Does Peel And Stick Wallpaper Work?

Posted by Livettes LTD on December 12, 2025

A bright nursery decorated with herringbone print peel and stick wallpaper.

Peel and stick wallpaper is a self-adhesive wall covering that functions without paste, and it works effectively as a durable design solution provided the surface is properly prepared. It acts like a large, high-quality sticker, eliminating the mess of traditional installation while offering a reliable hold for years.

For a quick overview, here are the key factors:

Application: It allows for a mess-free, DIY-friendly installation where you simply peel off the backing and smooth the panel onto the wall.
Durability: High end peel and stick wallpaper is robust enough to withstand humidity in bathrooms and daily wear in high-traffic areas.
Removal: It is designed to be stripped off cleanly without leaving residue or damaging the wall, making it ideal for renters and temporary updates.

In this article, we will walk you through everything you need to know, from how to apply peel and stick wallpaper to ensuring it lasts.

Application Of Peel And Stick Wallpaper

To assess whether or not peel-and-stick wallpaper actually works, we need to take a deeper look into the application process. Generally, applying peel and stick wallpaper is simple, but as with everything, there are pros and cons to this process.

Pros of Applying Peel and Stick Wallpaper:

Minimal Preparation: There is not much preparation needed. The only thing you need to do is ensure that the wall is clean and use primer before installation. We strongly recommend following all steps in our instructions for maximum quality.
Easy Application: It is easy to apply—this is a major pro. All you need to do is peel the paper away from the backing, stick the wallpaper to the wall, smooth it to remove air bubbles, and trim away any excess.
Readjustability: You can readjust it easily. Simply remove the paper and reposition it if you’ve got the pattern wrong. However, this will work only if the wall is prepared according to instructions.
Mess-Free: There are not many tools involved in installing peel and stick wallpaper, and it doesn’t make a mess. No need for glue or waiting for the wallpaper to dry.
Versatility: Depending on the brand of modern peel and stick wallpaper you buy, it usually sticks to a variety of surfaces.

Cons of Applying Peel and Stick Wallpaper:

Adhesive Hardening: It's a popular view that all self-adhesive wallpapers are removable, but adhesives harden fully at some point. Factors like the climate of the room can cause the wallpaper not to be so easily removable later.
Texture Sensitivity: A common question customers ask is, "Can you put peel and stick wallpaper on textured walls?" If you have a bumpy wall, do not use it. Peel and stick wallpaper for textured walls might not apply properly, or it will exaggerate these bumps.
Mandatory Prep: It is a misconception that you will not need to prepare the walls at all. Unless your wall is perfectly smooth and recently painted and primed, the results may not be perfect. We strongly recommend sanding, painting, priming, and cleaning.

Durability Of Peel And Stick Wallpaper

When it comes to assessing whether peel and stick wallpaper works, durability is the most important thing. There are a number of positives and negatives of peel and stick wallpapers based on durability.

Pros of Peel and Stick Wallpaper Durability:

Easy Maintenance: The best peel and stick wallpaper is very easy to clean and keep in good condition. Most can be cleaned with a damp sponge or cloth, so you do not have to worry about damaging the product.
Moisture Resistance: Because it is durable, you can often use peel and stick wallpaper for bathroom interiors (powder rooms) if the ventilation is good and the walls are primed.
Reusability: If you want to change your wallpaper, it is easy to remove and use again on another object, as long as you keep the backing paper in perfect condition.

Cons of Peel and Stick Wallpaper Durability:

Adhesion Over Time: How long ago the wallpaper was installed can cause the removable wallpaper to not be so easily removable at some point. It is also rather difficult to reapply the same wallpaper to a different wall later on due to these very same reasons.
Material Quality: The most cost-effective self-adhesive wallpapers are usually made out of vinyl and contain PVC. Livette's wallpapers are PVC and vinyl-free, as we believe these components shouldn't be a part of your interior.

Removing Peel And Stick Wallpaper

There comes a time, once in a while, when we want a refresh, and it’s time to remove the wallpaper. Luckily, one of the main selling points of peel and stick wallpaper is that it can be applied and removed easily.

A nursery decorated with a peel and stick wallpaper in herringbone print.

Ease of Removal: Removing peel and stick wallpaper is easy, as it peels off instantly. So you no longer have to deal with picking stuck pieces of wallpaper away from your wall.
Wall Condition: Peel and stick wallpaper removal is dependent on how you applied it. For example, it might take away some of the paint if you didn’t paint the wall four weeks before application. If you painted it sooner, the paint might not have dried properly.
No Residue: However, compared to traditional wallpaper, it will not ruin your walls by leaving residue such as glue.

Final Thoughts: Is Peel and Stick Wallpaper Worth It?

The best peel and stick wallpaper is most definitely worth it if you are looking for an easy way to redecorate your home. It does exactly what the name suggests, but here is what you need to remember for success:

It works if you prep: It will give you the result you were dreaming of if you use high-quality wallpaper and apply it properly according to instructions (clean, prime, paint).
It has limitations: It is not suitable for bumpy walls, so avoid applying it to textured surfaces.
It is durable: Livette's wallpapers are PVC and vinyl-free, offering a sustainable choice that withstands daily life while keeping your air clean.

We hope that this article has helped you decide whether or not peel and stick wallpaper is a good choice for you. Please share this guide with others who might be interested, or explore our wide range of wallpaper designs to find the best fit for your next project!

Frequently Asked Questions

How to apply peel and stick wallpaper?

Start with a clean, primed, and dry surface; then, simply peel off the backing paper a few inches at a time and smooth the wallpaper onto the wall using a squeegee to eliminate air bubbles. Always work from top to bottom and match the pattern carefully as you align the next panel.

How to remove peel and stick wallpaper?

Locate a corner of the wallpaper panel and gently peel it back at a 45-degree angle, pulling slowly and steadily to release the adhesive. If the wallpaper feels resistant, you can lightly warm it with a hair dryer to soften the adhesive for an easier removal.

Does peel and stick wallpaper damage walls?

No, high-quality peel and stick wallpaper is designed to be removed without damaging walls or leaving sticky residue, provided the wall was properly primed and the paint fully cured before installation. It is an ideal solution for renters or temporary design updates.