Step-by-Step
Wallpaper Installation Guide
Peel-and-stick wallpaper — no paste, no glue, no professional installer needed. Anyone can do this.
3M Peel & Stick Fabric
Soft matte textile. Best for textured, orange-peel, or plaster walls. Repositionable. Renter-friendly.
Avery Peel & Stick Vinyl
Smooth satin finish. Waterproof. Best for bathrooms, kitchens, and smooth drywall surfaces.
Before You Start
✓
Measuring tape
✓
A pencil
✓
Spirit level or laser level
✓
Scissors or utility knife
✓
Squeegee or credit card
✓
Clean dry cloth
✓
Step stool or ladder
Step 1 — Prepare Your Wall
- Clean the surface — wipe the wall with a slightly damp cloth to remove dust, grease, or residue. Let it dry completely (at least 30 minutes).
- Check for loose paint — press firmly on any peeling or flaking areas. If paint lifts, sand smooth and touch up before installing.
- Fill any holes or cracks — use spackling compound, let dry, sand smooth. The flatter the surface, the better the adhesion.
- For textured walls (orange-peel, knockdown) — use the 3M Fabric material. It conforms to surface texture better than vinyl. Avoid rough stucco or heavy skip-trowel textures.
- For bathrooms & kitchens — ensure tiles or painted walls are fully dry and grease-free. Avery Vinyl is the correct choice for these wet areas.
- Remove wall plates (outlet covers, switch plates) for a cleaner install. Turn off the electricity at the breaker first.
Pro tip: New paint needs to cure for at least 30 days before applying peel-and-stick wallpaper. Freshly painted walls will lift with the backing.
Step 2 — Measure & Mark
- Use your measuring tape to mark the exact width of each panel (24 inches / 2 feet) along the top of the wall with a pencil.
- Use a spirit level or laser level to draw a perfectly vertical plumb line at your starting edge. This is the most important step — a slightly off-vertical start will be noticeable by the last panel.
- Start from one corner and work across the wall. For feature walls (not corner-to-corner), center the pattern on the wall first and work outward in both directions.
Step 3 — Apply the Wallpaper
- Start from the top — peel back the first 6–8 inches of backing only. Do not remove the full backing at once.
- Align the top edge to the ceiling (or your top reference line) and align the side edge to your plumb line. Take your time here.
- Smooth downward — press the exposed section firmly with a squeegee or credit card, moving from the center outward to push out air bubbles. Slowly peel more backing as you work downward.
- Panels are numbered — your order ships with panels labeled in sequence. Match numbered panels edge-to-edge carefully. The pattern repeat aligns every 12 inches.
- Overlap by 1–2mm between panels rather than leaving a gap. A very slight overlap hides any shrinkage and is less visible than a gap.
- Trim the excess at the top, bottom, and around switches/outlets with a sharp utility knife and a metal straight edge. Use light pressure — score and snap rather than a single heavy cut.
Air bubbles? Small bubbles often disappear on their own within 24–48 hours as the adhesive settles. For persistent bubbles, peel back to the bubble, smooth out, and re-adhere.
Material-Specific Notes
3M Peel & Stick Fabric
- Slightly stretch-resistant — do not over-pull the fabric while applying
- Can be lifted and repositioned multiple times without losing adhesion
- Use a soft cloth squeegee (not hard plastic) to avoid surface scuffing
- Grips textured walls better than vinyl — push firmly into texture
- Not suitable for wet/splash zones — use Avery Vinyl instead
Avery Peel & Stick Vinyl
- 100% waterproof — safe for bathrooms, showers (splashback zones), and kitchens
- Use a firm plastic squeegee or credit card — more pressure needed vs. fabric
- Less forgiving of repositioning — plan carefully before applying
- Surface must be very smooth — shows any wall imperfections more than fabric
- Wipe clean with a damp cloth once installed
How to Remove Cleanly
Both 3M Fabric and Avery Vinyl are designed to peel off without damaging the wall or leaving adhesive residue — ideal for renters, apartments, and anyone who wants the flexibility to change designs.
- Start at a corner or top edge. Peel back slowly at a low angle (almost parallel to the wall), rather than pulling straight out.
- Go slowly — 6–10 inches at a time. Fast removal can sometimes pull paint if it was applied recently or is low-quality.
- If any adhesive residue remains, wipe with a cloth slightly dampened with warm water. Do not use solvents.
- On textured walls, work the backing into the crevices with your fingertip as you peel.
Important: Wait at least 30 days before removing wallpaper from freshly painted walls. New paint needs to fully cure first, or the paint may peel with it.
Common Questions
Can I install this myself without any experience? +
Yes. If you can hang a picture straight, you can install this wallpaper. The only critical step is getting your first plumb line perfectly vertical. Take your time with that and the rest is straightforward.
My panels don't seem to line up. What's wrong? +
Panels are shipped numbered — install them in sequence. If the pattern isn't aligning, check that you're starting each panel at the correct height. Our murals repeat every 12 inches vertically, so an offset of 12 inches will still look correct.
There are bubbles after installation — should I panic? +
No. Small bubbles almost always disappear within 24–48 hours. If a bubble persists, gently peel back to the bubble, smooth, and re-press.
Can I install over existing wallpaper? +
We recommend installing directly on a smooth painted wall. Installing over existing wallpaper can cause adhesion issues and makes removal messy.
What temperature should the room be? +
For best adhesion, install at room temperature (65–80°F / 18–27°C). Avoid installing in very cold or very hot conditions.
Ready to Transform Your Wall?
Browse 688+ designs. Customize every color. Printed to your exact size on genuine 3M & Avery materials.