How to Install Peel and Stick Wallpaper: A Step-by-Step Guide

Peel and stick wallpaper is the easiest way to transform a room — no paste, no damage, and fully repositionable. Whether it's an accent wall, a kids' room or a rental, here's how to install it like a pro, with no bubbles or wrinkles.

What you'll need

• A clean cloth or a smoothing squeegee (a plastic spatula works too)
• A tape measure and a pencil
• A level (or your phone's level app)
• A sharp utility knife (X-Acto)
• A step ladder

💡 Before a big project, order a sample: validate the colour and material on your own wall. At Décor Imprimé, the cost of your sample comes back as credit toward your mural order.

Step 1 — Prep the wall

Adhesion is 90% prep. Clean the wall with mild soapy water to remove dust and grease, then let it dry fully. Peel and stick sticks best to a smooth, clean, dry surface painted at least 3-4 weeks ago. Avoid very flat or textured paints, which reduce adhesion.

Step 2 — Measure and mark a guide

Measure the wall height and add a few centimetres of margin. Using your level, draw a light vertical pencil line as a guide for your first panel — this is what keeps everything straight.

Step 3 — Apply the first panel

Peel the top 20-30 cm of backing, align the top with your guide line, and press. Work your way down, peeling the backing gradually — never all at once. Smooth from the centre outward with your squeegee to push out air.

Step 4 — Chase out bubbles

A bubble? No problem: gently peel back past it and reposition. That's the beauty of peel and stick. For a stubborn micro-bubble, prick it with a pin and smooth.

Step 5 — Line up the next panels

Slightly overlap each new panel and match the pattern before pressing. Once applied, trim the excess at the top, bottom and corners with the utility knife, guiding along the baseboards.

Mistakes to avoid

• Skipping the wall cleaning — the #1 cause of peeling.
• Peeling all the backing at once — the panel sticks to itself.
• Working alone on a large wall — two people make it twice as easy.
• Ignoring the level guide — a crooked first panel throws off the whole wall.

FAQ

Will it damage the paint when removed?

No — removed correctly from paint in good condition, peel and stick comes off cleanly, making it ideal for rentals.

How long does it last?

Several years with a good install, while staying removable whenever you want a change.

Does it work in a bathroom or kitchen?

Yes, on dry, well-ventilated surfaces. For walls around the sink, see our kitchen backsplashes designed for those areas.

Ready to start?

Explore our murals and peel and stick wallpaper, our kids' room collections, or our Canadian artist designs. Made in Québec, shipped across Canada.