How to Hang Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
Before you begin, note that peel-and-stick wallpaper typically adheres best to walls with a smooth texture and an eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss finish. Check the wallpaper manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the product will stick to your type of walls. To ensure you purchase the correct amount of removable wallpaper, carefully measure the space, you plan to cover. Buy slightly more wallpaper than you think you’ll need to accommodate mistakes and tricky areas such as windows, doors, or tight nooks.
Supplies Needed
Sponge or clothMild cleanerMeasuring tapeStraightedgePencilPeel-and-stick wallpaperPlastic smoothing toolUtility knife
Step-by-Step Directions
Follow these instructions to apply peel-and-stick wallpaper and quickly add color and pattern to your space.
Step 1: Prep Walls
Turn off the power to safely remove outlet covers and light switch plates in the area you plan to cover. Next, clean the wall’s surface by wiping it down with a damp sponge or cloth and a mild, non-abrasive cleaner. Wait at least 24 hours to allow the surface to dry completely. Some temporary wallpaper should also be acclimated to the room’s climate; check the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 2: Make a Guide for Your First Piece
Measure the width of your peel-and-stick wallpaper ($34, Target), then transfer that measurement to your wall with a pencil. Use a straightedge and level to draw a line from ceiling to baseboard (or the area you’re covering) in line with your marks. This guide will help you apply the first strip of wallpaper in a straight line.
Step 3: Apply Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
Peel off about 12 inches of the adhesive backing and line the wallpaper up with your lines, starting from the highest point you’ll be wallpapering. Moving from top to bottom, press and smooth the wallpaper against the wall while peeling off the remaining backing. Using downward strokes, run a plastic smoothing tool ($8, The Home Depot) along the wall to remove air bubbles. Once the entire piece has adhered to the wall, use your straightedge and a small utility knife to carefully cut along the baseboard and remove any excess.
Step 4: Match Patterns and Repeat
When applying subsequent pieces, line up the wallpaper’s pattern to ensure a seamless look. Overlap the second piece slightly with the first and run the smoothing tool along the seam to make it lay as flat as possible. Trim at the bottom as needed and repeat to cover the entire surface.
Step 5: Work Around Windows and Outlets
When you reach a window, door frame, or outlet, let the wallpaper overlap it. Once the piece is applied, use a straightedge and utility knife to trim and remove the excess. Next, smooth the paper against the wall around all sides of the outlet or window. Ensure the power is still turned off for electrical outlets and switch plates, and use a utility knife to carefully cut away the paper over the opening. Don’t worry about rough edges around the hole; the outlet cover or switch plate will hide most imperfections. You can also apply paper to flat plates for a seamless look.
Step 6: Check for Air Bubbles
If any air bubbles remain, use the tip of your utility knife or a pin to create a small hole in the middle of the bubble. Then, press down to release the air trapped inside and smooth the wallpaper.
