Peel-And-Stick Wallpaper Doesn't Last As Long As You'd Think

Stick-and-peel wallpaper is a relatively easy way to add a low-maintenance pop of color to the rooms in your home that also doesn't require a lot of commitment. That's thanks to the fact that it's simple to remove if and when you want it to come down. Unfortunately, it may not last as long as you think and certainly not as long as you might hope. Although standard wallpaper can be permanent unless removed or covered up, you will likely have to get rid of your peel-and-stick wallpaper a lot sooner. 

The material, which is often a paper-like material or vinyl, tends to last for around three years. That means it can be vulnerable to ripping and fading. or the adhesive may start to give way, which will result in the wallpaper starting to slip or even fall off the wall. While this might have you second-guessing your plan to put up peel-and-stick wallpaper, you can still make this option work for you and your home if you keep a few things in mind. That includes some unusual places to use it and how to avoid the things that will make the wallpaper come off sooner rather than later.

Peel-and-stick wallpaper is obviously meant to go on walls as the name clearly implies. However, some savvy people are aware of the fact that it can also be used in various other ways. That includes putting it on cabinets and cupboards as well as doors and even floors. If you're intrigued by the idea of laying this D.I.Y. delight on your floor, then you should know that a thin, low-quality product may end up breaking down and coming off after just a year or so. Divots and cracks can also appear where grout lines exist if the floor is tiled. Beyond that, the color and design can wear off because of feet walking over it and water damage.

On the other hand, if you use a thicker peel-and-stick wallpaper, account for the potential grout grooves, and add a sealant to protect the surface, you should be able to enjoy your charming floors for much longer. Acrylic sealant, for example, is waterproof and can last for up to 10 years.

One of the key ways that you can make your peel-and-stick wallpaper last for as long as possible is to make sure that you put it up properly in the first place. That includes both prepping the surface and applying the paper just right. It's best to avoid working on any walls that have just been painted. Certain paint can let off chemicals that cause the wallpaper's adhesive to break down. It can also lead to bubbles forming under the paper. Surfaces that are either dirty or damaged can also affect how well and, in turn, how long peel-and-stick wallpaper will stay up.

Finally, the temperature in your home can reduce the product's potential lifespan. Going from hot to cold or the other way around can weaken the wallpaper so it's best to keep things at a steady and comfortable temp. It's also not ideal to use the paper right over a heater or vent that will blast air that's either chilly or toasty. Instead, use it where it will both look and work best as well as where it will stay up for as long as you want it to.