Wallpaper: What is the difference between 'Peel and Stick' vs 'Paste the Wall'?

In wallpaper terminology, there's a few terms you might have come across. Below is a quick guide to helping you understand them.

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What is 'Paste the Wall' Wallpaper?

You, or your wallpaper installer, apply adhesive to the wall and press the dry wallpaper against it. Dry wallpaper weighs less, which means there's less chance of it tearing.

If you are using traditional wallpaper, I recommend hiring a professional wallpaper installer - it's quite an art form to get it right. The adhesive (paste) is important - commercially available, high quality adhesive makes a huge difference. Using a professional installer will get you the most professional outcome and it's worth every penny.

What is 'Paste the Paper' Wallpaper?

With 'Paste the Paper' method, the adhesive paste is applied to the back of the wallpaper before hanging. It requires a big flat table to apply the paste to the wallpaper with a roller.

Many wallpaper hangers I've spoken to in Australia will use this technique instead of paste-the-wall, and when I asked them why... they claim to get an even coating and better adhesion to the wall.

What is 'Peel and Stick' Wallpaper?

This is the perfect solution for the DIY'ers among us!

'Peel and stick' wallpaper is essentially a giant sticker. Unlike traditional wallpaper, there’s no need for glue (or paste) to install it. It has a backing sheet that you can peel off slowly, as you press the wallpaper to the wall, smoothing and peeling as you go.

This wallpaper is perfect for easy installation and will transform your room in an instant. I recommend getting a second pair of hands to help. While it can be installed solo, it will be easier and faster with two people. You can imagine it gets tricky if the adhesive side attaches to itself or another object while you're trying to hang it.

I've tested 'peel and stick' wallpapers from different companies - they varied greatly in quality and finish. Some are paper, some fabric and some vinyl. I've discovered that each company selling it is different and it is worth ordering a sample and testing it on your wall to make sure you are happy with the quality and ease of removing and repositioning.

The beauty of 'peel and stick' wallpaper is its ability to be removed and repositioned, so if you don't get the alignment right on the first go, don't panic! Just try again until you get it right. It takes the pressure off a DIYer, and is helpful for people renting who want to be able to remove it at a later stage.

The downside? Peel and stick wallpapers don't adhere to everything. In fact, they don't apply well to walls with some paints (especially 'Wash and Wear' paints that are popular here in Australia), because these paints can have surfactants in them that will prevent the wallpaper sticking to the paint. Steer clear of using peel and stick wallpapers over any painted walls that may have teflon in them.

If you're not sure what paint type is currently on your wall, prepare your wall with gloss or semi-gloss acrylic paint. You'll need to allow your paint to dry for a minimum of 10 days before applying the peel and stick wallpaper.

Good luck with installing your next wallpaper!

If you can't find a design you absolutely LOVE, consider hiring me to create a bespoke patterned wallpaper or wallpaper mural just for you!

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