your mind, we’ve got the answer for you. In this article, we are going to walk you through everything you need to know about peel and stick wallpaper. So, you have the answers to any questions you may have about peel and stick wallpaper.
Application Of Peel And Stick Wallpaper
In order for us to assess whether or not peel and stick wallpaper actually works, we need to take a deeper look into the application process. When it comes to applying peel and stick wallpaper the process is quite simple, but as with everything there are pros and cons to this process.
Pros:
- The first great thing about peel and stick wallpaper is that there is not much preparation needed. This is especially true if the wall you want to wallpaper is painted properly according instructions. The only thing you need to do is ensure that the wall is clean and you would need to use primer before installation. There would be brands that do not suggest such things but as we are aiming for maximum quality we would strongly recommend to follow all steps that are included in our installation instructions.
- In terms of applying the wallpaper, it is easy. This is another pro to buying peel-and-stick wallpaper. All you need to do is peel the paper away from the backing and stick the wallpaper to the wall. Smooth the wallpaper to make sure there are no air bubbles and then trim away any excess.
- Another pro to buying this type of wallpaper is you can readjust it. Simply remove the paper and reposition it. This is great if you’ve got the pattern wrong. However as we mentioned before this will work only if the wall will be prepared according instructions.
- There are not many tools involved in applying this type of wallpaper and it doesn’t make a mess.
- Depending on the brand of peel and stick wallpaper you buy, they are usually able to stick to a variety of surfaces.
Cons:
- It's a popular view that all self adhesive wallpapers are removable. It is true, however it must be taken in account that all adhesives hardens fully at some point. It depends on each brand of the adhesive as well as the climate of the room and how long ago the wallpaper has been installed. These are just some of the factors that can cause the removable wallpaper not to be so easily removable at some point. It is also rather difficult to reapply the same wallpaper to a different wall later on, due to these very same reasons.
- Another con to using peel and stick is that if you have a bumpy wall it is recommended that you do not use it. This is because the peel and stick wallpaper might not apply properly or it will exaggerate these bumps.
- It is a common misconception that when choosing self adhesive wallpaper you will not need to prepare the walls at all. You can of course install the peel and stick wallpaper to the wall as it is, however unless your wall is perfectly smooth and recently painted and primed, the results may not be as perfect as you would expect. Therefore when using our self adhesive wallpaper we strongly recommend to prepare the wall according to instructions, including sanding, painting, priming and cleaning, if necessary.
Durability Of Peel And Stick Wallpaper
When it comes to assessing whether peel and stick wallpaper works, durability is the most important thing. There are a number of positives and negatives of peel and stick wallpapers based on durability.
Pros:
- Peel and stick wallpaper is very easy to clean and keep in good condition. Most peel and stick wallpapers can be cleaned with a damp sponge or cloth. You also do not have to worry about damaging the wallpaper when cleaning it.
- If you want to change your wallpaper then it is easy to remove and you are able to use peel and stick wallpaper again on another object, as long as you keep the backing paper in perfect condition. However there are some cons about this.
Cons:
- It's a popular view that all self adhesive wallpapers are removable. It is true, however it must be taken in account that all adhesives hardens fully at some point. It depends on each brand of the adhesive as well as the climate of the room and how long ago the wallpaper has been installed. These are just some of the factors that can cause the removable wallpaper not to be so easily removable at some point. It is also rather difficult to reapply the same wallpaper to a different wall later on, due to these very same reasons.
- The only other downside to peel and stick wallpaper is that the most cost effective self adhesive wallpapers are usually made out of vinyl and contains PVC which is not the most environmentally friendly choice. It would be wise to always look for or inquire of the information of what the wallpaper is made out of to ensure it suits your project. Livette's wallpapers for example are PVC and vinyl-free, as we believe these components shouldn't be a part of your interior and, of course, because it is a more sustainable choice. The inks used for the wallpaper also are certified for safe use in home as well as commercial projects.
Removing Peel And Stick Wallpaper
One of the main selling points of peel and stick wallpaper is that it is able to be applied easily and removed easily. The good news is that peel and stick wallpaper is able to be removed easily as it peels off instantly. So you no longer have to deal with picking stuck pieces of wallpaper away from your wall.
At this stage, it is important to note how easy removing the peel and stick wallpaper is completely dependent on how you applied it. For example, it might take away some of the paint if you didn’t paint the wall four weeks before application and prime it before installation. If you painted it sooner the paint might not have dried properly. Also if the paint was too old and already peeling off when you applied wallpaper, it will definitely peel of when you will remove it. Also as we mentioned before every glue will most likely become permanent at one point. However, compared to traditional wallpaper it will not ruin your walls by leaving residue such as glue.
Final Thoughts
Peel and stick wallpaper is most definitely worth it if you are looking for an easy way to redecorate your home. Peel and stick wallpaper does exactly what it says it will, so it definitely works. Peel and stick wallpaper is durable and will give you the result you where dreaming of if you will use high quality wallpaper and will apply it properly according instructions. However, there are a few cons to using this type of wallpaper, for example, it is not suitable for bumpy walls and other mentioned above. We hope that this article has helped you decide whether or not peel and stick wallpaper is a good choice for you. Please share this guide with others who might be interested and thank you for reading!
Wallpaper used for the project: Black Delicate Herringbone Wallpaper
