Peel-and-stick wallpaper has transformed home decor, offering a fast, stylish way to update any room without the mess or commitment of traditional wallpaper. Perfect for renters, DIY enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a quick refresh, peel-and-stick wallpaper is both easy to use and stunningly effective. But how do you ensure it looks professional? Here’s everything you need to know for flawless results.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Prepare the Wall: Start by confirming that your wall has been primed, painted, and given 2-4 weeks to fully cure. Next, clean the surface with a damp microfiber cloth to remove dust and dirt. This will help the wallpaper adhere better. Smooth, flat surfaces are ideal, but our wallpaper is textured; patch any large holes or uneven spots and avoid highly textured walls, which can interfere with adhesion and overall look.
- Measure and Cut: Measure the wall height and cut wallpaper panels a few inches longer. This extra length gives a little wiggle room, especially if your wall isn't perfectly straight, which most aren't!
- Align and Stick: Begin in the middle of your wall at the top, align the first panel to be centered, and carefully peel back the backing while pressing the wallpaper to the wall. A soft microfiber cloth works wonders to eliminate air bubbles as you go (this is oddly very satisfying!)
- Trim Excess: Use a sharp utility knife and straight edge toll to trim all extra material along the ceiling, baseboards, or corners for a perfectly manicured accent wall.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping Wall Prep: Failing to clean the wall can reduce adhesion. Take a few extra minutes to ensure the surface is clean & dry.
- Rushing: Moving too quickly can lead to air bubbles and misalignment. Slow down and check each section before pressing it down. Using a laser level vertically to align the strips is also extremely helpful.
- Ignoring Patterns: If your wallpaper has a pattern, line it up before cutting a second, third, and fourth piece to ensure pattern match- this gives you a professional look.
Care & Maintenance
One of the perks of peel-and-stick wallpaper is its easy maintenance. To keep it looking new:
- Dust Regularly: Use a soft cloth to gently dust the surface only when needed.
- Spot Clean: For smudges or fingerprints, lightly dab the area with a damp cloth. Avoid harsh cleaners, which can damage the wallpaper’s finish.
Pro Tip: If you hate the look of overlapping pieces, you can use a utility blade to cut a line down the overlapped portion & remove the top layer and bottom layer that has been cut away for a perfect seam.
With these tips, you’re ready to transform your space with professional-looking peel-and-stick wallpaper. Not only is it a budget-friendly option, but it’s also easy to remove and replace whenever you feel like changing things up.
Have a great installation!