Living in a rental home doesn't mean you have to limit your creativity when it comes to decoration. You can create the home of your dreams without drilling into walls, making permanent changes, and most importantly, without risking your security deposit. This is where peel and stick wallpaper comes in as a renter's best friend. In this article, we'll explain step-by-step how you can work wonders on your walls without causing any damage and what you need to pay attention to in the process.
Why Peel and Stick Wallpaper is the Perfect Choice for Renters
As the name suggests, peel and stick wallpaper is a practical solution that you can apply directly to the wall by simply peeling off the protective backing. Unlike traditional wallpapers, you don't need messy adhesives or professional help. Its biggest advantage is that when it's time to move, it can be easily removed without causing any damage to your walls or leaving a sticky residue behind. These features make it the ideal decorating tool for renters.
Golden Rules Before Application: Prepping Your Walls for a Perfect Finish
Proper preparation before any application is half the battle. Follow these steps to ensure your wallpaper looks as good as new for years to come:
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A Clean, Smooth Surface is a Must: Before applying the wallpaper, make sure the wall is completely clean, dry, and smooth. Dust, dirt, or grease can negatively affect the adhesive's performance. After wiping with warm water and a mild detergent, wait for it to dry completely.
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Check the Paint Type: Peel and stick wallpapers perform best on smooth surfaces painted with satin or semi-gloss finishes (premium eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss). Walls with a matte finish can be a bit more challenging, and textured surfaces are generally not recommended.
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Be Patient with Freshly Painted Walls: If you've just painted your walls, it's recommended to wait at least four weeks for the paint to fully cure. This period prevents the paint from peeling off when you remove the wallpaper.
Step-by-Step Flawless Application Technique
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Align the First Panel Perfectly: The fate of the entire wall depends on the first panel you apply. Use a level to draw a vertical guideline on the wall and align your first panel with this line. Remember that wall corners may not always be perfectly straight.
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Go Slow and Steady: Peel about 12 inches (30 cm) of the backing paper from the top of the panel and stick it to the wall. Then, using a squeegee or a soft cloth, slowly work your way down, pulling off the backing paper while simultaneously smoothing the wallpaper onto the wall. This method prevents air bubbles from forming.
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Match the Patterns: When moving to the next panel, carefully match the pattern with the previous one. Make sure you leave extra material to account for the pattern repeat. Ordering 10-15% more wallpaper than you need usually provides flexibility for pattern matching.
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Use a Sharp Blade: Use a sharp utility knife to trim excess wallpaper around outlets, switches, or wall edges. This ensures a clean and professional finish.
When It's Time to Move Out: A Damage-Free Farewell to Your Walls
Removing peel and stick wallpaper is as easy as applying it. Start by gently lifting a corner and slowly pull it downward at a 180-degree angle, parallel to the wall. If the adhesive is a bit stubborn, gently heating the area with a hairdryer on a low setting will help loosen it. With this method, you'll leave no trace on your walls.
You are no longer confined to the boring walls of your rental home. Unleash your creativity and personalize your living space while keeping your security deposit safe!