Peel and stick wallpaper, also known as removable wallpaper or temporary wallpaper, has become an increasingly popular wall covering option in recent years. Unlike traditional wallpaper, which requires messy adhesive and labor-intensive removal, peel and stick wallpaper uses a backing that allows it to be easily applied to and removed from many surfaces, including wood. But how easily does it actually come off wood? There are a few factors to consider.
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What is Peel and Stick Wallpaper?
Peel and stick wallpaper is different from traditional wallpaper in a few key ways:
- It has an adhesive backing that allows it to stick to surfaces without needing additional glue or paste.
- The adhesive is designed to be removable rather than permanent, allowing the wallpaper to be peeled off when desired.
- It is typically made from materials like vinyl and polyester rather than paper.
The adhesive backing is the main feature that distinguishes it from regular wallpaper. It is applied in a thin layer that adheres firmly but not permanently to the wall surface. This allows the wallpaper to stay in place until you want to remove it, at which point it can be peeled off.
Some main advantages of peel and stick wallpaper include:
- Easier installation – No wall prep or messy paste required.
- Removable – Can be taken down when desired without damaging walls.
- Reusable – Some varieties can be re-applied multiple times.
- Temporary – Good option for renters and temporary décor.
Using It on Wood
Wood is one of the surfaces that peel and stick wallpaper can be applied to. The smooth, solid surface of wood walls and other wood architectural features like beams, shiplap, and paneling provide an ideal backdrop for temporary wallpaper.
In general, peel and stick wallpaper tends to come off wood easier than heavily textured surfaces like brick or concrete. The smooth, non-porous finish of wood allows the wallpaper to be removed cleanly, rather than seeping into the surface material itself.
However, there are still some factors to keep in mind when using removable wallpaper on wood:
Wall Prep
As with any surface, proper wall prep when applying the wallpaper is key for clean removal later. The wood surface must be washed to remove any dirt, oil, or debris that could impede adhesion. Sanding may be required if the surface is heavily painted or varnished. Priming is also recommended.
Taking these steps helps the wallpaper stick properly when applied, but also avoids it bonding too tightly or permanently to the wood finish. Proper sealing and priming of the surface will make removal easier down the road.
Wallpaper Style
Certain types and styles of peel and stick wallpaper tend to remove better than others. Options that are more likely to come off wood cleanly include:
- Smooth wallpapers without heavy texture or relief.
- Non-woven materials like polyester and vinyl.
- Thinner wallpaper rather than thicker, heavier types.
- Wallpaper applied in small pieces rather than full rolls.
Textured or flocked wallpaper, thicker wallcoverings, and wallpaper spanning large sections are more prone to bonding tightly and potentially causing surface damage upon removal.
Wallpaper Age
The longer peel and stick wallpaper remains on a wood surface, the harder it will likely be to remove. Most varieties are intended for temporary use of around 3-12 months. Leaving the wallpaper up for years allows the adhesive to settle in more permanently.
For easy removal, it’s best to stick to the manufacturer’s recommended time limits for the specific wallpaper used. Taking it down when you want to change up your décor rather than leaving it indefinitely will help prevent tight bonding to the wood over time.
Tips for Removing from Wood
When you’re ready to take down your temporary wallpaper from wood walls or furniture, here are some tips for clean, easy removal:
- Carefully peel up a corner and pull slowly straight out from the wall at a 90° angle.
- If needed, use a hairdryer or heat gun to warm the wallpaper and soften the adhesive backing.
- Apply heat evenly across sections, moving the dryer back and forth and avoiding any one spot.
- Use a plastic putty knife or smoothing tool to help gently pry and lift edges of the wallpaper as you peel.
- Change the blade on your smoothing tool frequently to keep edges sharp.
- Apply more heat as needed while you work section-by-section to remove all of the wallpaper.
- Use mineral spirits or adhesive remover to eliminate any residual adhesive left on the wood.
- Be patient and take your time. Rushing could damage the underlying wood surface.
Taking a careful, methodical approach helps ensure the wallpaper comes up evenly and causes minimal or no damage to the wood surface underneath. Paying attention to wall prep before application and the wallpaper’s style and age will also facilitate easier removal.
Does it Damage the Wood?
When applied and removed properly, most peel and stick wallpaper can come off wood with minimal or no damage to the underlying surface. However, there are some potential risks to be aware of:
- Older or lower-quality wallpaper may leave adhesive residue that requires scraping or sanding to remove.
- Wallpaper left up for very extended periods may bond tightly to the finish and could pull up paint or varnish when removed.
- Heavy pressure or impatience when pulling off the wallpaper could chip the wood or strip the finish.
- Moisture behind the wallpaper could cause bubbling, warping, or peeling of the wood surface over time.
Being cautious when preparing, applying, and removing temporary wallpaper reduces the risks of damage. Avoid leaving it up indefinitely, apply proper primers and sealers before installation, and take care when peeling it off. With the right approach, peel and stick wallpaper can enhance wood walls and fixtures without harming the beautiful natural material underneath.
Conclusion
Peel and stick wallpaper can generally be removed from wood surfaces with relative ease compared to more porous materials. The key is proper preparation, using appropriate removable wallpaper styles, taking it down within reasonable time periods, and methodically removing it section by section. With patience and care, there is no reason temporary wallpaper can’t be applied and enjoyed on wood surfaces without worry of damage. Just be sure to follow all best practices and the manufacturer’s recommendations for applying and removing their specific product. With the right peel and stick wallpaper and some simple tips, you can stylishly decorate your wood architectural features and walls worry-free.
| Surface Material | Ease of Wallpaper Removal |
|---|---|
| Smooth Wood | Easy |
| Textured Wood | Moderate |
| Brick | Difficult |
| Plaster | Moderate |
| Concrete | Difficult |
| Wallpaper Style | Ease of Removal from Wood |
|---|---|
| Smooth Vinyl | Easy |
| Textured Fabric | Moderate |
| Thick, heavyweight | Difficult |
| Applied in small sections | Easy |
| Full wall coverage | Moderate |