It’s always interesting to me to see which blog posts, over time, become really popular. Most often, it tends to be posts I never expect to “go viral” (like this one and this one). Yet every now and then, a favorite projects or something that I think is particularly clever will actually, finally take off. When I first posted my “renter-friendly wallpaper technique” a few years ago, I thought it was a pretty awesome project that would “take the Internet by storm!” Ha! Spoiler: that didn’t happen! And I’ll admit I was more than a bit disappointed at the lack of traction the post initially received. But in the years since, it’s actually become one of my most popular posts thanks to tons of fellow renters Googling “removable wallpaper.” Consequently, it’s now the project I get questions about on a daily basis. So many of the questions are variations on a theme, so I thought it would be useful to compile all the answers here as a follow-on post to the original tutorial!
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If you missed the original wallpaper project I’m going to chat about today, you can read it here. In summary, I used the old liquid starch trick (that folks used to use to adhere fabric to their walls) to apply non-pasted wallpaper to our rental walls. It worked brilliantly and became one of my favorite ways to change up our walls without paint. You can also read my follow-on post about how the wallpaper came down, as well as how to put wallpaper up on textured walls using the same technique.
Below are the questions I receive the most, but if there’s anything else you’re wondering about, don’t hesitate to leave a question and I’ll answer it in the comments. Okay – here we go!
By far, the most common question I receive:
How has the wallpaper+liquid starch technique held up over time?
When I first experimented with the wallpaper+liquid starch method and showed how easily it came down, the paper had only been on the walls for about 9 months. Although I couldn’t fathom it peeling or falling off the walls because of how well-adhered it was, I couldn’t really speak to the long-term viability of this application method.
Non-pasted wallpaper in my Kansas Office
However, as some of you know, I used the same method in our current home, using liquid starch to hang wallpaper (on textured walls) in our son’s nursery. The paper in that room has been up for over 2 years, and I can now say, without hesitation, that this method can successfully be used for long-term applications. Even with fluctuations in temperatures, the paper on most walls is still in perfect condition without any peeling, drooping, etc. It’s literally as good as the day I hung it.
Non-pasted wallpaper in my son’s nursery
Now…I say on most walls only because I’m honest to a fault. Sam loves to stand at his bedroom window and watch the cars and trash trucks go by. The wallpaper along his windowsill is not protected by any trim and is essentially a loose edge right at his play level. Over the years, the paper along the window sill has pulled away from the wall, but only because he plays with it. I could easily pull out my jug of liquid starch and re-adhere it, but I’m too lazy.
Non-pasted wallpaper in my son’s nursery
So…will your wallpaper eventually fall down or peel up if you use liquid starch? No. It won’t budge. However, if you have a toddler that plays with a loose edge everyday, yes, it will start to peel up!
Can I try the liquid starch method over existing wallpaper?
I’m pretty shocked how often I get this question…there must be some pretty bad wallpapers in rentals out there that people are desperate to cover up!
I have not personally tried to hang wallpaper over existing wallpaper at all, much less with the liquid starch method. That said, I don’t recommend it, but let me clarify why. I do think wallpaper applied with liquid starch would adhere to another layer of (non-textured) wallpaper. My concern is that the liquid starch might leave a cloudy discoloration of the existing wallpaper and/or leave wet marks on the wallpaper (sort of like it did on the fabric here). If you don’t mind that the underlying wallpaper might get damaged, then go for it. But if you’re trying to use the liquid starch method as a safe, removable, renter-friendly solution, I would not risk discoloring or damaging the existing wallpaper. In this case, I would use peel-and-stick wallpaper since it will come off cleanly and not damage the existing wallpaper at all!
Peel-and-stick wallpaper around our Kansas fireplace
Can the wallpaper be used again?
In my experience, yes. If you use liquid starch to hang non-pasted wallpaper, then take it down and try to hang it in a new space, it should work. This is one of the biggest advantages of this method over peel-and-stick paper, which most often is one-time use. That said, keep in mind that ceiling heights and wall widths are different from home to home. So your lengths of paper or the amount you have may not translate to your next space perfectly.
Can I use spray starch to hang non-pasted wallpaper?
