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Peel and Stick Wallpaper; Does it Damage Paint When Removed?

When I mention peel and stick wallpaper or removable wallpaper on social media the first thing I get asked is if it damages the wall when it’s removed. There are so many different types and brands of this semi permanent wallpaper that’s it hard to say if they will all react the same. That being said, I’m going to share my experience with removing the wallpaper I installed in my daughters bedroom over two years ago. Unlike regular wallpaper removal, you don’t need any tools for this!

Over the past few years (basically since we’ve lived in our rustic beach cottage) I’ve added removable wallpaper to our coastal style mudroom, my daughters room (below), and I tried to add it in our kitchen but then I later decided to apply regular wallpaper. I also shared a few helpful tips on regular wallpaper vs. peel and stick and how to install each.

I’m no stranger to applying regular wallpaper and peel and stick wallpaper.

I’ve also had experience with removing both.

A little tip; if you’re having any thoughts about adding wallpaper that might be semi permanent, go with the peel and stick or removable wallpaper.

Remember a few years ago when I gave my daughters room a vintage chic makeover?

vintage chic bedroom makeover one room challenge

Don’t get me wrong, I love her room the way it is. The problem is storage. We don’t have a playroom and even with maximizing storage solutions we still need a little more space. That’s when I decided to bite the bullet and buy a bunk bed.

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You are probably still wondering why I need to makeover this room yet again?

I designed this room around the wallpaper wall with two twin beds. I knew it wouldn’t look right with a bunk bed on one side of the room. And to be honest, it gives me an excuse for another room makeover :).

I won’t go into all the room makeover details because this post is about removing peel and stick wallpaper.

Does peel and stick or removable wallpaper damage the walls when removed?

Peel and stick wallpaper is known for being semi permanent and removable. That being said, it doesn’t always mean that there will be NO damage. Most of the time it might damage the paint but it should only rarely damage the drywall.

I’ve removed three different types of peel and stick wallpapers. THIS WALLPAPER from amazon came off with absolutely NO wall damage and I’ve removed it from two different locations.

What happened when I removed the wallpaper from my daughters room?

paint peeled after removing wallpaper
paint peeled after removing wallpaper

Honestly this looks worse than it is. There is no drywall damage, just paint that’s been pulled up.

Also, I was in a hurry when I pulled it up, so I’m wondering if I could have spared some paint if I was a little more patient. You can also see in the video where my little helper was eager to drag some of the wallpaper.

Note for next time; take a little more time to carefully remove the panels.

Does peel and stick wallpaper leave a sticky residue when removed?

Removable wallpaper shouldn’t leave a sticky residue after it’s been pulled off the wall.

As a matter of fact, I’ve never experienced any sticky residue left on the wall. Like I said before, different products might react differently.

wall damage after removing peel and stick wallpaper

This is the entire wall after the wallpaper was removed. All in all, I’m pleased with the lack of damage. I know I’m going to have to touch up paint, but that’s no big deal!

If you are interested in a handful of other tips and tricks on painting make sure to check out this post. I’ve learned a few things over the years ;).

peel and stick wallpaper; does it damage walls when removed.

Stay tuned for what this room will look like! I’ve got a fun paint block look coming at ya!

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