Peel and stick vs Traditional WallpaperUpdated 4 months ago

Which is the better product? The short answer is, it depends on what you’re doing.

Peel and stick (also called removable) wallpaper is an attractive choice for people who want a temporary change to their walls, or are renters and can’t make permanent changes like traditional wallpaper. The downside is that peel and stick wallpaper is sensitive to temperature changes, humidity, and even sunlight. It’s imperative to start with a completely smooth and clean surface, as common problems from improper installation include bubbling, and even entire sheets of wallpaper falling off the wall. Peel and stick is also touted as re-usable, meaning you can peel it off the wall and reapply elsewhere. However, this is rarely feasible as the paper can stretch during the removal process.

Peel and stick does have advantages. Fewer tools will be required and there is no need for water or adhesives, meaning a much less messy installation. Peel and stick makes for a great choice if your project is something smaller scale, like an accent wall in a low traffic area of your house, lining bookcases or upscaling furniture. Just remember it won’t stick to lacquered surfaces.

If you are covering a large wall area, hanging in a bathroom, or in a high-traffic area, it’s best to use pre-pasted or traditional (unpasted) wallpaper. The adhesives used for these papers are designed for better hold, as the intention is a permanent installation. If you’re concerned about the ability to remove the wallpaper in the future, you should consider a non-woven type as these are designed for easier removal. (Vinyl types will be the hardest to remove later on, and are usually  the culprits when you hear stories about difficult removals.)

In most cases it’s best to hire a professional to hang your pre-pasted or traditional wallpaper. This is an added expense, but it will help to alleviate the stress and anxiety of installation. You’ll enjoy your durable, beautiful wallcoverings for years to come.