It’s come to my attention that the big jugs of liquid starch are not available in other countries; and as such, some readers have asked if spray starch will work? Although I have not experimented myself, I don’t think so. I don’t think the spray cans of starch will get the paper wet enough to secure it to the wall. If anyone has tried it, please share your results with us in the comments!
Can the liquid starch technique be used in moist spaces such as bathrooms or kitchens?
Peel-and-stick wallpaper in our California bathroom.
I honestly don’t see why not. Although I haven’t personally tried to hang wallpaper with liquid starch in a bathroom, I have been so impressed with the durability of this method that I certainly wouldn’t hesitate to do so. As always though, I do recommend doing a test with a small swatch of paper (before you paper the entire room) to make sure the heat and moisture don’t adversely effect it.
Peel-and-stick wallpaper in our California kitchen.
If you’re still worried, peel-and-stick wallpaper is another great option here. I have used peel-and-stick wallpaper in both a bathroom and a kitchen and have had zero issues with it peeling up.
How do I find/where do I buy non-pasted wallpaper?
You can find non-pasted wallpaper almost anywhere wallpaper is sold, you just need to read the specifications to find out if it’s pre-pasted (avoid) or non-pasted (this is what you want!). Some of my favorite sources are Walls Republic, Graham and Brown, Joss & Main, One Kings Lane, and The Home Depot.
Where do I buy peel-and-stick wallpaper?
These days, it seems like there are hundreds of companies selling peel-and-stick wallpaper. Although I’ve tried a few, by far, my favorite product is the Devine peel-and-stick wallpaper from Target. If/when you can buy it on sale (ALWAYS check end caps!), it’s the best product for the price!
What is the advantage of using the liquid starch method versus peel-and-stick wallpaper?
Regular readers will know that I have an affinity toward all wallpaper, traditional and peel-and-stick alike. Yet I do have personal preferences of when/where I use which.
The two main benefits of using non-pasted wallpaper+liquid starch over peel-and-stick paper is 1) cost – you can often paper much more space for a lot less money using non-pasted wallpaper; and 2) the ability to re-use it – peel-and-stick paper, in theory, is reusable but I’ve never successfully removed it in a way that makes it usable again. The non-pasted traditional wallpaper will peel off in perfect sheets that can be used again and again. I prefer to use non-pasted papers when I want to do a lot of space such as a full room or a large accent wall.
Non-pasted wallpaper in my Kansas office.
The advantage of peel-and-stick papers is that you don’t need any special supplies to hang it (other than a scissors and a level), and it’s fairly easy to hang. However, I find it much more expensive, especially for a one-time use product, and tend to reserve it for closets, accent walls, or small spaces. You can see my best tips for cutting the cost of peel-and-stick wallpaper here.
Peel-and-stick wallpaper in my son’s bedroom.
What do you think of the painter’s tape+double-sided tape method?
Okay…so I guess there is a “well-known” wallpaper application technique out there on the Internet that involves putting painter’s tape on your wall and then using double-stick tape to secure wallpaper to the painter’s tape. I’ve never really read the full tutorial nor have I tried it because frankly…it sounds like a heck of a lot of work with questionable payoff. But I keep getting asked about it, so I’ll share my two cents.
Keep in mind that painter’s tape can be pricey, and if you need to use a lot on your walls to get the paper to fully stick, you may not save any money in the long run. And you certainly won’t save any time or hassle. Additionally, because you are only securing paper to the wall at intervals (where the tape is), the paper might “billow” away from the walls, making it look more like a poster than wallpaper.
While I do think the painters tape+double stick tape might be a good way to hang thinner papers, such as wrapping paper, if you have good, thick wallpaper, I suggest you use the liquid starch method. It will give you the visual results of “real” wallpaper yet still be fully removable.
Phew! For those of you who are a wallpaper lover like me, I hope these answers and insights give you the confidence to give some of these products and techniques a try! If wallpaper isn’t your thing, we’ll be back to some organization projects and other home updates next week! Have a great weekend, friends!
Hi Megan, we moved to other country and we are renting an apartment for the first time in 6 years. We live in Paris nów, the apartment is great (high ceelings, french windows, decortive moulding etc), but I want to add colors to my dougther’s room. Do you think your metod will work with furnitures (back of the bookshelf, front of the dresser), because I cannot find nice and fun contact paper which is not pricey.
Hi Kinga!
