Jessica Bennett is the digital assistant home editor at Better Homes & Gardens. With a knack for writing and editing, she covers decorating, home improvement, cleaning, organizing, and more for BHG.com. With nearly five years of combined experience in digital and magazine journalism, she has contributed over 800 articles for BHG.com to date, and her writing on interior design and decorating has been featured in 16 national print magazines, including Do It Yourself, Country Home, Beautiful Kitchens & Baths, Secrets of Getting Organized, and more. Jessica received a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism and mass communication from Iowa State University. She also completed a secondary major in French language studies. Prior to graduation, she was inducted into the Kappa Tau Alpha honor society, which recognizes academic excellence in the field of journalism. She is currently pursuing an interior design certificate from the New York Institute of Art + Design.
Peel-and-stick wallpaper offers an affordable, DIY-friendly alternative to traditional wallcoverings. The self-adhesive backing doesn't require any messy paste, and if you make a mistake while applying, you can pull it off and start over. However, installing temporary wallpaper isn't as simple as peeling off the backing and sticking it to the wall. You'll need to do some prep work to ensure it adheres properly to the wall. A few tools and tricks will also come in handy to help you get the smoothest finish possible. Follow these step-by-step instructions on how to apply peel-and-stick wallpaper to achieve bubble-free, long-lasting results.
Before you begin, note that peel-and-stick wallpaper typically adheres best to walls with a smooth texture and an eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss finish. Check the wallpaper manufacturer's instructions to ensure the product will stick to your type of walls.
To ensure you purchase the correct amount of removable wallpaper, carefully measure the space, you plan to cover. Buy slightly more wallpaper than you think you'll need to accommodate mistakes and tricky areas such as windows, doors, or tight nooks.
Follow these instructions to apply peel-and-stick wallpaper and quickly add color and pattern to your space.
Turn off the power to safely remove outlet covers and light switch plates in the area you plan to cover. Next, clean the wall's surface by wiping it down with a damp sponge or cloth and a mild, non-abrasive cleaner. Wait at least 24 hours to allow the surface to dry completely. Some temporary wallpaper should also be acclimated to the room's climate; check the manufacturer's instructions.
Measure the width of your peel-and-stick wallpaper ($34, Target), then transfer that measurement to your wall with a pencil. Use a straightedge and level to draw a line from ceiling to baseboard (or the area you're covering) in line with your marks. This guide will help you apply the first strip of wallpaper in a straight line.
Peel off about 12 inches of the adhesive backing and line the wallpaper up with your lines, starting from the highest point you'll be wallpapering. Moving from top to bottom, press and smooth the wallpaper against the wall while peeling off the remaining backing. Using downward strokes, run a plastic smoothing tool ($8, The Home Depot) along the wall to remove air bubbles. Once the entire piece has adhered to the wall, use your straightedge and a small utility knife to carefully cut along the baseboard and remove any excess.
When applying subsequent pieces, line up the wallpaper's pattern to ensure a seamless look. Overlap the second piece slightly with the first and run the smoothing tool along the seam to make it lay as flat as possible. Trim at the bottom as needed and repeat to cover the entire surface.
When you reach a window, door frame, or outlet, let the wallpaper overlap it. Once the piece is applied, use a straightedge and utility knife to trim and remove the excess. Next, smooth the paper against the wall around all sides of the outlet or window. Ensure the power is still turned off for electrical outlets and switch plates, and use a utility knife to carefully cut away the paper over the opening. Don't worry about rough edges around the hole; the outlet cover or switch plate will hide most imperfections. You can also apply paper to flat plates for a seamless look.
If any air bubbles remain, use the tip of your utility knife or a pin to create a small hole in the middle of the bubble. Then, press down to release the air trapped inside and smooth the wallpaper.