How to Install Peel and Stick Wallpaper

Learn How to Prepare Your Walls for Peel and Stick Wallpaper

Before You Begin

Tempaper is recommended for smooth surfaces that are in good condition and have been primed and painted with a satin or semi-gloss finish.

If your surface is freshly painted, we ask that you allow your surface to fully cure before applying removable wallpaper to it. Follow the directions on your paint can as each paint type has different curing times.

We recommend wiping your surface with a 1:1 Isopropyl alcohol and water solution and letting it dry before installation to ensure best compatibility. This may help with adhesion and will clean any dust or debris off your surface.

For an easier install, remove switch plates and outlet covers prior to installation. Be sure to turn the electrical supply off prior to removing the switch and outlet covers and only restoring power once these covers are fully replaced.

Surfaces Not Recommended

• Matte, flat, and low sheen paints
• Textured surfaces
• Exterior surfaces

If you are interested in testing out your textured surface, be sure to read our blog post here first.

Tools

• Craft knife
• Cutting surface
• Level
• Pencil
• Ruler or straight edge
• Step stool
• Squeegee
• Tape measure

Our Tempaper tool bundle can be found here.

Wallpaper Application - Precutting Your Panels 

1. Measure the height and width of your surface, this will determine how many panels you will need.
2. Pre-cut your first panel to the height of your surface adding 2-3 inches of excess material at the bottom.
3. Be sure to align pattern with each consecutive panel prior to cutting, numbering the back of each panel as you work.
4. Using a level, mark a plumb line* or vertical guide the length of surface. 
5. Peel back 3-4 ft. of the backing.
6. Begin at the top edge aligning paper with your vertical guide to ensure a straight application.
7. Use a squeegee to smooth paper to surface working from the center out. Tempaper can be repositioned as needed to ensure pattern alignment and to eliminate bubbling.
8. Continue in 3-4 foot increments peeling and smoothing until you reach the bottom edge of your surface.
9. Repeat steps 5-8 until the surface has been fully covered.
10. Trim where needed with a craft knife to complete your application.

Wallpaper Application - Working From the Roll

1. Using a level, mark a plumb line* or vertical guide down the length of surface.
2. Place your roll on a soft surface, such as a bath mat or towel, at the bottom edge of starting point.
3. Pull paper up from roll to meet the top edge of surface.
4. Peel back 3-4 ft. of the backing.
5. Begin at the top edge aligning paper with your vertical guide to ensure a straight application.
6. Use a squeegee to smooth paper to surface working from the center out. Tempaper can be repositioned as needed to ensure pattern alignment and to eliminate bubbling.
7. Continue in 3-4 foot increments peeling and smoothing until you reach the bottom edge of your surface allowing paper to overhang by 2-3 inches and cut paper from roll.
8. Repeat steps 2-7 making sure to align pattern with each consecutive panel until the surface has been fully covered.
9. Trim where needed with a craft knife to complete your application.

If you find the weight of the roll or the backing paper bothersome during application, please read the above 'Precutting your Panels' wallpaper application. 

Wallpaper Application - Custom Wallpaper Panels

Our Print Your Own custom wallpaper option at Tempaper & Co. is a creative and convenient way to achieve your dream space. Sold by the square foot and printed to your specific dimensions, our custom wallpaper takes a personalized approach to decorating.

Head over to "Installing Custom Wallpaper" to read our step-by-step guide to installing your Chinoiserie or custom panels.

We also have very helpful wallpaper videos available that will help you with your peel and stick, removable wallpaper project. 

Helpful Hints for Applying All Peel & Stick Wallpaper