Peel and Stick Wallpaper vs Paste the Wall

Which of these wallpaper application methods is the best?

When it comes down to reviving the appearance of a room in your house, wallpapers are a great option for many reasons. They add an extra touch of dimension, depth, and personal style to any room. But, before you can enjoy the final look, you have to gauge which is the right choice for applying your wallpaper. Two of the most commonly used choices you have here are the peel-n-stick and the paste-the-wall type.

In this article, we are about to mention the strengths and weaknesses of each type to help you make a thoughtful decision and get the best results from your wallpaper application.

The Good and Bad of Peel & Stick Wallpapers

Peel-and-stick wallpaper types, as their name indicates, are a handy and trouble-free installation method. They come with a self-adhesive layer that lets you install the wallpaper with ease without any extra adhesive or paste. A big plus of peel-and-stick wallpapers is that you can readjust their placement along the application process which is great if you are a fan of DIY projects. Furthermore, in case you wish to replace or remove your wallpaper, peel-and-stick versions can be easily detached with no residue or damage to the walls.

But, peel-and-stick wallpapers are not perfect as they come with a few cons. Despite being fairly simple to install, they may not stick well to particular surfaces with texture and irregularities e.g. textured or rough walls and panels. Doing so will make the adhesive stick only partially and the finish will be less sturdy and even. It also doesn’t last as long as a typical wallpaper, especially when exposed to high moisture or busy spots.

The Good and Bad of the Paste-the-Wall Method

Unlike the peel-and-stick method, the conventional paste-wall types involve the application of a special glue or paste first before applying the wallpaper. This old method is favoured for its robust and durable bond which may last for many years. Compared to the peel-and-stick wallpaper, this method is compatible with all kinds of surfaces--from smooth to rough and textured. The overall finish is more even and long-lasting.

The paste-the-wall method, however, comes with a few drawbacks. The sticking and pasting process takes more time and energy as opposed to peel-and-stick types. Additionally, it is hard to remove paste residue from the wallpaper unless you are using a special solvent substance or steam. Lastly, this method is not ideal for inexperienced DIY fans as it is challenging to fix any obvious mistakes during application.

What To Consider Before Deciding Which Method of Wallpaper Application To Use

Before you choose between peel-and-stick and paste-the-wall methods, it will be wise to take into account some critical factors first. First, examine the current state and finish of your walls. For example, if your walls are rough and textured, it would be best to go for the paste-the-wall method. You may also want to consider the function and placement of your target room. For instance, if you are applying the wallpaper in a busy space or a space that is exposed to humidity and other elements, the paste-the-wall method is a more solid choice.

Another important factor to bear in mind is the extent of flexibility and ease you want. If you are a fan of DIY and wish to enjoy the ability to easily adjust the position or detach your wallpaper, the peel-and-stick method is a more suitable and forgiving choice in case you make a mistake. However, if you want to achieve more sturdy and long-lasting results, paste-the-wall is a better choice.

Cost and Time Comparison Between Peel & Stick Wallpaper Vs Paste-the-Wall Methods

The total cost and time needed for application are key factors to consider before choosing to install a wallpaper. Peel-and-stick wallpaper is generally more costly compared to a typical paste wallpaper as it comes with a self-adhesive layer which increases its value. But the total cost might be lower if we consider that it doesn’t need extra glue or paste to be applied.

When it comes to installation time, the peel-and-stick wallpaper method is clearly ahead. As it comes with its own adhesive layer, you will save considerable time and effort as opposed to applying the adhesive yourself which is necessary for the paste-the-wall method.

Conclusion: Picking the right wallpaper application method based on your needs

In a nutshell, both peel-and-stick as well as paste-the-wall options come with pros and cons. In general, peel-and-stick wallpaper is more flexible and allows easy repositioning or replacement without any impact on the walls. On the other hand, the paste-the-wall option offers more sturdy and durable results and is compatible with all kinds of surfaces including textured.

So when you make a choice, think of the texture of your walls and surfaces, the function of your target room, and your requirements when it comes to flexibility and ease of application. You may also consider the cost and time needed for each wallpaper application method. All these key factors will help you make the right choice and achieve great results that make your space look more revived and appealing.