Peel and Stick Brick Wallpaper
How to install peel and stick brick wallpaper. Love this Quick peel and stick wallpaper brick design wall treatment. Such an easy accent wall idea.
Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Have you seen all those fun white brick peel and stick wallpaper accent wall ideas floating around Pinterest? We’re no strangers to wallpaper in general but it’s safe to say we are in love with this trend: we’ve papered three walls, yes THREE, with this brick wallpaper! Today we’re sharing the step by step tutorial on how to apply brick peel and stick wallpaper.
We applied our favorite 3D peel and stick wallpaper brick pattern to our brother in law’s home office and most recently, my cousin’s family room. It’s so easy to install, you just need a little patience. Low skill, high patience.
PS: we also answered all the many questions using peel and stick wallpaper on my sons’ shared bedroom. Scroll all the way to the end for LOTS of questions.
Here’s my sons’ bedroom before the wallpaper was installed.
And after! I also added window trim around the windows (window trim tutorial coming soon), no need for curtains that get dusty around our dry desert state. What do you think?
I also swapped personal lamps for a shared DIY pulley lamp, tutorial coming next for that, too! Such an easy refresh for their space. Keep on reading for the step by step to install peel and stink wallpaper plus a whole plethora of tips and tricks!
VISIT MORE WALLPAPER PROJECTS
- Wallpaper Peel and Stick Backsplash
- Peel and Stick Wallpaper Polka Dot Craft Room Makeover
- Floral Peel and Stick Wallpaper Bathroom Decor
Where do you purchase peel and stick wallpaper?
First up, so many questions about where to purchase peel and stick wallpaper. They’re sold everywhere these days but Target always has a good variety of patterns and is super affordable. We’ve used Devine brand a lot and love it! It’s less than $40/roll and covers 27.5 square feet. We used just less than 3 rolls for our son’s 8′ tall x 12′ long wall which isn’t too bad for a fun accent wall.
Supplies needed to install Peel and Stick Wallpaper
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- Level
- Scissors
- Razor Blade
- Squeegee or Credit Card
- Brick Peel and Stick Wallpaper
How to Install Peel and Stick Wallpaper
PREPARE your walls.
Our biggest tip is to let new paint cure for 3 weeks. Otherwise, your paint will dry and the seams will dry with it and shrink, creating a gap in your wallpaper. TRUST US, DON’T SKIP THIS STEP! If it’s older than 3 weeks, wipe your walls down so they’re dust free and you’re good to go.
MEASURE your panels.
Because the wallpaper is heavy, it’s easier to pre-cut then apply. This is optional but makes it easier.
POSITION and APPLY.
We like to start on the side wall when installing. In this case, we started on the left side of the wall. Pull the backer paper down about 18″ or so to work with small pieces at first. When your top piece is lined up with the ceiling, smooth it down then keep peeling the back piece off and pull down as you smooth. Use your level to double check that the paper is straight.
How to trim Wallpaper
To trim untrimmed wallpaper in tricky spots, use a sharp razor blade.
It helps to score your corners first, we just used the tips of closed scissors and pushed light enough that it didn’t cut. Once scored, push your blade upward into the ceiling. By doing this, you’ll create a nice tight, clean line against the ceiling. Any mistakes will be forgiving by cutting upward.
Likewise, when you’re trimming your baseboard, push your blade downward against the baseboard instead of slicing straight into the wall. It’ll close the gap better.
To trim around windows, follow the same rule and cut toward the window, not straight on.
To trim around outlets, remove the outlet cover then use your blade to trim around it. The wallpaper vinyl is heavy duty enough to handle everyday touching but thin enough that it slices easily.
HOW TO blend WALLPAPER SEAMS
The most common seam is the butt seam, which is where two edges touch but don’t overlap.
As you hang each sheet, position it next to the other one so that the edges just touch. If you don’t get it right, peel it back as needed to position it, love that it’s removable. If the paper still needs adjustment, push carefully with two outstretched hands and be careful not to stretch it.
We prefer to overlap each seam by about 1/4″, personally, because it helps to prevent gaps as it’s sticking to each other.
Did you notice the seam in the first picture? Here it is again. Did you notice it?
That’s all there is to it! Scroll down for lots of questions and answers to all the wallpaper how-to’s. And don’t forget to leave any further questions you may have, we’d love to help you along your wallpaper journey!
This brick wallpaper pattern is very realistic looking, isn’t it? We love that it’s lightly textured, too, which actually helps camouflage our orange peel texture on our walls behind it.
FAQ About Peel and Stick Wallpaper
We asked our Instagram community to leave any and all of their questions about peel and stick wallpaper and boy oh boy, did y’all have a lot to ask! We’re answering them all here to the best of our ability (remember, we’ve wallpapered 9 different spaces now in peel and stick wallpaper so we’ve had a LOT of experience!). Please leave your questions below in the comments if we didn’t cover yours, we’re happy to help!
