self adhesive wall paper - easy to install & removable?

[chrisinva]

A few questions about self adhesive wallpaper from someone who doesn't know much about walls or wallpaper.

1) Self-adhesive wallpaper is supposed to be applied to "smooth walls". My walls feel smooth but look like there is a flattened texture. It's not a popcorn-like texture but it's definitely not perfectly smooth drywall. House built 2018, we're south of 44 in a designer home, first occupants; the walls were painted in 2021. Will self adhesive wall paper stick to this "smooth texture" (my term) walls? Do I need "drywall smooth" walls for success?

2) Is this stuff REALLY easy to install? I've seen real wallpaper hung & I would NEVER attempt that, even on a small bathroom wall.

3) Is it really really, truly easy to remove?

Thanks for your wisdom & experience.

[retiredguy123]

The most common texture used in The Villages is called "orange peel". Personally, I wouldn't apply wallpaper over a textured wall because it may not adhere properly and will not look good. It is easy to install once you get the hang of it.

As far as removing wallpaper, the wall needs to be "sized" before applying the wallpaper. You can buy a sizing product, which is like a primer, at any paint store.

[villagetinker]

Also, consider humidity level, most wallpaper does not like high humidity, so depending on where you are looking into doing this, a bathroom might be a big problem, same for a kitchen, while a den or bedroom might be fine. I agree with a previous comment, if you have the 'standard' orange peel finish, I would not attempt hanging wallpaper, even with paste application I would be hesitant.
Hope this helps, and good luck with your project.

[KAM+6]

Don't do it, wallpaper is expensive to buy and to hang. If you sell the house it could be a deal breaker. It would for me anyhow. The chances of someone liking it are slim.

[photo1902]

A few questions about self adhesive wallpaper from someone who doesn't know much about walls or wallpaper.

1) Self-adhesive wallpaper is supposed to be applied to "smooth walls". My walls feel smooth but look like there is a flattened texture. It's not a popcorn-like texture but it's definitely not perfectly smooth drywall. House built 2018, we're south of 44 in a designer home, first occupants; the walls were painted in 2021. Will self adhesive wall paper stick to this "smooth texture" (my term) walls? Do I need "drywall smooth" walls for success?

2) Is this stuff REALLY easy to install? I've seen real wallpaper hung & I would NEVER attempt that, even on a small bathroom wall.

3) Is it really really, truly easy to remove?

Thanks for your wisdom & experience.

Kim is a person that’s papered many homes here. Despite the orange peel wall texturing we have down here, it absolutely can be papered. Please consider speaking directly to a pro, rather than rely on posts from people who have no real world experience in applying wall textures Home | Creative Interiors by Kim - The Villages, FL (http://www.creativeinteriorsfl.com/)

[chrisinva]

thank you very much for all your responses. Lots to consider before I take the plunge.

[crash]

thank you very much for all your responses. Lots to consider before I take the plunge.

Kim is giving you the correct info no problem to hang over orange peel texture.

I would be Leary of being easy to remove it is pre pasted not like post it notes.

Kim was correct talk to a person selling the paper to get the correct info from the horses mouth.

[JC and John]

We have used self-adhesive wallpaper and I assume you (OP) are talking about peel and stick wallpaper. We used the peel and stick in our RV with good results. The RV walls are smooth and not like the textured walls at home. We had no problem removing and repositioning with no sticky residue. The tricky part is not to let the sticky sides touch each other as it becomes just like plastic wrap and nearly impossible to straighten it out. The rules of regular wallpaper install still apply as to where to start, straight lines, precise cutting, pattern repeat and smoothing out bubbles. Personally I would not use peel and stick on our orange peel walls. FYI, peel and stick wallpaper is not the same as the old Contact paper. We liked the ease of use of the peel and stick however choice is limited in comparison to regular wallpaper. Hope this helps :)

[kendi]

The most common texture used in The Villages is called "orange peel". Personally, I wouldn't apply wallpaper over a textured wall because it may not adhere properly and will not look good. It is easy to install once you get the hang of it.

As far as removing wallpaper, the wall needs to be "sized" before applying the wallpaper. You can buy a sizing product, which is like a primer, at any paint store.

No sizing needed for the peel and stick which is the type the op is asking about.

[Randall55]

No sizing needed for the peel and stick which is the type the op is asking about.
In staged model homes, interior decorators often use peel and stick wall paper to create an accent wall. One popular place is the wall behind the toilet if it is enclosed and has a door. They paint the two walls a matching color and then apply the peel and stick behind the toilet. Looks beautiful.

Anyways, pick a small wall in your home and apply the wall paper. Let it remain for a week or so. Then try removing it. If it is difficult to remove, you only have a small area of fix up.