If you're shopping for peel and stick wallpaper, you be wondering if it will damage your walls. The short answer is no, peel and stick will generally not ruin your walls. However, there are a few things to look out for.
Check what type of adhesive the wallpaper has
Some adhesives are permanent, and some are temporary/removable. Permanent glue will damage your wall, whereas removable glue will not leave a residue and should leave your wall damage free.
Check the material of the wallpaper
The peel & stick wallpaper currently available to buy is made from one of 3 different materials: paper, vinyl and vinyl-coated paper. It is worth noting that, traditionally, vinyl wallpaper is a vinyl-coated paper and not pure vinyl. When the back of the material is vinyl, this can cause the plasticiser in the vinyl to migrate into the glue, which causes it to tighten and stick more to your wall. This could definitely cause damage to your walls, so we would advise to stay away from pure vinyl. Vinyl-coated paper and paper are not affected by this, so these are the safest to use. Here at Peel & Paper we only use paper for this exact reason, so our peel & stick wallpaper is always removable!
Good installation gives good results
There are a few things to keep in mind before you apply it to make sure that it stays stuck when you want it to, and peels off nicely.
First, make sure your walls are clean and free of any dust or debris. Any dirt or grime on your walls will show through the wallpaper, so it's important to start with a clean and smooth surface.
Take your time when applying the wallpaper. Peel the backing off each strip slowly and carefully, and line it up precisely on your wall. If you rush the process, you may end up with air bubbles or wrinkles in the wallpaper. Use a felt applicator to ensure that all the glue is stuck well. Here at Peel & Paper we include an applicator with every peel & stick order to ensure you get the best possible results.
Finally, be careful when removing the wallpaper. If you pull too hard, you could damage the paint or drywall beneath, or tear the paper which makes removal harder. Pull gently and slowly and your wallpaper will come off in one piece leaving no residue.
Peel and stick wallpaper is a great way to update the look of your home without damaging your walls.Take your time during the application process and you'll be able to enjoy your new wallpaper for years to come, safe in the knowledge that the removal process will be as easy as the installation.