Wallpaper comes in many shapes, sizes, colours, and of course materials. To give you a good idea of what to look for when ordering wallpaper, we will go into detail about the different materials that are available and which is the ideal choice for you.
The 3 main types of wallpaper are:
- Paste-the-wall wallpaper
- Peel & stick wallpaper
- Paste-the-paper wallpaper
Depending on your use case and skill level, you may prefer different application methods.This does not mean that other application methods are more difficult, it just means that there are important differences in the method that need to be understood.
Paste-the-Paper Wallpaper
Probably the most common material available at this point in time, paste-the-wall wallpaper is commonly used by decorators and professional installers. With paste applied to the wall in a thin layer, the paper is less prone to shrinkage, does not require a decorating table, and uses less paste than paste-the-paper methods.
With less paste required and the paste not soaking into the paper fully, the process stripping the wallpaper is also improved. Most installations are able to be stripped in full panels with minimal tearing.
Peel & Stick Wallpaper
Variations of Peel & Stick Wallpaper have been around for a few years, however there have recently been innovations in the market which have greatly improved the product.
Here at Peel & Paper, we have taken a premium traditional wallpaper and developed a one-of-a-kind removable adhesive which has been extensively tested. The results are fantastic, and our customers have been very impressed with our innovative new material.
When installing Peel & Stick Wallpaper, it is important to know that because the adhesive is not 'wet', it is not possible to slide the wallpaper on the wall. Instead, the adhesive is repositionable, so can simply be removed and re-stuck if the position needs to be adjusted!
Paste-the-Paper Wallpaper
Paste-the-Paper Wallpaper is the traditional method of installation, but it becoming more and more rare in modern times. There are not many advantages to pasting the paper rather than pasting the wall, and it will be more difficult to install and remove.
In days gone by, pasting the paper was the preferred method as by soaking the paper, the old weaker adhesives would penetrate through the paper and create a hard bond to the wall. Modern adhesives and better manufacturing methods mean that modern wallpaper is much more stable and reliable, so this step is no longer necessary. When the paper is not soaked, it is also much less likely to shrink when it dries, so modern Paste-the-Wall Wallpapers offer a better finish.
Conclusion
A good rule of thumb is:
If you have prior experience using wallpaper paste, then use a Paste-the-Wall Wallpaper as this will be more familiar.
If you are new to wallpaper entirely, then Peel & Stick Wallpaper is an easier installation method for beginners.
We hope that this guide has been helpful, and we hope it has helped with your wallpaper decision. Here at Peel & Paper we offer both Peel & Stick and Paste-the-Wall Wallpapers, so we have something for everyone!