Which Wallpaper Is Easier To Apply: Self Adhesive Vs. Traditional

Although both of our wallpaper materials - self adhesive and traditional are DIY friendly, you might think, which one would be easier to apply? The installation procedures are different and the tools required for a perfect result do slightly vary as well, however, achieving a beautiful final look can be done with both. To see which wallpaper material might be easier to apply, in this blog post we will be going through the details of both - self adhesive and traditional wallpaper installation procedures.

When we think about both wallpaper materials and the installation, we might immediately think that applying self-adhesive wallpaper can be easier. And there is truth to that, as our self-adhesive wallpaper does work as a giant sticker and requires only to remove the backing paper and gently apply the wallpaper in position. The process might seem easier as it does not require that many tools and gluing or pasting the wall for wallpaper installation and as seen in the front room accent wall project done by Kerry above with our Neutral Color London Metro Lines Removable Wallpaper, the result is stunning. However, installing our self-adhesive wallpaper, requires the same wall preparations to be made prior the installation as with the traditional wallpaper. To learn more about preparing a wall for wallpaper installation visit our How To Prepare Walls For Wallpaper blog post. 

For Self-adhesive wallpaper installation you'll need a sharp craft knife, mild cleaner, cloth or sponge, measuring tape, straight edge tool, smoothing tool with round edges and a soft, flexible press on part. The difference between self-adhesive and traditional wallpaper is that to install our self-adhesive wallpaper you only need to remove a section of backing paper (approx. 10 inches) on top of the panel and start applying the wallpaper from top of the wall where your marked level spot is. It is, however, important to remove the backing paper as you go and not all at once to not risk the wallpaper sticking to itself. Our self-adhesive wallpaper can be a perfect choice when a smaller surface needs to be covered, as it can be quicker and less messy without applying glue or paste to the wall.

When applying our self-adhesive wallpaper, being precise and focused is a must for a perfect result and getting a helpful hand to apply the wallpaper in the right position can be ideal. As self-adhesive wallpaper sticks immediately to the surface, in need of re-placing it, it requires pulling the wallpaper off and reapplying it, therefore taking time, being gentle to the wallpaper without pulling it too much is recommended for a picture perfect wall as seen in the photo above by Kerry. For a more detailed step by step guide of installing our self-adhesive wallpaper, visit our How To Install Removable Wallpaper - Wallpaper 101 blog post.

 

• Less tools needed and the process is not as messy as there is no need to apply glue or paste - just peel and stick;
• Faster application if done precisely, as in need of re-placing the panel, you will need to remove it completely as it stick to the wall immediately when applied;
• Perfect choice for covering smaller areas.
  
  

Our traditional wallpaper installation might take some more time and preparations, as it is applied using glue or paste for non woven wallpaper. Even though the procedures take longer, it is a more loved material by professionals as it can give a more high end look and because it is easier to adjust, thanks to the longer drying time of the wallpaper glue. It is also chosen more frequently by first time wallpaper installers as even though it requires more work, the process allows to slide the panel in the right position, therefor, being easier to adjust for a perfect pattern match without having to pull the panel off and reapplying it to get it in the perfect position. In the photo above we can see a beautifully done nursery interior design by Ximena with our Light Grey Botanical Foliage Removable Wallpaper.

Our traditional wallpaper can be a great choice if looking to apply multiple walls or ceilings, as it will be easier to slide the panels next to each other for a perfect pattern repeat as seen in the installation process above by Ximena. If looking for a more detailed guide to traditional wallpaper installation, visit our How To Install Traditional Non Woven Wallpaper | Wallpaper 101 blog post.

 

• Applied using glue or paste for non-woven wallpaper, therefore, a little more tools needed;
• For our traditional wallpaper application, the glue/paste is applied directly to the wall, therefore, making it less messy and no need for booking the wallpaper to soak;
• Although the process can take longer and ask for more work, it allows to slide the wallpaper panel in the position easily and match the pattern with each added panel smoothly;
• It is a loved choice by professionals and first time DIY wallpaper installers.

When we look at the preparations that need to be done and the wallpaper applying procedures itself, then both wallpapers can be a better choice in some situations if looking for an easier installation option. However, when done with precision and caution, both wallpaper materials will ensure a perfect result despite the time needed for the applications. If you would like to learn more not only about the installation of the wallpaper materials but about the material differences, please visit our Self-Adhesive Vs. Traditional: What's The Difference? blog post.