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

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

What You'll Need

• A clean cloth or a smoothing tool (or a simple plastic squeegee)
• A measuring tape and a pencil
• A level (or a level app on your phone)
• A sharp precision utility knife
• A step ladder

💡 Before starting a big project, order a sample: you'll confirm the color and material on your own wall, and at Décor Imprimé the cost of your sample comes back as credit toward your mural order.

Step 1 — Prep the Wall

How well it sticks depends 90% on prep work. Clean the wall with lightly soapy water to remove dust and grease, then let it dry completely. Peel and stick wallpaper adheres best to a smooth, clean, and dry surface that's been painted for at least 3-4 weeks. Avoid very matte or heavily textured paint finishes, which reduce adhesion.

Step 2 — Measure and Mark a Guideline

Measure the height of your wall and add a few extra inches for margin. Using your level, draw a light vertical pencil line as a guide for your first strip — this is what keeps everything straight from here on.

Step 3 — Hang the First Strip

Peel back the first 8-12 inches of backing paper, line up the top edge with your guideline, then press it into place. Work your way down, peeling the backing away gradually — never all at once. Smooth from the center outward toward the edges with your squeegee to push out air.

Step 4 — Get Rid of Bubbles

Spot a bubble? No need to panic: peel back gently past the bubble and reposition. That's the whole advantage of peel and stick wallpaper. For a stubborn tiny bubble, prick it with a pin and smooth it flat.

Step 5 — Align the Next Strips

Slightly overlap each new strip and match the pattern before pressing it into place. Once hung, trim the excess at the top, bottom, and corners with your utility knife, guiding the blade along the baseboards.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the wall cleaning step — the number one cause of peeling.
• Peeling the whole backing off at once — the strip ends up sticking to itself.
• Working alone on a large wall — with two people, it's twice as easy.
• Skipping the level guideline — a crooked first strip throws off the whole wall.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it damage the paint when you remove it?

No — removed properly from paint in good condition, peel and stick wallpaper comes off cleanly, making it ideal for rental apartments.

How long does it last?

Several years when installed properly, while staying fully removable whenever you're ready for a new look.

Does it work in a bathroom or kitchen?

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

Ready to get started?

Browse our peel and stick wall murals and wallpaper, our kids' room collections, or our Quebec artist designs. Made in Canada, shipped across the country.