Temporary, removable wallpaper and tile are a wondrous way to add some color and character to a rental, without the commitment. These easy-to-install, peel-and-stick products can spice up a bedroom or make a dated bathroom feel more modern without breaking the bank or causing any damage, and when it’s time to move out, simply remove and toss! We’ve created this handy guide to applying (and removing) peel-and-stick wallpaper and tile to help you get started.
One patterned “feature wall” can go a long way toward making a generic bedroom feel more personal. (Getty Images)
How to Apply Removable Wallpaper
What you’ll need:
- Craft knife or razor blade
- Cutting surface
- Level
- Pencil
- Ruler or straightedge
- Stepstool
- Tape measure
Prime the wall surface: Your wall should be smooth, clean and free of dust, so before you begin, wipe down the surface with a damp cloth and sand down any bumps. Don’t use soap as that can leave a residue. Make sure the wall has time to completely dry before you begin applying.
Measure the wall surface: Measure the length and width of the wall or surface to determine the size of the panels you’ll need to cut.
Lay the groundwork for your first strip of wallpaper: Measure the width of your wallpaper. Then, beginning from the left side of your wall, use a tape measure to lightly mark that width on the wall with a pencil. Using a level, draw a straight vertical line down from the ceiling to the pencil mark. Use this as a guide for your first strip.
Measure and cut wallpaper: Use your surface measurements to determine how many panels you’ll need, then take your blade and pre-cut that many strips of wallpaper.
Apply the wallpaper: Peel back about 12 inches of the backing on one of your strips, line up the top of the paper with the ceiling, then slowly peel and stick the paper down the wall, using the vertical line you created as a guide. Using a plastic smoothing tool like this one, smooth out any air bubbles to ensure a flat, even surface. Repeat this process, working your way from left to right, top to bottom, until you’ve covered the entire surface. If your wall surface has a window, simply use your blade to carefully cut around it as you go.
How to remove: When you’re ready to say goodbye to your wallpaper, simply peel up a corner and slowly remove each panel, one by one. The wall underneath should not be sticky or damaged in any way. For best results, we recommend hanging a high quality temporary wallpaper, like those available from Hygge & West or Tempaper.
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A few panels of peel-and-stick tile can turn a plain kitchen wall into a luxe-looking backsplash. (Getty Images)
How to Apply Removable Wall Tiles
What you’ll need:
- Craft knife or razor blade
- Cutting surface
- Level
- Pencil
- Ruler or straightedge
- Tape measure
Clean the wall surface: Shut off the power for safety, then remove any electrical plates and wipe down the wall surface with a powerful grease-removing cleaner like this one, leaving enough time for it to fully dry before you begin applying.
Measure the wall surface: Just as you did with the wallpaper, measure the width of each panel, as well as the height and width of the surface you wish to cover. Use a level to make sure everything is even, since tricky areas like countertops and cabinets may be crooked in places.
Measure and cut tile panels: Use these measurements, along with your blade and a ruler, to cut your tile panels to size.
Apply the tile: Peel back about half of the backing on one of your panels, being careful not to touch the adhesive. Align the adhesive, using your measurements as a guide, and carefully apply using light pressure. Repeat this process, working your way from left to right, top to bottom, until you’ve covered the entire surface. Use your blade to carefully cut around outlets and other openings as you go. Once done, reinstall any electrical plates as needed.
How to remove: When you’re ready to remove your tile, use a hair-dryer to soften the adhesive and slowly peel off each panel. Smart Tiles sells a wide range of removable peel-and-stick tile, as does Wayfair; be sure to read manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
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