How to Install Peel and Stick Wallpaper in 5 Steps (Complete Guide)

You've finally found the perfect mural — congratulations! Now comes the step many dread: applying self-adhesive wallpaper. Good news: if you can hold a spirit level and smooth with a credit card, you can install a Décor Imprimé mural without professional help.

In this comprehensive guide, we explain how to apply self-adhesive wallpaper in 5 simple steps, with tips and tricks from our team for a flawless result the first time around.

What you'll need

• Your Décor Imprimé mural or self-adhesive wallpaper
• A spirit level (or the level app on your phone)
• A ruler or pencil for marking
• A credit card or a squeegee
• An X-Acto knife or sharp scissors
• A clean, dry cloth

Step 1: Prepare your wall

Wall preparation is the most important step — it determines 80% of the quality of the final result. A poorly prepared wall will lead to bubbles, premature peeling, or creases.

• Clean the wall with a lightly damp cloth to remove dust and grease. Let it dry completely (minimum 2 hours).
• Check the paint: the surface must be smooth, matte, or satin. Very glossy or textured paints can reduce adhesion.
• Fill any holes or cracks with filler and sand. Wait until the filler is completely dry.
• Ideal temperature: between 18°C and 25°C. Avoid installation in very humid or very cold weather.

Step 2: Measure and draw a horizontal guideline

This step is often ignored — and it's the number one cause of crooked murals!

• Measure the height of your mural and lightly mark the starting point with a pencil (usually at the top of the wall).
• With your spirit level, draw a light horizontal line across the entire width. This line will be your guide for the first panel.
• If your mural is composed of several panels, number them in order before you start.

Step 3: Apply the first panel

This is the moment of truth! Take your time — self-adhesive murals are easily repositionable if you make a mistake.

• Peel off about 15 cm of the backing from the first panel. Do not peel off everything at once.
• Align the top edge of the panel with your horizontal guideline, leaving about 2 cm of excess at the top if you want to cut cleanly.
• Smooth from top to bottom and from the center outwards with your squeegee or credit card to remove air bubbles.
• Gradually peel off the backing as you work your way down, smoothing as you go.

Pro tip: if a bubble appears, gently peel back the affected section and reposition. Don't force it — you won't damage the wall or the mural.

Step 4: Align subsequent panels

Most Décor Imprimé murals consist of 2 to 4 panels. Alignment is crucial for a seamless finish.

• Position the second panel by precisely matching the pattern with the first. Take your time to align it properly before sticking.
• Overlap or butt joint: follow the specific instructions for your mural model (indicated on the packaging).
• Smooth each panel in the same way: from top to bottom, from the center outwards.

Step 5: Trim excess and finishing touches

Once all panels are applied, take care of the finishing touches for a professional result.

• With your X-Acto knife and a ruler, cut the excess at the top, bottom, and sides, following the edge of the wall or ceiling.
• Go over the entire surface one last time with the squeegee to secure the edges.
• Step back and admire the result!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can self-adhesive murals be applied over existing wallpaper?

It is not recommended. The wallpaper may peel off under the weight of the mural. Remove the old wallpaper or apply the mural directly to painted walls.

How long does a Décor Imprimé self-adhesive mural last?

Our murals are designed to last for several years with proper wall preparation. The adhesive leaves no residue upon removal.

Can the mural be reused after removal?

Décor Imprimé murals use quality repositionable adhesive. It is possible to remove and reposition them once or twice, but adhesion decreases with each handling.

Does the mural damage the paint?

No, if your paint is more than 4 weeks old and of good quality. Peel slowly and at a 45° angle to avoid any risk.

Ready to transform your space?

Now that you've mastered the application, all that's left is to choose your design! Explore our collection of self-adhesive murals and wallpapers — hundreds of exclusive designs by Quebec artists, made in Canada and delivered across Canada.

Looking for room-specific inspiration? Check out our guides:

• Bedroom wall decor
• Living room wall decor
• Kitchen wall decor
• Home office decor