How to Install Peel and Stick Wallpaper

 

Watch our step-by-step videos with helpful hints to see the hassle-free process of how to install wallpaper. In addition, learn which tools you will need before you start your project.

No matter your skill level, we are sharing our best tips and tricks for beginners and pros.
 


Learn How to Prepare Your Walls for Peel and Stick Wallpaper

Before You Begin

Tempaper is recommended for smooth surfaces that are in good condition and have been primed and painted with a satin or semi-gloss finish.

If your surface is freshly painted, we ask that you allow your surface to fully cure before applying removable wallpaper to it. Follow the directions on your paint can as each paint type has different curing times.

Clean surface by wiping with a damp cloth or wet rag, making sure surface is fully dried before application. 

We also recommend wiping your surface with a 1:1 Isopropyl alcohol and water solution first and letting it dry before installation to ensure best compatibility. This may help with adhesion and will clean any dust or debris off your surface.

For an easier install, remove switch plates and outlet covers prior to installation. Be sure to turn the electrical supply off prior to removing the switch and outlet covers and only restoring power once these covers are fully replaced.


Surfaces Not Recommended

  • Matte, flat, and low sheen paints
  • Textured surfaces
  • Exterior surfaces

If you are interested in testing out your textured surface, be sure to read our blog post here first.

Tools

Our Tempaper tool bundle can be found here.

Wallpaper Application - Precutting Your Panels 

  1. Measure the height and width of your surface, this will determine how many panels you will need.
  2. Pre-cut your first panel to the height of your surface adding 2-3 inches of excess material at the bottom.
  3. Be sure to align pattern with each consecutive panel prior to cutting, numbering the back of each panel as you work.
  4. Using a level, mark a plumb line* or vertical guide the length of surface. 
  5. Peel back 3-4 ft. of the backing.
  6. Begin at the top edge aligning paper with your vertical guide to ensure a straight application.
  7. Use a squeegee to smooth paper to surface working from the center out. Tempaper can be repositioned as needed to ensure pattern alignment and to eliminate bubbling.
  8. Continue in 3-4 foot increments peeling and smoothing until you reach the bottom edge of your surface.
  9. Repeat steps 5-8 until the surface has been fully covered.
  10. Trim where needed with a craft knife to complete your application.

Wallpaper Application - Working From the Roll

  1. Using a level, mark a plumb line* or vertical guide down the length of surface.
  2. Place your roll on a soft surface, such as a bath mat or towel, at the bottom edge of starting point.
  3. Pull paper up from roll to meet the top edge of surface.
  4. Peel back 3-4 ft. of the backing.
  5. Begin at the top edge aligning paper with your vertical guide to ensure a straight application.
  6. Use a squeegee to smooth paper to surface working from the center out. Tempaper can be repositioned as needed to ensure pattern alignment and to eliminate bubbling.
  7. Continue in 3-4 foot increments peeling and smoothing until you reach the bottom edge of your surface allowing paper to overhang by 2-3 inches and cut paper from roll.
  8. Repeat steps 2-7 making sure to align pattern with each consecutive panel until the surface has been fully covered.
  9. Trim where needed with a craft knife to complete your application.

If you find the weight of the roll or the backing paper bothersome during application, please read the above 'Precutting your Panels' wallpaper application. 

*How to Draw a Plumb Line

In order to ensure that your wallpaper is hung straight, we recommend marking a vertical plumb line on your wall.
  1. Starting at the corner of your wall, measure out from the corner the width of the roll minus .5 inches. For example, for rolls of 20.5 wide you would mark 20 inches from the corner. For rolls 27 inches wide, you would mark 26.5 inches from the corner.
  2. Place your level at the mark and drawn a straight, vertical line (also known as a plumb line).
  3. We recommend that you mark a plumb line every time you arrive at a corner or start a new wall.

Wallpaper Application - Custom Wallpaper Panels

Our Print Your Own custom wallpaper option at Tempaper & Co. is a creative and convenient way to achieve your dream space.

Sold by the square foot and printed to your specific dimensions, our custom wallpaper takes a personalized approach to decorating.

Head over to "Installing Custom Wallpaper" to read our step-by-step guide to installing your Chinoiserie or custom panels.

We also have very helpful wallpaper videos available that will help you with your peel and stick, removable wallpaper project.

 

Helpful Hints for Applying All Peel & Stick Wallpaper 

  • Grab a friend. While it's easy to apply our wallpaper by yourself, it's more fun to tackle a DIY beginner-level project with a friend.
  • Be careful not to pull on the paper during the application or else the paper may stretch and won't align properly.
  • If air bubbles occur, you can use a safety pin to create a tiny hole in the center of the bubble to release the air.

 

FAQ's - Installing Wallpaper

  • Do I need to overlap peel and stick wallpaper? This varies from product to product type. Please follow your products application instructions, found on the back of the label, for whether or not you are required to overlap your wallpaper print.
  • Do I need to overlap peel and stick wallpaper? If you will be applying to any other type of surface, we recommend that you purchase a sample and test the surface in a discreet area prior to starting a full application. Samples are available for purchase (and ship free) on each product page.
  • What type of installer do you suggest for peel and stick wallpaper? Peel and stick wallpaper can be done without an installer and is considered an easy DIY design option. If you are looking to hire an installer, we don't suggest a traditional wallpaper hanger. We recommend finding an installer that has experience working with vinyl products, signs, and decals. We are happy to help you find an installer if needed.
  • Do you need extra adhesive for peel and stick? No, our peel and stick wallpaper at Tempaper & Co. features a self-adhesive backing and does not require any additional adhesive.


Removing Wallpaper

Starting with any corner, firmly peel up or down slowly, parallel to the surface.

How to Install our Unpasted Wallpaper

Our unpasted wallpaper or non-pasted wallpaper is different than our peel and stick wallpaper designs. It does not have a self-adhesive backing, which means that a wallpaper adhesive or paste is required.

If you are looking for the best ways to install unpasted wallpaper in your home, follow our step-by-step guide on how to hang unpasted wallpaper like a pro.