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When it comes to wallpaper, you might think, "It's just paper that goes on walls, right?" Wrong. The wallpaper aisle is a labyrinth of options, but it all boils down to three main categories: non-pasted, prepasted, and peel-and-stick. Each type has its quirks, advantages, and applications. Let’s break it down so you can pick the perfect wallpaper for your space—without wanting to wallpaper yourself into a corner.
Non-Pasted Wallpaper: The Traditionalist’s Choice
Non-pasted wallpaper is the OG of wall coverings. It’s just wallpaper, plain and simple—no adhesive included. This means you’ll need to apply wallpaper paste to the back before installation.
Benefits:
Custom Adhesion: You control the type and amount of paste, which is great for tricky surfaces or special applications.
Durability: Non-pasted wallpaper tends to have a thicker, high-quality material that can last for years.
Design Options: Available in a wide variety of textures, patterns, and finishes.
How-To:
Measure and cut your wallpaper, leaving a few extra inches on all sides.
Mix and apply wallpaper paste evenly to the back of the paper.
"Book" the wallpaper by folding it adhesive-side in and letting it sit for a few minutes.
Align the wallpaper with your wall, smooth out air bubbles with a smoothing tool, and trim the edges.
Pro Tip: Practice makes perfect. Test a small strip to get the hang of it before committing to an entire wall.
Prepasted Wallpaper: The Middle Ground
Prepasted wallpaper comes with adhesive already applied to the back. All you need to do is activate it with water. Think of it as the instant ramen of wallpapers: quick, easy, and satisfying (with the right technique).
Benefits:
Ease of Use: No messy paste buckets or brushes required.
Time-Saving: Faster application compared to non-pasted wallpaper.
Great for Beginners: It’s more forgiving if you need to reposition the paper.
How-To:
Cut the wallpaper to size, as you would with non-pasted wallpaper.
Submerge the paper in a water tray or lightly wet the back with a sponge to activate the adhesive.
Book the wallpaper for a few minutes to let the adhesive soak evenly.
Apply it to the wall, smooth out bubbles, and trim the edges.
Pro Tip: Use warm water for activation—it speeds up the process and ensures even adhesion.
Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper: The Millennial Favorite
Peel-and-stick wallpaper is the wunderkind of the wallpaper world. With a self-adhesive backing, it’s as easy to use as a giant sticker. Perfect for renters or commitment-phobes.
Benefits:
Easy Application: No paste, no water—just peel and stick.
Removable: Ideal for temporary spaces or when you’re indecisive about decor.
Reusable: Some brands allow you to reposition or reuse the wallpaper without losing stickiness.
How-To:
Clean your wall to ensure it’s free of dust and grease.
Peel a small section of the backing off and align the wallpaper to your starting point.
Gradually peel off the backing while smoothing the wallpaper onto the wall with a squeegee.
Trim any excess with a sharp utility knife.
Pro Tip: Peel-and-stick wallpaper works best on smooth, clean walls. Avoid textured surfaces for optimal results.
Which One Should You Choose?
Here’s a quick decision-making guide:
Non-Pasted Wallpaper: If you’re a DIY enthusiast with time and patience, or you need something long-lasting for a high-traffic area.
Prepasted Wallpaper: If you want a balance between ease of use and durability.
Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper: If you’re renting, redecorating frequently, or just want a low-commitment option.
Final Thoughts
Wallpaper has come a long way from its fussy, glue-dripping days. Whether you’re diving into a vintage-inspired accent wall with non-pasted wallpaper, sprucing up a nursery with prepasted designs, or decking out your home office with trendy peel-and-stick patterns, there’s a wallpaper for every project and skill level. So, grab your tools (or just your hands for peel-and-stick), and let your walls do the talking!
Local to the Charlotte NC area?
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