Thanks for writing! In all honesty, I am not entirely sure. I did use the liquid starch method to apply wallpaper to the INSIDE of our unfinished dresser drawers. While it worked well, the paper has pulled away from the drawers because we open/close the drawers so much and are constantly pulling clothes in/out. I suggest testing a small square of paper on the bottom of the bookcase to see if it adheres. As far as a dresser front, unless you fold the raw edges to the inside of the drawer or add some sort of trim to hold the edges in place, I fear it might peel up over time.
Good luck!
Megan
Hi Megan. We want to give it a go with the liquid starch method and tested a bigger piece today. In general it seems to stick to the wall sufficiently but the sides keep lifting up from the wall… Any suggestions on how to make them stick properly? More starch? Add the starch to the wallpaper beforehand and let it soak for a while? Many thanks. Lisa
Hi Lisa,
The only time I had trouble with the sides was when I used the liquid starch method on textured walls. To help, I fully saturated BOTH the paper and the wall and really rolled it down with a brayer. Once the starch was dry, the sides looked just fine.
I’ve found that the liquid starch dries pretty fast so I’m not sure letting it “soak in” would do much. Rather, I’d try to keep things as wet as possible and then see how it looks after it’s fully dried up.
Hope that helps a bit!Megan
Check out our removable wallpaper! Remove without damage and reusable!
Hi Megan! We recently moved into a house with a HUGE hand-painted mural on one wall of the owner’s nursery. They asked if they could leave it as it has sentimental value, and we agreed. But I’d love to cover it up without risking damage to the paint. I’m wary of any residue from the liquid starch over a painted design. Do you think we can use that method without worrying about hurting the painting underneath? Thanks!
Hi Alisha,
Hmmmm….I don’t know. On one hand, I don’t think the liquid starch would cause any harm (I’ve even had success cleaning the walls with a wet sponge to remove any visible residue). That said, because it’s such a “sentimental” thing to the owners, it’s definitely taking a risk.
If you’re determined, I would try a small sample first. Before you buy a full roll(s) of paper, you can order free samples from most companies. Try applying it over a small, “unnoticeable” section, leave it up for a week or so, then peel it off. I doubt it would pull off the mural, but it all depends on your walls, the paint, etc.
You could also try (and test first!) peel-and-stick, as I’ve had good luck with it coming off cleanly, but that’s a pretty big expense.
Either way though, I’d proceed with caution! Bummer – they asked you to keep it!
Hope that helps a bit!
Megan
I’m loving this idea for my work office! I’m not able to repaint it and I’m not a huge fan of yellow. This idea solves my need for color change in a temporary fashion! I wonder what your thoughts are on using this method for cinder block walls? Three of my four are block rather than sheet rock. Any suggestions/ tips to make it work?
Hi Erin!
Hmmm…I would definitely say peel-and-stick wallpaper would work on the cinder block…no question…but I realize that’s a bigger expense than the liquid starch method. Honestly, your best bet is to do a test. If you don’t want to order a full roll of paper, many companies will send samples (for free!) that you could try to see if it sticks. I’m not sure why it wouldn’t, but I just can’t say for sure since I’ve never tried it!
Good luck and hope that helps a bit!
Megan
Hi Megan! I just ordered wallpaper that I thought was removable, but instead it is non-pre-pasted. I remembered the liquid starch with fabric trick and did a search to see if anyone had success using the starch with wallpaper, which is how I found your post. My question is what kind of wallpaper did you use? Was it more of a paper type wallpaper or did it have vinyl in it? This paper is more of the vinyl type paper. I’m wondering if that will work as well? TIA!
Hi Susan!
Thanks for writing! I’ve used the liquid starch with two different non-pasted wallpaper, and honestly, I’m not sure if either of them had vinyl in them. They felt like really thick paper to me. My best suggestion is to do a test of a 10″ square on your wall with the liquid starch. Leave it for a few days and see if it comes off the way you want it to!
Sorry I can’t be of more specific help but good luck!
Megan
Hello and happy 2020!
I want to do an accent wall for my bookshelves and have been looking to try the liquid starch method but I have a problem. I found a wallpaper that I really like and can actually afford, but I don’t know if I can use it with the liquid starch! Can you help me?
