Peel-and-stick wallpaper is an easy-to-use, removable wallpaper option perfect for renters and DIY decorators. It sticks best to smooth, clean, and dry surfaces such as painted drywall (especially semi-gloss and satin finishes), smooth plaster, and even glass.
Tools and Supplies for Application
-
Peel-and-stick wallpaper
-
Utility knife or sharp scissors
-
Smoothing tool or plastic wallpaper scraper
-
Level
-
Pencil
-
Clean, dry cloth
-
Step ladder (if needed)
-
Screwdriver (if required for removing outlet covers and switch plates)
-
Painter's tape (optional)
Pro Tip: Before purchasing your peel-and-stick wallpaper, measure your room so you buy the right amount. Measure the height and width of each wall you plan to cover, excluding windows, doors, and other areas that won’t be wallpapered. Always purchase slightly more than needed to account for trimming and matching patterns.
How to Apply Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
1. Ready Your Walls
Start by removing any outlet covers or switch plates with a screwdriver. Your power should be shut off for safety during this step.
Then clean the wall with a damp cloth to remove dust.
Note: Just water works, but you can also use a diluted Dawn dish soap solution if preferred.
Allow your walls to dry thoroughly before you begin—usually a full day.
2. Measure and Cut Wallpaper
Use a measuring tape and pencil to mark the height of your wall, adding an extra 2 inches for trimming.
Use these measurements to cut your wallpaper strips with a sharp utility knife or scissors.
3. Align Your First Strip
For this part of the process, use a step ladder to reach the top of the wall if needed.
-
Start in a corner or at a straight edge.
-
Peel off about 6 inches of the backing paper from the top edge and carefully align the wallpaper strip.
-
Use a level to confirm the strip is straight, then gently press the top portion onto the wall.
Pro Tip: Use painter's tape at the top as a guide for perfectly straight placement.
4. Smooth as You Go
-
Continue peeling off the backing paper slowly while smoothing the wallpaper onto the wall with a smoothing tool.
-
Work from the center outwards to remove any air bubbles.
Pro Tip: If you are having trouble smoothing the air bubbles away, gently peel back the wallpaper and reapply using your smoothing tool.
5. Match and Repeat
For the remaining strips, carefully align the pattern edges, slightly overlapping if recommended by the wallpaper instructions.
Repeat the smoothing process for each new strip, maintaining careful alignment for a perfect finish.
6. Trim Excess Wallpaper
Once all strips are applied, trim excess wallpaper at the ceiling, baseboards, and around outlets using your utility knife for a clean, sharp edge. Reattach any outlet covers or switch plates.
And just like that, your walls are papered!
Additional Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper Tips
-
Horizontal Application. For smaller spaces, consider applying peel-and-stick wallpaper horizontally for a unique final look.
-
Think Beyond the Walls. Applying peel-and-stick wallpaper to furniture or appliances can add a decorative touch to your space without committing to a full wall.
-
Maintenance and Care. You can clean your peel-and-stick wallpaper with a lightly damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals to maintain the quality and appearance of the wallpaper.