Application Questions using Peel and Stick Wallpaper
The number one question we get asked is if wallpaper will cover textured walls. The short answer is YES! We have a large orange peel texture on our walls and the peel and stick wallpaper adheres nicely. If you’re worried about your own texture being too thick, some companies offer samples so you can try before you buy. As far as my house, you can see the texture through the wallpaper in some spots if the light is shining below (like a lamp is turned on) but it looks great, regardless. Hope that helps! As far as the guide below is concerned, my walls look like the gray texture but I put ‘maybe’ because your version of “looking good” and my version may differ.
Do your walls have to be smooth to apply peel and stick wallpaper?
No. See the texture guide above.
Does peel and stick wallpaper cover textured walls?
Yes! We have lightly textured walls and love peel and stick wallpaper! It’s been great for us, here’s an up close picture of our personal texture:
Will peel and stick wallpaper cover orange peel wall texture?
It’s not recommended for textured surfaces or walls with low sheen paints like flat or matte or if the wall texture is too rough and there isn’t sufficient surface area sticking to the wallpaper.
Can you apply peel and stick wallpaper directly to drywall?
No, it will damage the drywall upon removal. At least prime the wall in an eggshell, satin or semi-gloss finish. Wait 3 weeks after painting to install.
Can you use peel and stick wallpaper as a back splash?
Yes! It cleans with soap and water and doesn’t stain as its vinyl. We loved Kristi’s kitchen subway tile peel and stick wallpaper!
Can you use peel and stick wallpaper over existing wallpaper?
Yes, as long as it’s a smooth texture wallpaper. Be sure to clean it first.
How do you cut peel and stick wallpaper so it’s straight?
Use a level to mark the backing then cut with scissors.
Does applying peel and stick wallpaper require more than 1 person?
YES! You can attempt to do it on your own for small spaces but if you’re up on a ladder or chair over 5′, I would definitely have a friend line the bottom up for you as you go while you work on the top.
What is the application process for peel and stick wallpaper?
Scroll up for the step by step!
How do you line up the seams using peel and stick wallpaper?
We prefer to overlap the seam by 1/4″, personally. It’s easier than trying to line it up perfectly and allows for a little forgiveness if it’s not perfect. If any shrinkage did occur, you’d never know as it’s overlapped. Scroll up for tips and pictures above for more information.
Can I use peel and stick wallpaper on a rental?
Yes, it’s removable and reusable, perfect for rental properties.
When applying peel and stick wallpaper, where do you start the process?
We
What kind of wall prep do I need to do before I apply peel and stick wallpaper?
Be sure to dust your wall before install, otherwise the paper will stick to the dust instead of your wall. Also, be sure your paint is at least 3 weeks old, otherwise the paint will shrink as it dries creating seams to separate on your wallpaper. Trust me, this happened in my girls bathroom makeover, so frustrating.
Long term use questions using peel and stick wallpaper
How hard is it to remove peel and stick wallpaper?
Removing the wallpaper requires zero skills, you simply grab a corner and pull back slowly. So easy!
Does peel and stick wallpaper damage your walls when it’s removed?
No, as long as your walls are smooth and/or a higher sheen like eggshell, satin or semi-gloss finish. Be aware that if you wallpaper over walls with low sheen paints like flat or matte, you may have to repaint or re-texture your walls when you remove it.
Does peel and stick wallpaper leave behind any residue when it’s removed?
No, it’s a removable and reusable vinyl.
How do you clean peel and stick wallpaper?
Wash with mild soap and water, it’s vinyl so it can handle the job.
Will peel and stick wallpaper hold up against moisture?
Yes! You can even apply wallpaper to the toilet…KIDDING! We pranked our Instagram readers for April Fools Day 😀
How does peel and stick wallpaper hold up in a bathroom?
Great! Just make sure that the walls have been cleaned and are completely dry before installing it. We love it in our girls bathroom!
How long does peel and stick wallpaper last?
Until your style changes 😉 It won’t peel up on its own.
Does peel and stick wallpaper peel up after time?
Not typically. If it does, it could be because your walls were dusty to begin with or your paint was too new. We did have an IG community member tell us she used wallpaper paste on her seams when her seams peeled back and it solved her problem.
Does peel and stick wallpaper shrink?
Only if it’s applied to freshly painted walls. Let your walls dry for at least 3 weeks to acclimate to the room.
Will applying peel and stick wallpaper on an interior wall of a cold climate affect the ability to stick?
It shouldn’t, although the recommended wall temperature should be no less than +40 degrees.
leave any further questions below. we love wallpaper!
Please PIN so your friend’s can create an affordable accent wall, too! xo
Is temperature or humidity a big deal when applying removable wallpaper?
Hi Marla! We do run the fan when we have the shower on but haven’t had any peeling with it. It still looks like it did the day we applied it 🙂
Such a great post/tutorial. Thanks so much for sharing this.
So glad you like it! 🙂
I want to try the shiplap wallpaper in my girls’ room. We are renting a house and there is this gross 1970s wood paneling on the main wall in their room that the owners won’t let us paint over! I made a gallery wall but it would look sooo much better with some fresh shiplap behind it!!
Yes!! Do it!