This is the link (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Brewster-56-4-sq-ft-Bergman-Pink-Scandi-Flower-Wallpaper-UW24772/305708737), I read that it has to be Non-Paste so I filtered by that, I would like to make sure I’m not making a mistake! the description mentions “Paste the Wall coated non-woven material”.
Thank you so much for your help and I love your content,
Francisca
Hello and happy new year,
I want to make an accent wall for my bookshelves and I want to try the Liquid starch but I have a problem. I found a wallpaper that I like and can actually afford, but I don’t know if I can use it for the Liquid starch method! The description mentions “Paste the Wall coated non-woven material” and I don’t know the lingo so any help is much appreciated!
The link to the wallpaper is: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Brewster-56-4-sq-ft-Bergman-Pink-Scandi-Flower-Wallpaper-UW24772/305708737
Thank you for your help!
~Francisca
Hi Francisca!
Thanks for writing! Yes, you should be good with paste-the-wall papers. That means that there is no paste on the paper itself and you would need to “paste the wall” to apply it. Also, if you look closely at the paper description, it says non-pasted (image attached).
That said, I ALWAYS tell readers to test a small swatch before doing a full installation to make sure there are no removal issues!
Hope that helps and good luck with your project!Megan
Hi Megan,
I was so happy to find your website. I am currently working on applying peel and stick wallpaper in a RV remodel. I live in New England so the temperatures are still flutuating between 32 degrees to probably 50 degrees. I’ve started (perhaps too soon as far as weather is concerned) with two affordable rolls. There is some heavy bubbling happening after every evening. I run a portable heater during application but not throughout the evening. . Do you think this is a temperature problem or a quality problem? If you think this is a quality issue, do you think the liquid starch would aid in the adherence and is it water soluable? I’m interested more in adherence and easy removeabilityand clean-up in case I want to update further down the road. I would really appreciate your insight. Thank you, Michelle
Hi Michelle,
Hmmmm…I have never had issues with my peel-and-stick wallpaper bubbling on and off. Sure, I’ve gotten bubbles during application (and then work to smooth them out) but I’ve never had bubbles pop up after a smooth installation. So yes…it might either be the weather or cheap paper (what brand are you using?)
I can’t say for sure, but I do NOT think liquid starch would help already-stick paper stick better. I usually use the liquid starch on plain, non-pasted wallpaper. If the paper is already a mess, you can certainly give it a go, but I’m not sure how well it would work.
In the future, I would always do a small test of paper (and leave it up for a period of time) so you can see and troubleshoot any issues before you do a full installation!
Sorry I can’t be more helpful on this one but good luck with your project!Megan
Hi Megan! Thank you for this great post. My question is similar to the one about the mural (i.e. concerned about paint underneath), but specifically, we are moving into a place where the walls are painted a flat dark green, so I’m hoping to use this technique to create some lighter accent walls. My question is, have you used liquid starch on dark walls? Does the color of the wall affect how visible the starch residue is after you peel the paper off? Thank you!
Hi Maria!
My apologies for taking a week to get back to you!
I personally have not used the liquid starch method on dark walls, so I can’t say for sure if it will be noticeable. That said, liquid starch is just soap, so you theoretically should be able to use a wet sponge on the walls after removal to remove any visible residue.
Since I can’t say for sure, I highly recommend doing a test (a 1 foot square) to see how it looks/removes before you do a full installation!
Good luck with your project!Megan
Greetings! I was wondering if you have found that you were able to use command strips on your starch applied wallpaper? If so, did you have any issues when removing the command strips? Thank you so much for all of your advice!
Hi Lydia!
So sorry for the delay in getting back to you!
You know, I have never tried using Command Strips on any wallpaper. In general, if the frame or hook is fairly lightweight, I think it would be fine. Or if you use several on heavier frames to displace the weight. I would be wary of hanging something heavy or that hangs/pulls away from the wall (like on a frame wire for example).
Sorry I don’t have more info for you!Thanks,Megan
I used peel and stick in our old/new camper which still had the original ugly fabric and walls In it when we purchased it 3 weeks ago. We are winter camping and the wallpaper is bubbling due to weather changes. Is there a way to avoid this? I really love my paper and I don’t want to waste the $$$ I spent on it. Can I clear coat it?? Thanks for any help you can lend. I have used the liquid starch with fabric on walls as well as with wallpaper, it works great.