Yes, the name says “peel and stick,” and it’s true that installing our removable wallpaper is just that simple. However, a little preparation before putting up your wall covering goes a long way towards ensuring that you get the best results from it. This is not a complicated process, nor one that requires much expertise. There are just a few pointers to keep in mind, and we’ll cover them all in this post.

So what do we mean by prepping your walls for wallpaper?

How good your new wallpaper looks in your living space definitely depends on its aesthetic compatibility with the room. It also depends on its physical compatibility with your wall. For a flawless look, it is important that the wallpaper adheres to the wall properly, minus any bubbles, creases or imperfections. Prepping your walls for peel and stick wallpaper means just that – ensuring that the wall surface is suitable for the wallpaper that you’re about to apply on it.

As mentioned before, this is not rocket science. The good news is that our peel and stick wallpapers and murals are quite versatile and DIY-friendly. There are just a few important steps to do first.

Things to keep in mind while prepping your walls for wallpaper

Clean, smooth surfaces are the best.

A peel and stick wallpaper will properly attach itself to your wall only if its surface is smooth and clean. Before proceeding with the installation, spend a few minutes getting rid of dust and dirt. Use a microfiber cloth dipped in isopropyl alcohol to wipe down the entire surface. Wait for it to dry completely before you start the wallpaper application.

Texture can be tricky.

As mentioned above, you need a clean, smooth surface for the best results with your wallpaper. So another aspect of prepping your walls for peel and stick wallpaper is to check whether its existing surface texture may get in the way. Near-smooth wall textures (think orange peel texture) may be okay, but it’s best to test out a small swatch first before committing to an entire wall.

Wet paint is not your friend.

We can’t stress this enough – if you have a newly painted wall, wait for at least 30 days before applying peel and stick wallpaper on it. Even if the wall surface feels dry to your touch, the layers underneath may still contain moisture, or the paint color may still be outgassing. This can lead to bubble formation after your wallpaper is up. Or, worst case scenario, your wallpaper may come off entirely.

Testing never hurts.

If you follow the above pointers, you aren’t likely going to run into too many issues while installing your WallsByMe wallpaper. Our peel and stick wall coverings are friendly to most commonly-used wall finishes. However, every surface behaves differently. Sometimes, even something like washable or non-VOC paint could prevent proper adhesion between the wall and the wallpaper. Wiping the surface first with a cloth dipped in isopropyl alcohol usually solves this, but there are always exceptions.

That’s why testing is such an important part of the process when you start prepping your walls for peel and stick wallpaper. Apply a small swatch of your chosen wallpaper to a relatively obscure section of your wall, and see whether it adheres properly.

Installing our peel and stick wallpaper is easy and can even make for a fun project! Order a sample of your favorite design, and ensure the best results by following these simple guidelines on how to prep your walls for wallpaper.