Is Peel and Stick wallpaper damaging to walls?

What is Peel and Stick Wallpaper?

Peel and stick wallpaper, also known as self-adhesive wallpaper or removable wallpaper, is a type of wallpaper that has an adhesive backing which allows it to stick directly to walls without needing paste or glue. Unlike traditional wallpaper, peel and stick wallpaper can be easily removed and repositioned as needed. It is a popular choice for renters and homeowners looking for an affordable and temporary way to change up their wall décor.

Some key features of peel and stick wallpaper:

• Comes on rolls similar to regular wallpaper
• Has a backing layer pre-coated with a repositionable, pressure-sensitive adhesive
• Can be applied directly to smooth, clean surfaces
• Is designed for easy removal without damaging walls
• Offers countless patterns, textures, colors and designs

Brands such as Chasing Paper, NuWallpaper, Tempaper, and RoomMates make popular peel and stick wallpaper options. It can be purchased at home improvement stores as well as online retailers like Amazon and Walmart. Prices range from $10-$50 per roll depending on the quality, size and design.

Does Peel and Stick Wallpaper Damage Walls?

When installed and removed properly, peel and stick wallpaper should not damage walls underneath. Here are some key factors to consider regarding peel and stick wallpapers’ potential effects on walls:

Wall Preparation

Proper wall prep is key to minimizing the risk of damage when using removable wallpaper. Walls should be:

• Clean – Free of dirt, grease, wax and other residues
• Smooth – Buffed and sanded to eliminate old adhesive, bumps or uneven areas
• Primed – Priming creates a uniform surface for wallpaper to adhere to

Preparing walls properly before application allows the wallpaper to remove cleanly without pulling up paint or drywall when it’s time to take it down.

Wallpaper Quality

Higher quality peel and stick wallpapers use adhesives designed to stick firmly to walls while releasing cleanly when removed. Low-quality varieties may use adhesives that are too weak to hold well but can leave residue. Look for reputable brands that specify no-damage removal.

Application Method

Applying wallpaper smoothly and methodically reduces air bubbles and wrinkles that make removal more difficult. Use a plastic smoother to apply even pressure and get full contact between the wallpaper and wall surface. Take care around corners and edges.

Removal Process

Peel wallpaper down slowly and carefully, pulling parallel to walls at a low angle rather than ripping upwards. Use a plastic scraper to help lift corners. Any stubborn adhesive can be removed with warm, soapy water and gentle scrubbing. Harsh solvents should be avoided.

Wall Condition

Heavily damaged, cracked or flaking walls are more prone to showing effects from wallpaper removal. Paint that is already chipped or compromised may peel further when wallpaper comes down. Walls in good condition hold up better.

Wall Material

Certain wall materials are more delicate and prone to damage, including older plaster walls. Drywall and primed, painted surfaces tend to withstand peel and stick wallpaper removal without issue when done carefully.

Tips for Preventing Wall Damage

Here are some top tips for using peel and stick wallpaper without harming walls:

• Prime walls before applying wallpaper and use sizing if needed for porous surfaces
• Select high-quality wallpaper designed for damage-free removal
• Apply wallpaper slowly and smoothly without overworking seams or edges
• Use plastic smoothers to apply firm, even pressure across entire surface
• Remove very carefully and slowly at a low angle
• Use warm water and mild soap if adhesive residue remains after removing wallpaper
• Avoid harsh chemical solvents that could interact with paint or drywall

Proper prep, application and removal techniques protect walls while allowing you to enjoy the design benefits of peel and stick wallpapers.

When Damage May Occur

Wall damage is most likely to occur in these situations:

• Applying wallpaper to unprimed or improperly prepared surfaces
• Not applying enough pressure during installation to get full adhesive contact
• Removing wallpaper too quickly or aggressively rather than slowly and carefully
• Using harsh chemicals when trying to remove adhesive residue
• Installing on delicate wall materials like older plaster that is already cracked or compromised
• Leaving wallpaper up for an extended period of time (longer than recommended by manufacturer)

Being aware of these factors allows you to take steps to prevent them and ensure peel and stick wallpaper can be changed out without wall damage.

Signs of Wall Damage

Here are some signs that wall damage may have occurred after removing peel and stick wallpaper:

• Paint peeling, chipping or pulling away from wall
• Drywall paper torn or ripped off in spots
• Plaster cracked or fragmented
• Adhesive residue remaining on wall that cannot be easily removed
• Visible sticker fragments or back layer of wallpaper left on wall
• Discoloration, staining or ghost images of wallpaper design on wall

Minor damage may occur even with proper wall prep and removal. This can often be covered with a fresh coat of paint. Extensive damage may require walls to be resurfaced or skim coated before repainting.

Precautions When Using Peel and Stick Wallpaper

To use peel and stick wallpaper without harming walls:

• Check manufacturer guidelines on maximum duration for leaving wallpaper up
• Inspect walls carefully after removing wallpaper and address any damage right away
• Test wallpaper on a small area first to evaluate ease of removal before installing throughout a room
• Consider hiring a professional installer for big peel and stick wallpaper jobs
• Use low-adhesion blue painter’s tape around trim to prevent wallpaper from sticking where removal will be difficult
• Keep leftover wallpaper and confirm ease of reordering if additional rolls are needed

Being cautious allows you to catch and address any potential wall damage quickly. Consider peel and stick wallpaper benefits for particular rooms and walls in your home.

Common Questions

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about whether peel and stick wallpaper damages walls:

Does peel and stick wallpaper always damage walls when removed?

No, peel and stick wallpaper does not inherently damage walls when removed. When installed and taken down properly, it can be changed out without harming drywall or plaster underneath. However, damage may occur if walls are not prepped correctly or wallpaper is removed carelessly.

What types of wall surfaces can use peel and stick wallpaper safely?

Peel and stick wallpaper can be safely applied to interior walls painted with latex or oil-based paints, primed drywall, cured plaster, wood paneling, laminate, glass and metal. It should not be used on rough textures like brick or heavily textured walls. Walls must be smooth, clean and properly prepped.

How long can you leave peel and stick wallpaper up?

Most peel and stick wallpaper is designed for temporary use of 3-5 years. Leaving it up longer than the manufacturer’s recommended duration increases the risk of damage upon removal. Build up of adhesive over time makes it harder to take down. Follow guidelines for your specific brand.

What’s the easiest way to remove peel and stick wallpaper?

Start by gently loosening one corner and slowly pulling the wallpaper away parallel to the wall at a low angle rather than ripping upwards. Use a plastic scraper to help lift edges. Go slow and take care not to tear the paper. Any adhesive residue can be removed with mild soap and water.

Can you paint over peel and stick wallpaper?

Most peel and stick wallpapers are not designed to be painted over. The adhesive layer can react poorly with paint, causing bubbling or peeling issues later on. It’s best to fully remove wallpaper prior to painting walls for optimal results.

Conclusion

When used properly, peel and stick wallpapers offer a damage-free way to temporarily decorate walls. To prevent harm to surfaces, it’s important to fully prepare walls, install wallpaper smoothly, follow manufacturer guidelines on duration, and remove carefully by pulling low and slow. With the right precautions, peel and stick wallpaper can add stylish pops of color or pattern without detriment to the walls underneath. Handle with care and enjoy the simplicity of decorating with removable wallpaper.