Taking down removable wallpaper cleanly, without damaging your walls
One of the best things about peel-and-stick wallpaper is exactly this: it comes off as easily as it goes on. Unlike traditional pasted wallpaper, which needs scoring, soaking and scraping, removable wallpaper simply peels away — which is why it is such a favourite for renters and for anyone who likes to change their look. This guide walks you through removing it cleanly, plus a few tips for a mark-free finish.
Why peel and stick is easy to remove
Peel-and-stick wallpaper, like our Removable Wallpaper and Removable Vinyl, uses a self-adhesive backing rather than paste. That adhesive is designed to hold firmly while it is up but release cleanly when you peel it away, so in most cases it comes off in one piece without soaking, scraping or specialist tools. On a sound, well-painted wall it should leave little or no residue behind.
How to remove it, step by step
Start at a corner. Use a fingernail, or gently slide a plastic card or scraper under one corner, to lift the edge of the panel.
Peel slowly and at a low angle. Once you have a corner free, pull the paper back on itself slowly, keeping your hand close to the wall so you are peeling at a shallow angle rather than pulling straight out. A slow, steady peel is far kinder to the wall than a quick tug.
Work down the panel. Continue peeling steadily down the full length, supporting the paper as you go so it does not tear.
Warm any stubborn spots. If a section is holding on more firmly, warm it gently with a hairdryer on a low setting held a little away from the wall. The warmth softens the adhesive and helps it release cleanly.
Remove any residue. If any adhesive is left behind, wipe it away with a damp cloth and a little warm, soapy water. For any sticky patches, a gentle rub usually lifts them without the need for harsh chemicals.
Tips for a mark-free finish
A few simple things help keep your walls perfect. Peel slowly rather than yanking, as speed is what tends to lift paint. Warm any stubborn areas rather than forcing them. And bear in mind the condition of the wall underneath: on a well-painted, sound surface, peel-and-stick removes beautifully, but on fresh, uncured paint, flaking paint or a poorly bonded surface, any adhesive can lift the weak layer with it — so it is worth letting new paint cure fully before applying, and making sure the wall is in good condition first.