If given a choice between the harder route or the easier route, most, if not all, would choose the easier route, right? But when it comes to peel-and-stick wallpaper, some are a little more skeptical of this easy solution. Can we blame them? It sounds too easy; there has to be a downside to the process or the overall result—it has to be harder than it looks, or look worse than normal wallpaper. Is peel-and-stick wallpaper easy to remove? Can I reuse it after I remove it? These are frequently asked questions when considering this type of wallpaper to decorate walls for homes. The short answer is yes! It's far easier to install and to remove compared to traditional wallpaper or paint.
First, let's talk about why peel and stick is a great option, and see if this is the best product for you.
Peel-and-stick removable wallpaper has an easy application process! Since the glue is already applied on the back, there is less of a mess in the process of applying it to the wall. Another perk of this kind of wallpaper is that it can be removed and reused multiple times without any additional adhesives or pastes. While many wallpapers are removable, not all are reusable like peel and stick wallpaper. This can be incredibly convenient and exciting for renters, who don't have the option of painting their walls or going more in-depth by adding their personal touch to the home. Even college students who want to add some pizzazz to their rooms are capable, without the worry of leaving sticky residue or damaging the walls once the product is removed.
Is it Easy to Remove?
In short, yes, very easy—provided you follow the manufacturer's directions regarding cleaning and application. A few rule of thumb that will help in every case: wash and dry the walls before applying—this includes letting paint completely cure. However, not every wallpaper adhesive is made equal, and some will be easier to remove than others.
Limitless Walls' proprietary adhesive is strong, yet does not include any growing agents, meaning it will be as easy to remove from your wall in year five as day five!
Differences in Material
Paper-backed wallpaper products are typically cheaper, but the downside is that it is harder to remove and is not reusable. Another thing to consider when thinking about reusing peel-and-stick wallpaper is that when transporting it to a different room, it can be tricky to align the holes that were cut out to go around light switches and electrical plugs to fit in another room. We're very proud of our quality, and we believe our reviews reflect it!
- Tip: Reusable wallpapers come with backing paper you peel off before installation If you decide to move your wallpaper from one room to another, make sure to keep the backing in contact to effectively transfer it to a different space.
With today's rapid change in styles and designs, these wallpapers are a long-term solution. These removable pieces do not make it any more difficult to remove the longer they stay on the wall. Here are some tips to make removal easier, and to make it more likely you're able to reuse your wallpaper!
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Make sure the walls are clean! Don't be deceived by the neat appearance. Rinse the wall with soap, warm water, and a sponge. Dry with a lint-free towel. For best results, wait 24 hours to give it time to dry completely.
- If you've recently painted a room, you have to wait for the paint to cure completely, which may take up to 2 weeks, depending on the kind of paint you used.
- Be sure to remove faceplates of light fixtures and electrical outlets.
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Start at the top of the wall, allowing a bit of extra wallpaper to overlap at the ceiling. You'll later trim the excess off and work your way down.
- Pull the backing away and evenly press the wallpaper to the wall. Be careful not to pull or stretch the material.
- Use a plastic smoother when applying the wallpaper to push out any air bubbles. It helps to go in an up and down motion.
- Trim excess material at the ceiling and baseboard with the razor knife.
- Repeat procedure aligning the next strip to the edge of the previous strip.
- When you want to remove the product, start at the top corner of each strip, and gently pull down slowly and evenly. Be aware not to stretch the material if you plan on reusing it. Don't allow the adhesive backs to contact each other, it is very difficult to separate, and you risk ripping or stretching the wallpaper in trying to do so.
- NOTE: KEEP THE BACKING PAPER IF YOU PLAN TO REUSE IT. If you've already thrown it away, you can use wax paper in a pinch. Otherwise, reapply the backing paper during storage. Make sure the backing paper is dust-free before reapplying.
Want Easily Removable Wallpaper?
Now that you're sold on how simple the process is, here are some creative ideas!
Wallpaper, or should I say, Door Paper?
Just because the name is wallpaper doesn't mean it can only serve one purpose. It's okay to think outside the box from time to time. This illusion will surely have people turning heads.
Cabinet Creativity
Now that we've thought outside the box let's go where most people wouldn't and think inside it. Add some special emphasis inside cabinets or drawers to tie in the whole layout of the room.
Boring to Unique
Be bold and turn that ordinary dresser into a unique one by adding details that won't go unnoticed.
First Impressions Matter
Wallpaper displayed in an entryway is quite a stylish look! Make your home the talk around town by adding the appearance of texture.
Stairway Art
This is bound to grab anyone's attention. Set a tone for the transition between upstairs and downstairs by adding some texture to a stairway.
Don't Throw it to Waste
Have some extra pattern wallpaper left over you don't want to waste? Awesome! Adding it to frames can blend in the entire look, making it appear as if it came that way. This small effort makes a big impact on the overall look of a room.
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
Turn that mirror into an accent piece by simply surrounding it with wallpaper.