What to Do When Your Peel & Stick Wallpaper Doesn’t Stick

Peel & stick wallpaper is designed to make decorating easier: no paste, no mess and (hopefully) no stress. But what to do if your wallpaper doesn’t stick as well as you expected? 

Before you worry (or blame the wallpaper), the good news is this: in most cases, the issue isn’t the wallpaper at all, it’s the wall surface. Here’s a short guide to troubleshooting and fixing common adhesion problems.

Why Isn’t My Peel & Stick Wallpaper Sticking?

1. Wall Texture Matters

The most common reason for poor adhesion is the texture of your wall. Peel-and-stick wallpapers, like ours, are designed with a low-tack adhesive to make installation and repositioning easier. However, this also means they need a smooth surface to adhere properly.

• Rounded and Soft Textures: Even walls with larger textures can work if the texture is rounded and soft enough to provide a good surface for the adhesive to grip.
• Micro-Textures: A wall that looks smooth might still have tiny, sharp micro-textures left by paint rollers or other application methods. These micro-textures can prevent the adhesive from making full contact with the wall.

You can often feel these textures with your fingers. If your wall feels slightly rough or matte, it might have micro-textures that are affecting adhesion.

What You Can Do

1. Smooth the Surface

A good way to improve adhesion is to lightly smooth the wall surface. Here’s how:

• Use a Mildly Abrasive Tool: A Scotch-Brite type of abrasive sponge works well for this purpose.
• Gentle Rubbing: Lightly rub the wall in circular motions to smooth out those tiny, sharp tips of paint or texture. The goal is to create a smoother surface without scratching or damaging the wall.
• Feel the Difference: After smoothing, run your fingers over the wall. You should be able to feel the difference, even if you can’t see it.

2. Clean the Wall

Before applying the wallpaper, wipe the wall with a cloth to make sure it's clean of any dust or debris.

Additional Tips for Better Adhesion

Test a Small Area

Before applying the wallpaper to the entire wall, test a small, hidden area to see how well it sticks. This will give you an idea of whether you need to smooth the surface further.

Apply Even and Strong Pressure

When applying the wallpaper, use a rubber roller or a flat tool to apply even pressure across the entire surface. This helps the adhesive make good contact with the wall.

⚠️ Important: What Not to use

When smoothing your wall, it’s important to be gentle. Do not use anything that can damage or visibly alter the surface.

Avoid:

• Sandpaper or sanding blocks
• Metal scouring pads
• Aggressive or heavy-duty abrasive sponges
• Power tools or mechanical sanders

These can:

• Scratch or remove paint
• Leave visible marks
• Create new texture problems instead of fixing them

You should never see clear sanding marks< on the wall. If you can see obvious changes, you’re being too aggressive.

Final Thoughts

Peel-and-stick wallpaper is a versatile and easy-to-use option for updating your space. If you encounter adhesion issues, smoothing the surface and ensuring the wall is clean and dry can make a big difference. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying your beautifully wallpapered walls!

If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out. Happy decorating! 🌟